Silky Terrier

Quick Take

• The silky terrier's ancestor looked nothing like the breed you see today, and understanding that transformation reveals something unexpected about what makes this dog tick. Trace the breed's origins →
• Their stubbornness has a reputation for making training a nightmare, but there's a specific quality of the silky terrier that flips the script entirely. See how intelligence helps →
• Most people overlook a serious health risk hiding inside this tiny, energetic body, and the diet you choose plays a direct role in preventing it. Explore the right diet →
• Small children and silky terriers seem like a natural match, though there is a specific reason this breed can be the wrong call for certain households. Check the children fit →

The feisty silky terrier was developed in the 1800s in Sydney, Australia, because people wanted a dog to live in their small homes. This terrier has hair similar in texture to human hair and is considered a low-shedding breed. These are high-energy dogs that stand about nine to ten inches tall and weigh about 10 pounds. This dog, which is part of the toy group, requires at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. They want to be with you every second, so they do not make good outside dogs.

The silky terrier is a loyal companion who loves to alert you to everything going on in your environment. They thrive when they are constantly at your side.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Silky Terrier

Size and Weight

Silky terriers are elegant, compact dogs. Both males and females should stand between 9 and 10 inches tall at the shoulders. When mature, the dog should weigh about 10 pounds. Each pup will take about 12 months to reach its adult weight.

Origins

The ancestor of the silky terrier couldn’t have been more different in appearance compared to its much-loved descendant.  A diminutive canine with Tasmanian origins, it was known as the “rough-coated terrier”. As its name suggests, its fur was rough-textured. While experts generally agree on the British origins of this Tasmanian terrier, there is some dispute regarding its precise ancestry. Certain breeders suggest the presence of Scottish breeds such as the Cairn, the Dandie Dinmont, and the Skye in the ancestors of the silky terrier.

However, it is generally agreed that the Silky Terrier was developed by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Australian Terrier in Australia. Its origins date back to the 19th century. The first standards for the silky terrier were established at the very beginning of the 20th century by the Kennel Club of New South Wales.

By the 1930s, the breed had become well known as a handy little farm worker. By the mid-20th century, its fame had spread to the United States. And by the late 1950s, the breed had become a fully-fledged member of the American Kennel Club.

Common Health Issues

Before adding a silky terrier to your family, become aware of common health issues. While this breed is generally healthy, knowing what to watch for can help you spot trouble early. Patellar luxation, or a dislocated kneecap, is a problem in some dogs, leaving the dog running on three legs. Legg-Perthes disease can make it painful for dogs to get around as the hip socket no longer functions properly. Some silky terriers develop diabetes.

Temperament and Behavior

Silky terriers have an elegant carriage, and they want to be treated like royalty. They are a package of energy, so expect to spend time exercising them each day if you are going to encourage good behavior in your dog. Watch their behavior, and you will discover that they are very independent thinkers. This can leave you with a stubborn dog if you are not a good leader.

While some complain that their stubbornness makes them harder to housebreak than many breeds, you are unlikely to encounter this if you socialize the dog early, because they are eager to please.

You are sure to notice that the silky terrier is a rather loyal pet. This personality trait means they want to protect you from any changes in your environment. This often results in barking that can be frustrating.

How To Take Care of Silky Terriers

Your responsibility as an owner includes providing your silky terrier with appropriate exercise, the right food, and proper grooming. It is often easier to start with a puppy, but you can also find great pet silky terriers who need a new home at rescues.

The Best Dog Food

Since this is a small dog, it must get the correct type of food. While your puppy’s stomach is not very big, this dog has a higher energy level and may burn more calories than other breeds. Choose high-protein dog food or food without fillers or grains to keep your Silky Terrier’s weight and blood sugar in check, since it may be at risk for diabetes.

Silky terrier puppy food: You can help prevent bone problems by feeding your puppy a puppy food that is high in calcium, as it is an essential building block for strong bones. Additionally, choose a food that is high in protein. Consult your veterinarian or the puppy food packaging for the appropriate daily amount, as it will depend on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level.

Silky terrier adult food: You should feed your adult silky terrier twice a day. They will need about ¼ cup at each feeding. They are con artists who will try to convince you that they need more. If your silky terrier is very active, they may need more, but you should always be able to see their waist and feel their ribs. Feeding dry food helps prevent dental problems.

Maintenance And Grooming

Many people are surprised to learn how easy it is to take care of a silky terrier. Use a small pin brush or a comb to brush through your pet’s hair twice a week. Wash the hair with a gentle shampoo so that you do not remove the natural oils. Since it sheds very little, it is essential to trim its coat regularly. You should also routinely trim the dog’s nails and inspect its eyes and ears for any signs of infection.

Training

The silky terrier’s stubbornness can make training a challenge at times. Yet, this is a breed that loves to please and is intelligent. Therefore, while some tasks may take longer, this breed responds very well to verbal praise and food. Often, novice owners find it worth the price to get professional help. When possible, begin training your puppy as early as possible, especially given this dog’s strong prey instinct.

Exercise

Your silky terrier needs about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. While many people choose to take their silky terrier for a walk or a run, others train them to compete in Fast Coursing Ability Tests. During this test, the dog chases a lure for 100 yards. One of the fastest in this competition was Karisma, whom officials clocked going 17.6 miles per hour in 2018. Dogs that have already won these contests often command a higher price.

Puppies

A female silky terrier normally gives birth to three to five puppies in a litter. Be sure to socialize the pups as early as possible if you want to raise them with cats or other small animals, because this breed has a strong prey instinct.

Silky Terriers and Children

Silky terriers have a low threshold for being pulled and harassed. Therefore, they may not make good dogs for homes with small children. Once a child is old enough to properly care for a dog, a silky terrier may be the perfect breed.

Dogs similar to Silky Terriers

If the silky terrier does not seem like the perfect fit for you, there are other breeds with hair similar to the silky terrier that you may want to talk to a breeder about. These include:

• Maltese: Growing to be between 7 and 9 inches tall and weighing less than 7 pounds, the all-white Maltese is gentle and playful.
• Biewer terrier: Growing to between 7 and 11 inches tall and weighing between 4 and 8 pounds, the tri-colored Biewer terrier is a loyal companion.
• Yorkshire terrier: Growing to be about 7 inches tall and weighing about 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier was bred to help in mines and still maintains its tomboyish attitude.