

The Australian Silky Terrier is an elegant yet alert toy terrier—a true Erdhund (earth dog/terrier) in a silk coat, bred in Australia to keep homes and farms free of snakes and rodents.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Klub für Terrier e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Australian Silky Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
22–26 cm
Weight
3–5 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Australian Silky Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Australian Silky Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Silky Terrier looks like a fragile luxury creature, but under that flowing silk hair beats the fearless heart of an Australian snake hunter. You aren't getting a passive accessory for your handbag, but a spirited terrier who will cuddle on the sofa but won't hesitate for a second to take charge in the garden.
The Australian Silky Terrier, also known as the Silky Terrier, is a small but sturdy dog known for its striking, silky mane and lively temperament. Although he is small, he does not lack confidence and energy. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, giving it a slightly rectangular appearance, and its ears are small, v-shaped and erect. His facial expression is alert and intelligent, with sparkling dark eyes and a small black nose. The Silky Terrier belongs to FCI Group 3, Terriers, and is classified in Section 4, Dwarf Terriers. There is no distinction between performance and show lines as this breed is primarily kept as a companion dog.
Although the Australian Silky Terrier is small, he has a big personality. He is a lively, alert and courageous dog with an independent streak. Due to his terrier background, he has a natural inclination towards hunting and catching prey, meaning he may not always get along well with small pets. Nevertheless, with With proper socialization he can learn to live in harmony with other pets. Silky Terriers are very people-oriented and build strong bonds with their families. They enjoy the company of their humans and can be very affectionate. However, since they also have a high degree of independence, they can easily stay alone as long as they are well trained and have enough activity and physical activity. However, it is important to remember that Silky Terriers do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone too often and for too long. Silky Terriers are naturally alert and tend to pay close attention to their surroundings. They will react quickly to suspicious noises or movements and warn their families by barking. This makes them excellent guard dogs, although their small size means they are not suitable as guard dogs in the traditional sense. Their guarding behavior can lead to excessive barking if not managed properly, so it is important to teach them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. Due to their intelligence and energetic temperament, Silky Terriers are very playful and enjoy a variety of games and activities. They have a natural affinity for exercise and enjoy being challenged through walks, games and even dog sports like agility. Their tendency to hunt can manifest itself in a strong prey drive, so it is important to teach them not to give in to this impulse, especially when they are around small animals or children.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Despite their small size and elegant appearance, Australian Silky Terriers were originally bred as rat catchers and are still excellent hunters of small prey.
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, lively companion with a silky coat who, despite their size, possesses true terrier character and a distinct hunting drive. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Silky Terriers are quite suitable as city dogs because, despite their active temperament, they are small and can live in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are very people-oriented and usually get along well with children as long as the children learn to treat them with respect. Silky Terriers can also get along well with other pets, including cats, if they are used to it from an early age.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Australian Silky Terriers are intelligent and energetic dogs that enjoy learning and taking on new challenges. Therefore, it is important to keep them busy both physically and mentally. They have a natural tendency to hunt and dig, so providing them with a safe and controlled environment to express these instincts can be helpful. When raising the Silky Terrier, it should be noted that despite their small size, they have a strong self-confidence and sometimes tend to be dominant. It is therefore important to ensure consistent and loving upbringing. Introducing obedience training and impulse control exercises at a young age can help manage this behavior. Silky Terriers have a natural affinity for exercise and enjoy being challenged through walks, games and even dog sports like agility. However, their energy and prey instinct can lead them to fixate on balls or other toys. It is therefore important to vary their play and activity and to ensure that they do not become "over-engaged".
Your Australian Silky Terrier's diet should be balanced and tailored to his needs. Because this breed is small, it requires less food than larger breeds, but it is important that it receives a high-quality diet that provides it with the necessary nutrients. Since Silky Terriers tend to be overweight, you should make sure that they are not overfed and that they get regular exercise. Caring for a Silky Terrier may require a little more effort than other breeds. Their silky coat has no undercoat and therefore sheds less, but can easily become matted if not brushed regularly. You should therefore brush your Silky Terrier thoroughly at least once a week to avoid mats and keep the coat clean and shiny. Despite their Australian origins, Silky Terriers generally cope well with the German climate as long as they are not exposed to the cold for too long.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
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Solid
Health grade
In the Australian Silky Terrier, there are breed-typical risks for patellar luxation (PL), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), and the severe globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis). For breeding approval in the Klub für Terrier e.V., examination for patellar luxation (PL) with a limit of PL 0–1 is mandatory. A responsible breeder also has the parent animals X-rayed for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) and tested for globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis). Before buying a puppy, ask to see the patella results, the clear result for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), and the genetic test, ensuring carriers of globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis) are only mated with clear animals.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should ensure joint-friendly exercise and definitely use a soft chest harness instead of a collar to relieve pressure on the sensitive trachea in everyday life.
Responsible breeders verify PL 0–1 for patellar luxation (PL) and additionally test for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) as well as globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis).
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Klub für Terrier e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Klub für Terrier e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Australian Silky Terrier costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €300, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,660 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,450.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€150 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,660
Across the dog's life
~€29,450
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
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Illustrative image
Illustrative imageOriginally from Australia, the Silky Terrier is the result of crossing Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers in the late 1800s. Breeders attempted to create a terrier that would work as both an efficient ratter and an attractive lap dog. The resulting Silky Terrier was a small, elegant dog with a silky coat and a lively, fearless temperament. The breed was only officially recognized in 1905 and was originally known as the "Sydney Silky", in recognition of his origins in Sydney, Australia. The Silky Terrier was popular with Australians as it offered a combination of the utility of a terrier and the beauty of a lap dog. During World War II, Australian soldiers brought the breed to America, where it quickly gained popularity. In 1955, the Australian Silky Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Australian Silky Terrier was bred as a companion dog and is characterized by its silky coat and lively nature.
Australia
1890
At home and in family life, many owners describe the Australian Silky Terrier as an affectionate, engaged, and very alert companion. Although its compact size makes it well suited to apartment living, owners regularly stress that it is by no means just a lapdog. It wants to be truly involved in its family's life, likes to stay close to its people, and is sensitive to changes in its surroundings.
Owners also repeatedly highlight its watchful nature: unfamiliar sounds or people in the hallway are often announced with barking right away, which calls for clear rules from the start in apartment buildings. With too little to do or long stretches alone, that watchfulness and close bond can also turn into restlessness or separation frustration. With children it is usually seen as playful and adaptable, though owners stress that care is needed, especially with smaller children, so its delicate build isn't put at risk.
Sources:unitedpetclub.comomlet.dediehundezeitung.comzoomalia.de
On training and activities, owner accounts mainly highlight the breed's surprising energy and typical terrier pluck. Many owners describe their Silky as eager to learn, quick, and very bright. These dogs have great fun with dog sports such as agility or with retrieving and search games, but alongside physical exercise they also need real mental challenges to stay balanced.
At the same time, owners repeatedly point to the breed's strong hunting and prey drive. Mice, squirrels, or rustling bushes instantly catch the attention of this former ratter, which can make reliable off-leash time difficult without early recall training. A certain independence and persistence are also often mentioned: harshness gets you little with this dog, but patience, positive reinforcement, and unwavering consistency do, so the little dog doesn't take charge on its own.
When it comes to care, grooming, and health, owners agree that the fine, floor-length silky coat with no undercoat needs daily attention. Regular combing and brushing are essential, since otherwise mats form quickly and dirt or burrs get caught in the coat. Because the insulating undercoat is missing, owners also often report that their dogs get cold quickly in damp, chilly weather and that a coat makes sense in winter.
Health-wise, the Silky Terrier is generally described as lively and long-lived, but owners and breeder reports name specific weak spots of small terrier breeds. Luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place) and a tendency toward a delicate windpipe (tracheal collapse) come up again and again, which is why many owners consistently use a harness instead of a collar. Also frequently mentioned are the need for consistent dental care because of tartar buildup in the small jaw, and occasional skin sensitivities or allergies.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Australian Silky Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Australian Silky Terrier is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Australian Silky Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Australian Silky Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Australian Silky Terrier comes in these colors: Blue and tan.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Australian Silky Terrier.