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Silky Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Silky Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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Silky Terrier dog profile picture
OriginAustralia flagAustralia
Other Names
What other names does the Silky Terrier have?
Australian Silky TerrierSydney Silky
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Silky Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is a Silky Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do Silky Terrier get?

What is the average size of a Silky Terrier?

Small
Weight
How much does the Silky Terrier weigh? How much should a Silky Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of a Silky Terrier? How much does a full-grown Silky Terrier weight?
8-11 pounds (4-5 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Silky Terrier?
9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Silky Terrier? Silky Terrier height:
9-10 inches (23-25 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Silky Terrier?
9.5 inches (24 cm)

Silky Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Silky Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Silky Terrier in the United States? How much money is a Silky Terrier?

Where to buy a Silky Terrier with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Silky Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Silky Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Silky Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Silky Terrier? How many Silky Terrier are there in the world?
Frequent: The Silky Terrier is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Silky Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Silky Terrier? Is the Silky Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Silky Terrier dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Silky Terrier is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Silky Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Silky Terrier?
Silky Terrier dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Silky Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Silky Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Silky Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Silky Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Silky Terrier can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Silky Terrier will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Silky Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Silky Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AlertIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveQuickJoyfulInquisitive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Silky Terrier sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Silky Terrier dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Silky Terrier a good family dog?
High: Silky Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Australian Silky Terrier need? Silky Terrier social needs:
Silky Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Silky Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Silky Terrier roam?
Silky Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Silky Terrier have high prey drive?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Silky Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Silky Terrier is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Silky Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Australian Silky Terrier bark?
Average: The Silky Terrier barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Silky Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Silky Terrier in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Silky Terrier breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Silky Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Silky Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Silky Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave a Silky Terrier alone?
Silky Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Silky Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Silky Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Silky Terrier? How much bite force does a Silky Terrier have? How strong is a Silky Terrier bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Silky Terrier bite force: Weak. The Silky Terrier bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Silky Terrier measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Silky Terrier may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Silky Terrier being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Silky Terrier bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Silky Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Silky Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Silky Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Australian Silky Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Silky Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Silky Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Silky Terrier do?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Silky Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Silky Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Silky Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Silky Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Silky Terrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Silky Terrier breed? Most common health risks of Silky Terrier:
Collapsed TracheaLegg-perthes DiseaseEpilepsyDiabetes
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Silky Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Silky Terrier see the vet?
Average
The Silky Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Silky Terrier dogs live? How old can a Silky Terrier be? What is the age limit of the Silky Terrier? How many years can the oldest Silky Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Silky Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of a Silky Terrier?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Silky Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Silky Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Silky Terrier have? What is the activity level of the Silky Terrier?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Silky Terrier need? How much exercise do Silky Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Silky Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Silky Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Silky Terrier breed need?
Silky Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Silky Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Silky Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Silky Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Silky Terrier? How much food should I feed my Silky Terrier?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Silky Terrier risk for obesity:
Average: The Silky Terrier has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Silky Terrier weight regularly.

Silky Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Silky Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
SilkyStraightGlossy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Silky Terrier coats?
BlackGrayTan Blue Cream SilverFawn Tricolor Platinum
Grooming
How to groom the Silky Terrier and how often? How often should I take my Silky Terrier to the groomer?
Advanced: The Silky Terrier requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Silky Terrier a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Silky Terrier, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Silky Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Australian Silky Terrier? Do Silky Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Silky Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Silky Terrier dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Silky Terrier need a bath? How often should you give a Silky Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my Silky Terrier every day?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week.

Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Silky Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Silky Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Silky Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Silky Terrier drool?
The Silky Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Silky Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Silky Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Silky Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Silky Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are Silky Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Silky Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Silky Terrier temperament with other people:
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Silky Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Silky Terrier temperament with children:
Silky Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Silky Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Silky Terrier breed live with a cat?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Silky Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Silky Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Silky Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Silky Terrier is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Silky Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Silky Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Silky Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Silky Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Silky Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Silky Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Silky Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Australian Silky Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Silky Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Silky Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Silky Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Silky Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Silky Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Silky Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Silky Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Silky Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Silky Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Silky Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Silky Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Silky Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Silky Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

Silky Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Silky Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Silky Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Silky Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Silky Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Silky Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Silky Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Silky Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Silky Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the Silky Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Silky Terrier have? How many puppies can a Silky Terrier give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Silky Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is Silky Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Is Silky Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Silky Terrier breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubClub Espanol De Terriers

Silky Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Silky Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Silky Terrier dogs are easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Silky Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Silky Terrier breed.
  • Shedding Level: Silky Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Silky Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Child Friendly: Silky Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Silky Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Silky Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Silky Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Silky Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Dog Friendly: Silky Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Silky Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Silky Terrier History

The Silky Terrier can trace back its origins to Australia, to the 1890s, when dog breeders imported the Yorkshire Terrier and then crossed with their native Australian Terriers. This large-scale resemblance is the reason why, it is really easy for the casual dog owner not to be able to make a clear distinction or to not recognize properly the Silky, the Australian, and the Yorkshire Terriers at first glance.

Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers were the main ingredients used by Australian breeders when developing the Silky Terrier at the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the offsprings looked like the Australian and some resembled more like the Yorkshire Terriers, consequently, the breed was not homogenous at that stage, because of their various sizes and coats. Then, as a solution, Silky-looking puppies were interbred with other Silky-looking ones, until the result was a distinct dog breed, with their unique traits and distinguishing marks. Nonetheless, other breeds were involved in the Silky’s creation process including the Cairn, Skye Terriers, and the Dandie Dinmont, these three breeds were imported to Australia by English immigrants and settlers.

The Silky Terrier’s Australian fanciers have drawn up a standard for the breed in 1906, in Sydney, South Wales. However, in Victoria, another standard was described three years later, in 1909. These two standards did not fully match, they did not agree on the preferred weight and ear type. The conflict between the two camps was eventually resolved in 1926 when a third, final standard was determined, thus the two standards finally condensed into one. Throughout the breed’s evolution, the Silky Terrier had several other names, initially, it was called the Sydney Silky Terrier, yet it became the Australian Silky Terrier in 1955, but in the United States of America, the dogs’ name was changed into Silky Terrier.

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