My Crazy Dog

What Exactly is a Silky Terrier?

Would you believe that the Silky Terrier got it’s origins from the ‘Land Down Under’? In the late 1800s, a lot of Yorkshire Terriers were brought to Australia from England. These Yorkie’s were tan and steel blue. The Australian Terriers were bred with these Yorkshire Terriers from England. Australian Terriers with their own tan and blue colors. You can find many dog supplies online for your silky terrier such as small dog clothes and dog pajamas.

The litters from these breeding’s had the sole purposes of creating a breed of dogs that would not only have a robust makeup but would have an improved coat color. The lineage that would come from these cross breeding’s of the Yorkshire and Australian Terriers began to appear slightly different. This look was enough to give them their own breed name, thus “Silky Terrier” was created because it was believed that this was a totally new breed of dog. They were of a medium size and build and their coats were similar to their original parents.

Through interbreeding, Silky Terriers began to emerge as their own unique breed. Since the breed had originated in 2 different areas of Australia there were 2 official standards drawn up. One breed standard for one type was created in 1906 and the other in 1910. The confusion was in the size and weight of the dogs. So to include both sides, the breed was officially called “Australian Silky Terrier”. However, back in America within the same year, Americans had dropped the “Australian” part of the description and the AKC recognized them just as Silky Terriers. Silky Terriers are not rare, but they are not as common as household pets.

They are mostly bred and owned for their show ability. Silky Terriers are darlings in the show ring, but they are not dulcette little darlings! They are feisty, playful, daring, and sometimes overconfident dogs. They are bold when it’s time to take action and can be aggressive towards to other dogs or pets. Silky Terriers do tend to bark(yap) a lot! They also can be quite contrary towards training. Due to their high energy level, they do have to have more exercise than most toy breeds. They love walks and benefit from being allowed to be off their leash in a secure area to play. Important note: This is not a dog breed that is not meant to live outdoors!

Grooming habits should include a good brushing every day and regular bathing with products that will not only enhance the natural beauty of their coats but will also keep their skin and coat clean and conditioned and free of mats. The Silky Terrier has been known in a healthy lifestyle to live up to 16 years. Surprisingly enough, this little dog has the esteemed reputation and notoriety of being the most healthy of dog breeds citing no major health issues. Minor health issues may include: Legg-Perthes and patellar luxation.