Learn More About Australian Silky Terrier
Discover Australian Silky Terrier's history, temperament, and key traits – essential knowledge for future owners and breed enthusiasts.
Summary
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.
Height | 23 - 26 cm (Female), 25 - 25 cm (Male) |
Weight | 3 - 4 kg (Female), 4 - 5 kg (Male) |
Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
Character | lively, intelligent, independent |
Coat | fine, silky, medium length, without undercoat |
Coat Color | blue and fiery red or blue and tan |
Price | 1200 - 2500 € € |
History
Originally 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". known, 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
Character
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.
Trainability | |
Alertness | |
Openness to Strangers | |
Hunting or Herding Drive |
Despite their small size and elegant appearance, Australian Silky Terriers were originally bred as rat catchers and are still excellent hunters of small prey.
Fun Fact!
What to Expect
The Australian Terrier is considered an adaptable companion with a high hunting motivation. He needs a lot of exercise and activity.
Care
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.
Family-Friendly | |
Good with Young Children | |
Good with Other Dogs | |
Suitable as a City Dog |
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Training & Education
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 her play and activity and to ensure that she does not become "over-engaged" become.
Nutrition & Grooming
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.
Grooming Effort | |
Exercise Needs | |
Shedding | |
Trainability |
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