Silky Terrier Information

Here is more information and links to Silky Terriers and such topics as agility, general dog health, etc. Hope you find them useful.

A Silky Terrier is a Toy Dog, by AKC grouping. But, don't be fooled. They are a true terrier by personality. Silkys love attention and are very intelligent. They can be stubborn, but will do most anything to please you or get your attention. They may not be the dog for every household.

The Silky Terrier Personality

A high energy dog
Must be with people
Very good alert dogs (but not yappy)
Busy dogs
Very intelligent, but can be willful and stubborn
Do not always obey
Are very much like having a 3-year-old loose in the house

If you like a dog that pays attention to you, listens when talked to, wants to help in everything you do, then you may like owning a Silky Terrier.

Silky Terrier Physical Traits

Silkys weigh about 10 lbs., and are approximately 10 inches at the shoulder. The Silky is a stoutly built dog with no feeling of frailty. They have a single coat of long hair, much like human hair. The hair is blue (shade of slate to silver) on the body with rich tan coloring on the face, feet, and ears. The topknot of lighter tan coloring.

The hair should not be so long as to drag on the ground. Overly long hair on the ears and feet is objectionable. Originally, the Silky was fairly clean pointed without long hair on appearing on ears and feet, naturally. As time passed, we bred for dogs with more coat and more hair on ears and feet than is pleasing to the eye. The hair should be of a very silky nature - not cottony (too soft) or wiry (stiff). Silkys do not like to have toenails cut - so if you get one, expect a fight in that area!

Grooming a Silky Terrier

The coat requires very little in upkeep.

Bathe weekly with a moisture shampoo and leave in cream rinse.
Brush a couple times during the week
Clip toenails (when you are ready for the battle)
Trim a little around the feet and ears about once a month
Trim the tail hair to about 1 inch in length
New Article coming soon on the 'how's' of grooming (3/99)

Silky Terrier Activity Level

Silkys are still a DOG in the best sense of the word. They love to chase squirrels, rabbits, cats and BIG DOGS. Silkys are not a dog to leave unattended in the backyard for long periods of time. They will get tired of being ignored by humans and seek a way to go find some! This is also true of leaving a Silky unattended in the house by itself all day.

Crate the dog for it’s own safety and yours. They could eat plants that are toxic, chew on electrical cords and be killed, eat the sofa and make you very unhappy and potty all over the place!! A crate is the dogs personal sleeping quarters; they do not mind being in a safe place. It does take training. Just like a kid, they don’t want to go to bed!! With a Silky - you must be the Alpha Dog - the person in charge.

Differences Between

Silky Terrier ~ Yorkshire Terriers ~ Australian Terrier

One of the questions ask most often is, " What is the difference between a Yorkie and Silky?" I will attempt to explain this along with photos for you to observe the differences.

6 wks old 5 mo. old Adult Head Adult Silky

A Silky is a 10 lb dog of substantial body for strength but with fine bone for agility. They have a 'wedge' shape to the head (longer muzzle and flatter skull) with ears that stand erect on top of the head. They are a bit longer in body than tall at the shoulders. They are well muscled and extremely alert. Ready to please but with a stubborn streak if forced rather than 'ask' to perform a task. The Silky coat is just that "Silky". It can be any shade of blue from a light steel blue, to pidgeon blue to a darker slate blue and many varing shades in between. The tans should be rich and vibrant. NO BOWS PLEASE A Silky is truly a BIG DOG in a small dog suit!! They love to run and play outdoors, chase the squirrels and keep all those big dogs at bay! You can carry one around but they would much prefer to walk, thank you!

6 wks Yorkie Head Adult Yorkie Pet Yorkie

A Yorkie is a dog of approximate weight of 4 -5 lbs, (not over 7 lbs.). The head is shorter in muzzle and is more dome shaped. The ears are erect but may tend to flare to the side a bit. They usually have a larger base than a Silky ear. The Yorkie is a square dog meaning that it is no longer than it is tall at shoulder giving a 'box' appearance. A Yorkie is only suppose to be a 'slate' color of blue and the coat is usually heavier and floor length (when kept in show condition). A Yorkie is more of a toy dog than a Silky in that they readily become a lap dog. And love to be pampered and waited on.

6 wks 6 months Adult Head Adult Body

The Australian Terrier is a bit harsher than the Silky but basically the same head shape and body style but a bit larger package. The weight generally runs in the 16 - 20 lb range. They have a different coat texture in that they are what is called a "broken coat" terrier and they carry an undercoat and a guard coat. They are the blue and tan coloration (as well as solid reds). The topknot is a bit softer than the rest of the body coat and should be profuse.

The Silky, in my humble opinion, is the best of both worlds. The stoutness and sturdiness of body to still be a 'dog' and the prettiness and sweetness to make a wonderful house pet.

The Silky is truly a BIG DOG in a small dog suit!!

There is a NEW Magazine devoted to the Silky Terrier - check it out

Silky Terrier Times ~ A Magazine for Breeders & Admirers of Silkys

WWW.SILKYTERRIERTIMES.COM -

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