Silky Terrier
Group: Toy Group
Origin: Australia
Height: 9 to 10 inches (23-25 cm)
TDX, CGC, FD, AD, Am.CDX (Gayna)
Owned and trained by Heather Somers
Photo courtesy of Hopepark Silky Terriers
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Breed Profile
The Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the early 1900s and is a blend of the Autralian and Yorkshire Terriers. Originally, the breed was known as the Sydney Silky Terrier and, in 1955, the official name became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed is known in North America as the Silky Terrier. The Silky, known as a “toy terrier”, was bred to be a family companion and he is generally good with children and likes being with other pets.
The Silky is alert, friendly, inquisitive and responsive. He is neither as active as a Terrier nor as needing of care as many of the Toy breeds. He does, however, enjoy participating in various dog sports and activities including conformation shows, obedience, agility, flyball, earthdog trials, and tracking.
His coat is fine in texture, flat-lying, glossy and silky. His body hair ranges from 5 to 6 inches in length and he wears a profuse topknot on the top of his head. His colour is blue with tan markings.
Health Issues
In general, the Silky Terrier is a healthy breed. Like all breeds of dogs, however, the Silky is not completely free of health problems. Some health issues which have been seen in the breed include:
- Patella Luxation — A condition that affects many of the Toy breeds.
- Legg Calves Perthes Disease — A condition similar to Hip Dysplasia except that the ball joint of the leg where it connects to the hip is affected rather than the hip itself.
If you are considering the adoption of a Silky Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
The Silky Terrier’s long silky coat needs daily brushing to keep it free of mats and in good condition. The coat is non-shedding and virtually odourless.
- Dental Care — Many of the Toy breeds, including the Silky, require extra care with their teeth. Tarter build-up and loose teeth is much more common in the smaller breeds of dogs. It is important to keep the teeth clean and brushing daily using only dog toothpaste will help maintain the teeth in good health.
- Grooming your Silky From the STCA
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
Breed Listing
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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