Silky Terrier

also known as Sydney Silky, Australian Silky Terrier

Pros Summary


The Silky Terrier is a small, terrier breed that originated in Australia. They were originally bred as a companion and vermin hunter. The breed's name "Silky Terrier" comes from its silky coat. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959.

Breed Information


Type

Is Silky Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Silky Terriers originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Silky Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Silky Terrier? How long can Silky Terriers live?

12-15 years

The average Silky Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Silky Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Silky Terrier?

What is the average height of a Silky Terrier? How big is a Purebred Silky Terrier height? Silky Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-10 inches (22.9 - 25.4 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
Female 9-10 inches (22.9 - 25.4 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Silky Terrier? How much should Silky Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-11 pounds (4 - 5 kg) 6.0 pounds (3 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 9.5 pounds (4 kg)
Female 8-11 pounds (4 - 5 kg) 6.0 pounds (3 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 9.5 pounds (4 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Silky Terriers get fat easily?

The Silky Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Silky Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Silky Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Silky Terrier personality? What are Silky Terrier dogs best known for?

Alert
Inquisitive
Quick
Intelligent
Friendly
Joyful
Responsive

Shedding Level

Are Silky Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Silky Terrier Shed?

Silky Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Silky Terrier dog?

The Silky Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Silky Terriers come from?

Australia

Ancestry

What are Silky Terriers descended from?

Terriers

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Silky Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were Silky Terriers first bred? How old is the Silky Terrier breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Silky Terrier?

Toy (AKC:1959)
Terriers (UKC)

Silky Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Silky Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Silky Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Silky Terrier coat be naturally?

Brindle
Sable
Silver
Blue
Fawn
Gray
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Silky Terriers coat?

The coat of a Silky Terrier dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Silky Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Silky Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Silky Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Silky Terrier have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Silky Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Silky Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Silky Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Silky Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Silky Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Silky Terrier?

Urolithiasis
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Spongiform Leukodystrophy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Silky Terriers?

Patellar Luxation
Tracheal Collapse
Eye Disease
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Silky Terrier breed?

Hip
Knee
Blood Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Skeletal
X-Rays

Silky Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Silky Terriers have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Silky Terriers may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Silky Terriers need socialization? How social are Silky Terriers?

Silky Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Silky Terriers get?

The Silky Terrier dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Silky Terrier have? Do Silky Terriers sleep a lot?

The Silky Terrier breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Silky Terrier drool a lot?

The Silky Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Silky Terriers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Silky Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Silky Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Silky Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Silky Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Silky Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Silky Terrier busy?

Napping, Cuddling, Play, Run

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Silky Terrier? How much energy does a Silky Terrier have?

High

Silky Terriers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Silky Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Silky Terrier walk every week?

11 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silky Terrier, it's at least 11 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Silky Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Silky Terrier need?

90 minutes

In general most Silky Terriers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Silky Terrier?

The Silky Terrier is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Silky Terrier?

Daily

Ideally, Silky Terrier should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Silky Terriers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Silky Terrier eat?

1 cups

For an average 8-11 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silky Terrier feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Silky Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Silky Terrier is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Silky Terrier Cost Per Month?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Silky Terrier is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Silky Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Silky Terrier?

The Silky Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Silky Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Silky Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Silky Terrier do well in apartments? Are Silky Terriers good indoor dogs?

Silky Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Silky Terriers good with kids? Are Silky Terriers good around children?

Silky Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Silky Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Silky Terriers good with cats? How friendly Silky Terriers are toward cats?

Silky Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Silky Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Silky Terriers OK with other dogs?

Silky Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Silky Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Silky Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Silky Terriers friendly with strangers?

Silky Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Silky Terriers like to play? Are Silky Terriers playful?

The Silky Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Silky Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Silky Terrier easily trained?

Silky Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    Silky Terriers are friendly and outgoing, making them great family pets.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Silky Terrier are well-suited for apartment living.
  • Minimal to no shedding
    Little to no shedding is a common trait among Silky Terrier dogs.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Due to their hypoallergenic properties, Silky Terriers are a good choice for those with allergies who want a dog.
  • Intelligence
    They are intelligent and respond well to training.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Silky Terriers may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Energy
    Silky Terriers have a high energy level and require regular exercise.