The Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed

The origins of the Australian silky terrier dog breed are clearly Australian. It originated from crosses with the Yorkshire terrier and the Australian terrier and according to some, the first Silky were Australian terriers born by chance with silky coats. For others, however, there was a genuine attempt to create a new breed. Its ancestors include the skye, norwich, cairn and manchester.

While most dogs in Australia were selected to be working animals, the silky terrier was selected as a companion dog.

Initially this breed was known as Sydney silky because it was bred mainly in the city of Sydney, but during and after World War II, American servicemen who had been stationed in Australia brought silky terriers to the United States and this gave rise to a very important American breeding. Unfortunately, apart from America and Australia, this dog is little known in the rest of the world.

Until 1929 the Australian terrier, the Australian silky terrier and the Yorkshire terrier were not clearly distinguished; it was not until 1958 that the breed was officially recognised as a silky terrier. The main characteristic that distinguishes it from the other two breeds is the coat, which is very long and silky.

Character of the Australian Silky Terrier dog breed

The Australian Silky Terrier is a very intelligent, brave, alert and very playful dog. It loves the company of its family, but is very attached and dependent on its owner. A typical flat and companion dog, it is, however, tireless and needs daily exercise. Due to its docile temperament it is suitable for children, and is in fact an excellent companion for adventures, both indoors and out.

In the flat, thanks also to its small size, it does not get into trouble; it has a very polite character, is very clean, does not shed hair and does not dirty in the house. It has the vivacity, friendliness and affection of the best terriers.

Despite its size, the silky terrier is also used as a guard dog, being a great barker. With strangers it is quite friendly, although it takes a while to gain confidence; friendly with dogs and also with cats, but being a great mouse hunter it gets along less well with guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.

Training a silky terrier is very easy, it is a very intelligent dog with a curious nature, very keen to learn. It needs, however, a firm and authoritative education, because like all terriers it is somewhat stubborn.

Appearance of the Australian silky terrier dog breed

The silky terrier is a small dog, measuring about 23 centimetres at the withers and weighing between 3.5 and 4.5 kilograms, the female a little less. It is a compact, short, medium-length dog with a strong, elegant build. The paws are short, fine-boned but strong, with the hind legs capable of jumping. The tail is short, high and carried straight. Unfortunately it is often amputated in countries where this is permitted. Silky's movement is very harmonious, free and confident.

The skull is flat and not full between the eyes, with a tuft of silky, fine hairs that do not fall on the forehead or eyes. The truffle is black, the eyes are small, round and not prominent, very dark in colour and with a lively and intelligent expression. The ears are small and V-shaped, with a thin pinna, stand high on the skull and straight, completely devoid of long hairs. The head is also covered with thick hair, soft and silky, which, however, leaves the eyes free.

The coat is what distinguishes the Silky from other small terriers; it is flat, fine, shiny and silky, and is very beautiful. The coat can reach a length of 13-15 centimetres in the area from behind the ears to the tail hairline, while both front and hind limbs are not covered with long hair.

The coat consists of a single long and silky layer. The coat colours range from fiery blue to fiery blue-grey. The blue tones become more evident around 17-18 months, sometimes there are also small reddish patches. The puppies are often black.

Health and care of the Australian silky terrier dog breed

The Australian Silky Terrier is a very robust dog that almost never falls ill, but as a companion dog it is preferable to keep it indoors. Not particularly serious disorders can be Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia, dislocation of the kneecap, but also diabetes, epilepsy and tracheal collapse. He has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Its coat must remain silky and must therefore be brushed regularly. In specimens living in the countryside even once a day. It is much easier than the Yorkshire to handle, just avoid the accumulation of excess dead hair and the tangles that may form due to its length. Hair loss is contained.

As far as feeding is concerned, there are no particular tricks to take; well-balanced meals and constant exercise are enough to avoid overweight problems.