The Australian Toy Breed, Silky Terrier
The Australia-developed Silky Terrier is a small dog that is gaining high acclaim among dog lovers around the world. Silky Terrier is what the Americans call it. The Australians and the rest of the world, however, prefer to call it Australian Silky Terrier or Sidney Terrier.
This Australian breed is highly praised for being affectionate, highly intelligent, brave and alert. Although small, this breed does not conform to the idea that it is only a placid lapdog. The Silky Terrier is bursting with energy and actually makes a good watchdog.
The breed is also very animated, full of zeal and loves to dig dirt for a hobby. It is highly inquisitive and loves to know and learn about things it finds amusing or interesting. Playing around and just being active with small short runs and plays makes this dog happy.
When it comes to training, this dog does not like to beat around the bush as it wants the training straightforward. It is highly biddable, quick and very eager to learn making each training a fast one and interesting. This dog can happily strive in an apartment living because it can satisfyingly get active indoors with only a few minutes of daily walks around the neighborhood.
Silky Terriers’ bodies are well-structured, fairly low to the ground and stands only 9 to 10 inches. Their ears are interestingly erect and v-shaped and generally, most Silky Terriers have docked tails. They are also notable for their black nose and piercing round dark eyes.
The bodies of the Silky Terriers are beautifully wrapped with 5 to 6 inches of long, fine, and silky soft hair. It is parted at the center on its back and drapes smoothly at the sides which almost reaches the floor. The hair of the Silky has no undercoat, sheds very little and often comes in combinations of blue and fire red, blue and tan markings, and any combinations of the blue shade.
Owning a Silky Terrier needs patience in grooming as it needs daily brushing and combing, and regular baths. To maintain its beautiful hair, it should be trimmed regularly. To keep hair from covering the dogs eyes, tie the hair up on a topknot to clear it from the Silky’s face.
The development of the Silky was contributed by other terriers and they are the Skye, Cairn, Yorkshire and Australian terrier. This breed reached the US because some US servicemen from Australia during WWII brought them over to the US. In 1959, the Silky became an official breed in the AKC and in 1962, its first breed standard had been established.
