Origin
Australia
Lifespan
13–15 years
Weight
4–5 kg
Height
23–26 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Blue and Tan
Silky Terrier
About This Breed
The Silky Terrier is an Australian toy breed developed in Sydney from Yorkshire and Australian Terriers. Despite their small size, they possess the typical terrier boldness and energy, along with a stunning silky blue and tan coat.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Silky Terrier
Origin
| Origin | Australia |
| Group | Toy |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 4–5 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years |
| Height | 23–26 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Blue and Tan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Alert · Friendly · Quick · Responsive |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
In the early 1900s, native Australian Terriers were bred with imported Yorkshire Terriers to create the Silky Terrier. This breed is an affectionate, high-energy toy terrier that has long blue and tan silky fur, a wedge-shaped face, and V-shaped ears that stand erect. Silky Terriers stand 9–10 inches at the shoulder, which is taller than the Yorkshire Terrier (which reaches up to 8 inches tall). This breed weighs in at around 10 pounds, and the Silky Terrier’s lifespan is 13–15 years. Caring for a Silky Terrier Silky Terrier dogs are loyal companions to their family members and are full of affection and energy.
Care Guide
Silky Terrier dogs are loyal companions to their family members and are full of affection and energy. This breed needs at least one hour of exercise daily to be happy, such as a long walk or maneuvering through an agility course. Along with daily exercise, Silky Terrier dogs need a lot of attention paid to their long, glossy hair. Silkies need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting. Because their hair grows continuously, professional grooming appointments are often needed to keep their hair trimmed to an appropriate length.