The Silky Terrier is Descended from the Yorkie
Posted on August 2, 2010
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The Silky terrier is a small breed dog that is a member of the terrier family. The Australians began this breed even though the dog’s ancestors were terriers from England. Its closest cousins are probably the Yorkshire terrier and the Australian terrier.
These dogs are referred to as simply the Silky terrier in the U.S. but in Australia and most of the rest of the world they are called Australian Silky Terrier. The American Kennel Club specifies that these dogs should have a body that is one-fifth longer than the height at the withers. Their height at the withers should be about 9-10 inches and they should weigh about 8-11 pounds. The Silky terrier is a little larger than the Yorkie from which it was bred.
This little dog has a flat, level back or topline. Newborn Silky terriers are black all over. It is a single-coated dog with hair around 5-6 inches long. Their coat takes on a blue shade as they grow older which can be silver blue, pigeon blue, or slate. The head and legs may take on may take on tan or red markings. The face is surrounded by long hair. Like the Yorkie, owners sometimes tie the hair into a topknot. The coat has a natural part along the spine.
Silky terrier puppies may be small but are not really lapdogs. They are active, energetic little dogs that like to play and go for walks. Like the Yorkie they are quick to alert the family if any stranger comes near. The Silky terrier puppy can be taught to get along with children and other animals such as dogs and cats. Since the terrier breeds were originally used for rodent hunting they should not be kept in households with pet rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
With their long hair these dog’s coats are subject to tangling. Owners need to be prepared to brush and comb their Silky terrier each day. If you want to own one of these dogs be prepared to make a considerable commitment to your new pet. Frequent shampooing of their beautiful coats is required to keep the fur shiny and healthy. The Silky terrier is prone to dry skin and a shampoo containing oatmeal and avocado can help with this problem. You should have your Silky terrier professionally groomed about every three weeks and have his teeth brush when there. These dogs are known for dental problems so brushing is important.
Silky terriers have a weak trachea, which can collapse if a conventional dog collar is used. Always use a harness-type collar on your Silky. Other illnesses known to the breed are epilepsy and luxating patella.
A loud deep voice command will frighten these dogs and a high-pitched voice will cause them to freeze. They love to have their backs scratched and scratching of the hindquarters will cause them to stop in their tracks.
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