Physical attributes
- Height: ranges from 23cm / 9 inches up to 25cm / 10 inches.
- Weight: ranges from 4kg / 8lbs up to 5kg / 11lbs.
- Typical fur colours: blue & tan.
- Eye colour: brown.
- Size category: small.
Health attributes
- Common health problems: patellar luxation, eye problems and epilepsy.
- Usual longevity: 12 to 15 years.
- Hypoallergenic? Yes.
Silky Terrier breed behavioural traits
- Character traits of a Silky Terrier: The Silky Terrier usually exhibits character traits that include friendly, quick, alert and joyful.
- Silky Terrier obey scale: In percentage terms, the Silky Terrier typically scores around 70% on the obey scale.
- Trick repetitions required: In terms of how many times the Silky Terrier needs to learn new tricks, expect between 16 and 25 repetitions before they pick things up.
- Intelligence category: The Silky Terrier sites in the above average category when it comes to intelligence.
- Suitability for children: If you have kids, it’s worth knowing that the Silky Terrier is moderately suitable for children.
Silky Terrier: A Rich Background and Fascinating History
The adorable Silky Terrier might be small enough to fit in the toy dog category, but don’t let their diminutive size fool you. These spunky little dogs pack quite a punch when it comes to both personality and capabilities. Originally bred in Australia during the early 1900s, these pint-sized pooches have proven themselves to be far more than just lap dogs.
Down Under, these clever canines were developed by crossing Australian Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers, resulting in a breed that’s both beautiful and brainy. While they’re classified as toy dogs today, Silky Terriers were actually created to be working dogs, and they’ve consistently shown above-average capabilities in various tasks. Their original purpose wasn’t just to look pretty – these determined little dogs were bred to hunt rodents and small prey, making them valuable allies in controlling pests around homes and farms.
What’s particularly interesting about the Silky Terrier’s background is how they’ve managed to maintain their working dog instincts while adapting to modern life as beloved family companions. Their silky, human-hair-like coat might make them look like fashion models of the dog world, but they’re actually tough cookies with a strong work ethic. In fact, many Silky owners are surprised to discover their pet’s natural tendency to chase small creatures – a throwback to their rodent-hunting days in Australia.
The breed’s journey from Australian working terrier to beloved global companion hasn’t diminished their sharp minds or capable nature. Today’s Silky Terriers still display the same intelligence and determination that made them such effective working dogs in their early days. They’re living proof that good things really do come in small packages, combining the convenience of a toy breed with the capable nature of a working dog.
The Evolution of Australia’s Sophisticated Terrier
During World War II, American servicemen stationed in Australia fell in love with these charming dogs and helped introduce them to the United States. Since then, they’ve earned their place as cherished pets worldwide, though they’ve never lost that distinctive Aussie spirit that makes them such unique and capable companions. Despite their refined appearance, they’re still every bit the alert, intelligent working dog their ancestors were bred to be.
Typical costs for buying and owning a Silky Terrier
- Typical purchase price: £354. (Ranges from £198 to £395).
- Expected lifetime cost: £8,840.
- Food costs per year: £378.