Mary Allen
The Australian Silky Terrier is intelligent, cheerful, and spirited, but relatively easy to train if you know how to take your little terrier stubbornness. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the Australian Silky Terrier dog breed in the profile.
The Australian Silky Terrier has a long history, although its breed standard was not recognized until 1959. This is because the two Australian territories of New South Wales and Victoria have not been able to reach an agreement on the standard for a long time. Its origins date back to the early 19th century and can be traced back to the Australian Terrier, a wire-haired dog that has been around since the 1800s and was used as a rat hunter. A particularly beautiful steel blue bitch was mated with a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, later Yorkshire and Skye Terriers were also crossed. The Australian Silky Terrier also proved itself when hunting rodents.
General Appearance
The Australian Silky Terrier has a fine, straight coat that is blue-tan in color and doesn’t quite reach the ground. It is a compact, low-set dog of medium length and a finely structured exterior. The head is moderately long, the neck is medium-long and elegant, the tail is carried upright and used to be mostly docked. The Australian Silky Terrier has small, well-padded cat paws.
Behavior and temperament
The Australian Silky Terrier is intelligent, cheerful, and spirited, but relatively easy to train if you know how to take your little stubborn terrier. Because the “Silky” is a terrier through and through, albeit on a small scale. He is considered uncomplicated but often does not appreciate small children so much. At home, he is very alert and attentive.
Need for employment and physical activity
Don’t be fooled by its small size: the Australian Silky Terrier doesn’t need a lot of exercises (although it loves and enjoys exercise), but definitely needs a lot of activity. You should do brain work with the intelligent fellow and give him a good mental workout. He absolutely needs close family contact and would like to be involved in all activities.
Upbringing
Although the Australian Silky Terrier is a miniature terrier, it still has the typical terrier stubbornness. That’s why you should show some consistency in your upbringing. If this is practiced, the “Silky” becomes an uncomplicated and obedient companion, who, however – he cannot get out of his skin – occasionally kills a rat or mouse. You can boost his intelligence with brain work and teach him little tricks.
Maintenance
Although his hair rarely falls out, the Australian Silky Terrier still needs some grooming. He needs daily brushing to keep his long coat silky. However, the straight, parted hair makes brushing relatively easy if you keep at it and don’t let it tangle.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases:
Seasonal dermatitis (skin inflammation mostly caused by Malassezia), drug intolerance (glucocorticoids), cataracts (cataracts), urinary tract diseases (cystine stones).
Did you know?
The Australian Silky Terrier has a long mop of hair. However, this must not fall over the eyes – long hair falling down on the forehead or on the cheeks is considered a major defect.