The Silky Terrier is a small dog with a big personality, often described as a “big dog in a small package.” This elegant and spirited breed combines the tenacious heart of a terrier with a dash of toy dog affection. Don’t be fooled by their beautiful, silky coat; this is a true terrier at heart—alert, curious, and always ready for adventure. They are confident, intelligent companions who form strong, loyal bonds with their families.
This comprehensive guide will explore everything a future owner needs to know about the Silky Terrier to help you decide if this energetic and charming breed is the right fit for your home.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Height: 9 – 10 inches (at the shoulder)
- Weight: 8 – 10 pounds
- Life Span: 13 – 15 years
- Coat: The standout feature: a long, straight, silky, and glossy coat that feels like fine human hair. It is typically 5-6 inches long and comes in a blue and tan color pattern.
A Brief History: The Australian Silky
The Silky Terrier originated in Sydney, Australia, in the late 19th century. Breeders aimed to create a terrier with a finer, silkier coat than the rough-coated Australian Terrier. They achieved this by crossing native Australian Terriers with imported Yorkshire Terriers. The result was the “Sydney Silky,” a dog that retained the terrier’s pluck and vermin-hunting prowess but in a more refined, elegant package. They were recognized as a distinct breed and quickly became popular as charming and effective companions for city dwellers and farmers alike.
The Silky Terrier Temperament: The Spirited Charmer
The Silky Terrier’s personality is a vibrant mix of terrier boldness and companion dog devotion. They are known for their intelligence, confidence, and lively nature.
- Alert & Inquisitive: True to their terrier roots, Silky Terriers are highly alert and curious about their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to announce visitors or anything unusual.
- Confident & Fearless: They carry themselves with a great deal of self-importance and are not easily intimidated. This can sometimes lead them to challenge larger dogs, so supervision is key.
- Loyal & Affectionate: They form deep, loving bonds with their family and thrive on being involved in all activities. They often become “velcro dogs,” wanting to be near their owners.
- Playful & Energetic: They have a youthful, playful spirit well into their senior years. They enjoy games, walks, and any activity that engages their body and mind.
- Intelligent & Sometimes Stubborn: They are quick learners but can have an independent, willful streak. This intelligence, combined with their terrier energy, means they need both mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
Caring for Your Silky Terrier
Exercise: Moderate to High Needs
Despite their small size, Silky Terriers are active and energetic.
- Daily Requirements: They require at least 30-45 minutes of exercise daily. This should include brisk walks, a secure off-leash run in a fenced yard, or an active play session.
- Mental Stimulation: Their intelligent minds crave challenges. Puzzle toys, learning new tricks, and interactive games like “find the treat” are excellent ways to keep them engaged and out of mischief.
Grooming: A Manageable Commitment
While their coat is long and beautiful, it is less prone to matting than a Lhasa Apso’s, but it still requires consistent care.
- The Full Coat: To prevent tangles and maintain its silkiness, the coat should be brushed every other day with a pin brush and combed with a metal comb. Many pet owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to reduce maintenance.
- Regular Grooming: Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended to keep the coat in top condition and to handle trimming around the feet, ears, and sanitary areas.
- Other Needs: Regular ear cleaning, weekly teeth brushing (small breeds are prone to dental issues), and monthly nail trimming are essential.
Training: Consistency and Positive Reinforcement
Training a Silky Terrier requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor.
- Start Early: Begin socialization and obedience training as a young puppy. Expose them to various people, dogs, and environments to build a well-adjusted, confident adult dog.
- Housetraining: This can be a challenge, as with many small breeds. A strict, consistent schedule with positive reinforcement is crucial for success.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: They respond best to reward-based training with high-value treats, praise, and play. Harsh methods will cause them to shut down.
- Manage Barking: Their alert nature means they can be prone to excessive barking. Teaching a “quiet” cue and managing their environment (e.g., blocking window views) can be very helpful.
Health: What to Be Aware Of
Silky Terriers are generally a healthy, long-lived breed, but they are prone to a few conditions.
- Dental Problems: Like all small breeds, they are highly prone to plaque buildup and dental disease. Daily teeth brushing and regular veterinary cleanings are essential.
- Patellar Luxation: A common condition where the kneecap slips out of place, which can cause lameness.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: A degenerative condition affecting the hip joint, leading to pain and arthritis.
- Eye Conditions: They can be prone to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
- Tracheal Collapse: A condition common in small dogs where the windpipe weakens and collapses, causing a honking cough. Using a harness instead of a collar is recommended.
Is a Silky Terrier Right For You?
A Silky Terrier might be your perfect match if you:
- Want a small, energetic, and loyal companion with a big personality.
- Appreciate a dog that is both a playful terrier and an affectionate lapdog.
- Can commit to regular grooming and daily exercise.
- Are a patient, consistent owner who can provide gentle but firm leadership.
- Want a long-lived, alert, and intelligent small dog.
You might want to reconsider if you:
- Want a low-energy, low-maintenance “couch potato” breed.
- Are away from home for long hours regularly; they can develop separation anxiety.
- Are unprepared for the challenges of housetraining a small, willful breed.
- Want a dog that is always placid with other dogs; their terrier instincts can make them feisty.
- Cannot tolerate a vocal dog who likes to bark.
Finding Your Silky Terrier
- Reputable Breeders: Choose a breeder who health tests their breeding stock for common issues like patellar luxation and eye diseases. They should be knowledgeable about the breed’s temperament and be open about its challenges.
- Rescue & Shelters: Breed-specific rescues for Silky Terriers and similar small breeds exist. Adopting an adult dog can be a wonderful way to give a deserving dog a second chance.
- Understanding the Cost: The initial purchase price from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500. Budget for ongoing costs like high-quality food, routine veterinary care, and professional grooming ($50-$80 per session every 6-8 weeks).
Bringing a Silky Terrier into your life means welcoming a burst of energy, intelligence, and devotion. In return for your dedicated exercise, consistent training, and regular grooming, you will gain a fearless, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining companion whose loyalty is as strong as their terrier spirit.
