Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed – Facts and Personality Traits

The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, compact dog with a dashing terrier temperament and a friendly, easy-going nature. With a little consistency, the intelligent, uncomplicated guy is easy to train and can also be kept in a small city apartment without any problems.

Origin and history

Several English terrier breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier as well as the Australian Terrier have contributed to the creation of the Australian Silky Terrier. In its native Australia, the Silky was a popular pet dog but was also used as a pied piper. The name (Silky = silky) refers to the silky soft and shiny fur. The first official breed standard was established in the early 19th century.

Appearance

The Australian Silky Terrier is reminiscent of the Yorkshire Terrier at first glance. However, the Silky is taller and stronger and has slightly shorter hair, which in Yorkshire can also be down to the ground. With a shoulder height of around 25 cm and a weight of around 5 kg, the Australian Silky is a compact small dog with around 12-15 cm long, shiny hair with a silky texture.

It has small, oval, dark eyes and medium-sized, pricked, v-shaped ears on which, unlike the Yorkie, the coat is typically short. The tail is also free of long hair, is set high, and carried upwards. The coat color is steel blue or grey-blue with tan markings. A light mop of hair is also typical, but it should not cover the eyes. The Silky Terrier’s coat requires a lot of care but hardly sheds.

Nature

Real terrier blood flows in Silky’s veins, so this little companion is also extremely brave, self-confident, spirited, and alert. Treating and pampering an Australia Silky like a lapdog because of its size would be the wrong approach. It is very robust and also requires consistent training.

In general, however, the Australian Silky Terrier is a very sociable, intelligent, obedient, and socially acceptable dog. It is full of energy, and loves to exercise, play and be busy. It like to go for walks and also take part in long-distance hikes. The Australian Silky is extremely affectionate, loyal, and cuddly towards its caregivers, rather reserved towards strangers, and naturally alert.

Keeping an Australian Silky Terrier is relatively uncomplicated. The always friendly, cheerful terrier easily adapts to all circumstances. It is an ideal playmate in a large family but also feels at home with older or less active people. It is not an outspoken barker and can therefore be kept well in a city apartment. Only the fur requires regular and thorough care.