The Australian Toy Breed, Silky Terrier

by Guest Author

by Denise Barkley

The Australia-developed Silky Terrier is a small dog that is gaining high acclaim among dog lovers around the world. Silky Terrier is what the Americans call it. The Australians and the rest of the world, however, prefer to call it Australian Silky Terrier or Sidney Terrier.

This dog is well-known for being affectionate, highly intelligent, fearless and alert. Its being small is often underestimated as being a lapdog but the Silky Terrier is too energetic to become one. Additionally, because of its alertness and courage, the Silky Terrier makes a good watchdog.

The Silky Terrier is a very enthusiastic dog and you can usually spot it doing what it loves most: digging. This breed is a curious creature and has a knack for learning new things. It loves to play and run around a small area and it is always in a happy disposition.

Training sessions with this dog are very easy and interesting since it loves to learn and wants the lessons straightforward. This dog is very docile, quick to learn and very keen in acquiring new knowledge. In an apartment dwelling, this dog can still strive happily as it is mostly active indoors and that it only needs daily walks as an outdoor exercise.

Silky Terriers' bodies are well-structured, fairly low to the ground and stands only 9 to 10 inches. Their ears are interestingly erect and v-shaped and generally, most Silky Terriers have docked tails. They are also notable for their black nose and piercing round dark eyes.

The 5 to 6 inches long coat of the Silky Terrier is placed finely and silkily all over its body. It is parted at the center on its back and drapes down almost reaching the floor. The Silky Terrier's coat is single-coated, sheds minimally and comes in combinations of colors such as blue and fire red and blue with tan markings; and upon birth, this breed comes out black.

Grooming the Silky Terrier takes commitment as it needs at least 15 minutes of brushing or combing daily. Bathing and trimming its coat regularly keeps it healthy and beautiful. Most Silky Terriers have topknots atop their heads so that hairs are kept from falling over their eyes.

The development of the Silky was contributed by other terriers and they are the Skye, Cairn, Yorkshire and Australian terrier. This breed reached the US because some US servicemen from Australia during WWII brought them over to the US. In 1959, the Silky became an official breed in the AKC and in 1962, its first breed standard had been established.

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