Dog Breeds - Silky Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The warmth and closeness a breed may show towards family and acquaintances can vary widely; while certain breeds may reserve their loyalty solely for their owner, others exude a friendly demeanor treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest confidants.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a breed can graciously accept the antics of children and its compatibility with family life is noteworthy. Nevertheless, it's always advised that dogs are monitored when in the presence of younger children or those not familiar with canine interactions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
A breed's underlying comradery with other dogs is something to consider. Continuous supervision during interactions is crucial, yet there are breeds that seem to effortlessly harmonize with their canine peers in both private and public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur a breed is known to shed can dictate not only how often brushing is needed but also the potential for aggravating allergies and the necessity for more regular house cleaning routines, such as vacuuming and lint removal.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming demands of a breed, including bathing, brushing and trimming, can range considerably. It's vital to evaluate your own availability, patience and financial resources for ongoing coat care, while remembering that nail trimming is a universal need across all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can be a significant factor to consider. For those who prioritize cleanliness, a dog that can drape your arm with drool or leave large damp patches on your attire might not align with your lifestyle.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Silky
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
A breed's inclination to be friendly with unfamiliar faces should be weighed. Certain breeds could remain reserved or vigilant in the presence of strangers, while others might show immediate joy at the prospect of meeting someone new.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The zeal for playfulness in a breed can often extend beyond their puppy years. While some dogs maintain a spirited interest in games like tug-of-war or fetch as they mature, others will be more content to simply lounge beside you on the sofa for the majority of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The predisposition of a breed to signal the presence of unfamiliar individuals is variable. Such breeds are often quick to respond to perceived threats be it a delivery person or a squirrel in the yard. However, they are also prone to relax around strangers once they realize their family welcomes the newcomer.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change can range broadly. Certain dogs manage shifts in living situations, noise levels, climate, routines and other daily nuances with ease, while some may find such adjustments more challenging.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The trainability of a dog and its receptiveness to learning can vary significantly among breeds. There are those that seem eager to please their owner and grasp new concepts readily, while other breeds exhibit a more independent streak choosing to act on their own whims.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Exercise and mental engagement requirements are wide-ranging across dog breeds. High-energy breeds often seek continuous activity and thrive on physical challenges and mental tasks. Conversely, low-energy breeds might prefer a more sedentary lifestyle, content with leisurely moments and ample rest.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner of vocalization can differ greatly from one breed to another. Some are known to voice their observations on everything from passersby to birds outside, while others may reserve their barks for more specific scenarios. Even breeds known for not barking may still communicate through various sounds, such as whines, whimpers or yodels, unique to their breed characteristics.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation a breed requires to remain content and physically healthy can widely vary. Dogs bred for specific functions often need engagement that challenges their intellect and abilities. If they aren’t provided with suitable tasks and puzzles to solve, they may invent their own, which could result in undesirable behaviors or mischief around the house.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The warmth and closeness a breed may show towards family and acquaintances can vary widely; while certain breeds may reserve their loyalty solely for their owner, others exude a friendly demeanor treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest confidants.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a breed can graciously accept the antics of children and its compatibility with family life is noteworthy. Nevertheless, it's always advised that dogs are monitored when in the presence of younger children or those not familiar with canine interactions.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

A breed's underlying comradery with other dogs is something to consider. Continuous supervision during interactions is crucial, yet there are breeds that seem to effortlessly harmonize with their canine peers in both private and public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur a breed is known to shed can dictate not only how often brushing is needed but also the potential for aggravating allergies and the necessity for more regular house cleaning routines, such as vacuuming and lint removal.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming demands of a breed, including bathing, brushing and trimming, can range considerably. It's vital to evaluate your own availability, patience and financial resources for ongoing coat care, while remembering that nail trimming is a universal need across all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can be a significant factor to consider. For those who prioritize cleanliness, a dog that can drape your arm with drool or leave large damp patches on your attire might not align with your lifestyle.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Silky

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

A breed's inclination to be friendly with unfamiliar faces should be weighed. Certain breeds could remain reserved or vigilant in the presence of strangers, while others might show immediate joy at the prospect of meeting someone new.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The zeal for playfulness in a breed can often extend beyond their puppy years. While some dogs maintain a spirited interest in games like tug-of-war or fetch as they mature, others will be more content to simply lounge beside you on the sofa for the majority of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The predisposition of a breed to signal the presence of unfamiliar individuals is variable. Such breeds are often quick to respond to perceived threats be it a delivery person or a squirrel in the yard. However, they are also prone to relax around strangers once they realize their family welcomes the newcomer.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change can range broadly. Certain dogs manage shifts in living situations, noise levels, climate, routines and other daily nuances with ease, while some may find such adjustments more challenging.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The trainability of a dog and its receptiveness to learning can vary significantly among breeds. There are those that seem eager to please their owner and grasp new concepts readily, while other breeds exhibit a more independent streak choosing to act on their own whims.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Exercise and mental engagement requirements are wide-ranging across dog breeds. High-energy breeds often seek continuous activity and thrive on physical challenges and mental tasks. Conversely, low-energy breeds might prefer a more sedentary lifestyle, content with leisurely moments and ample rest.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation a breed requires to remain content and physically healthy can widely vary. Dogs bred for specific functions often need engagement that challenges their intellect and abilities. If they aren’t provided with suitable tasks and puzzles to solve, they may invent their own, which could result in undesirable behaviors or mischief around the house.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Blue Silver & Tan	055
Gray & Tan	103
Silver & Tan	181
Silver Black & Tan	184
Blue & Tan	044
Black & Tan	018

PATTERNS

About The Breed

An endearing representative of the American Kennel Club's Toy Group, the delightful Silky Terrier captivates with its sleek coat and lively disposition, exemplifying the quintessential terrier vigor. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, the Silky boasts a somewhat sturdier frame than its kin, the Yorkshire Terrier.

These enchanting little canines embody a harmonious balance: they're sturdy without being delicate spirited without being overly vocal and attractive without excessive grooming. Standing at about 10 inches, these spirited little bundles are constantly abuzz with inquisitiveness and boundless energy. Their magnificent blue-and-tan coat hangs straight, shines like polished silk and shares a remarkable similarity to the texture of human hair. A plush head of hair crowns their wedge-shaped head parting neatly down the center. Their perky V-shaped ears highlight an alert and intense gaze from their almond eyes. While Silkys possess an elegance that sets them apart from the average working terrier, their demeanor and physicality remain true to their earthdog lineage.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A SILKY TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Silky Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Silky Terriers typically enjoy robust health, yet they do have specific health screenings that should be taken into account. Ethical breeders will conduct tests on their breeding animals for common breed-specific conditions, such as patellar luxation and various eye ailments. It's essential to maintain routine ear examinations for these terriers to prevent infections and their teeth should be brushed frequently with canine-formulated toothpaste. Scheduling consistent veterinary appointments for overall health assessments and management of parasites is key to paving the way for a prolonged and vigorous life for these spirited dogs. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: No recommended health tests

Grooming

	To keep a Silky Terrier's coat in top condition regular grooming is essential. Brushing their sleek fur a minimum of twice a week with a pin brush or a soft bristle brush is recommended. To prevent mats and tangles, which can cause discomfort and skin issues if neglected, one could also benefit from using a long-toothed metal comb especially in areas prone to knotting. Maintaining short, neatly trimmed nails is important, a monthly trimming should suffice. Moreover, a bath every four to six weeks with a mild dog-specific shampoo is ideal for nurturing both a clean coat and healthy skin. Grooming sessions also provide the perfect opportunity to conduct a thorough health check looking out for any new unusual growths on the skin and ensuring that the eyes and ears are clear and free from any health complications.

Exercise

	Unlike the typical lapdog, the Silky Terrier is more akin to a terrier when it comes to the need for activity. Members of the Toy Group generally don't need as much exercise, but these smart, courageous and lively dogs thrive with owners who can guide their vigor into regular physical activity and training. Not only do they excel in competitive showings, but they also have a notable track record in agility events, perfect for companion sports.

Training

	The adaptable Silky Terrier thrives in various home environments, yet they require attentive owners willing to engage with them lack of attention isn't in their favor. They are happiest when sharing activities like playing fetch or strolling with their loved ones. While it’s easy to be swayed by their enchanting nature, it’s crucial for owners to resist indulging them in bad habits. Setting clear boundaries and consistency is key. With their innate hunting instincts keeping them leashed during outdoor adventures is a must for safety.

Nutrition

	It's important to nourish your Silky Terrier with premium dog food that's matched to their life stage, be it a puppy, adult or senior and tailored for small or toy-sized breeds. Treat them to table scraps minimally steering clear of cooked bones and high-fat foods. Familiarize yourself with human foods that won't harm your dog, and those to avoid. If you're ever uncertain about their dietary needs or weight management, your vet should be the first point of reference.

Historiography

It's easy to understand why someone might initially confuse a Silky Terrier with its cousins, the Yorkshire or Australian terriers. The resemblances are there, as the Silky Terrier's breeders in Australia wove together the best of both the Yorkie and the Aussie to craft this unique breed in the dawn of the 20th century. The narrative of the Silky's heritage sometimes includes a mention of other terrier breeds like the Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and Skye all hailing from Britain and introduced to Australia by English immigrants. But just to set the record straight, the Silky Terrier typically stands a tad bigger than the petite Yorkie, yet not quite reaching the size of the Aussie.