Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier, also called the Sidney Terrier, is a fine-boned, moderately low-set, long-haired terrier. It is compact but lightly built. It has erect, v-shaped ears and a docked tail. (Docking is illegal in some European Countries.) The head is flat and wide between the ears, with a shallow stop. The nose is black and the eyes are round and dark with a piercing expression.
The Silky Terrier who is also known as the Australian Silky Terrier has been bred as a lively, energetic companion. They are confident, entertaining little dogs who have a charm all their own. They are a terrier true to form. A one-family dog, they are very obedient and very adept pupils. Easily trained and scrupulously clean, Silky Terriers’ loyalty will make them enjoyable and entertaining companions. They will hunt vermin if given the chance, but are very affectionate toward their owners. They are very keen, intelligent and somewhat yippy.
The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the early 1900s and is a blend of the Autralian and Yorkshire Terriers. Originally, the breed was known as the Sydney Silky Terrier and, in 1955, the official name became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed is known in North America as the Silky Terrier. The Silky, known as a “toy terrier”, was bred to be a family companion and he is generally good with children and likes being with other pets. The Silky is alert, friendly, inquisitive and responsive. He is neither as active as a Terrier nor as needing of care as many of the Toy breeds.
Appearance
Australian Silkies are compact and moderately low set to the ground. They have a keen and alert appearance, further conveyed by their upright ears and watchful expression. The single coat is long, soft and as the name implies, silky. Puppies are born black and tan, changing to a silver and tan with blue evident along the spine as the dog ages. Some dogs will not change colour. Silkies stand around 9 inches (about 22.5 cms) at the wither.
Extremely brave and assertive
Full of energy, the Australian Silky Terrier isn’t your typical lap dog and doesn’t like to be fussed over. Rather, they prefer to be treated as an equal. If exercised daily, this breed is suitable for unit living but is also ideally suited to suburban family life, usually devoting itself to one particular family member (usually the person who feeds it). Their small size makes them great companions for children, they are the perfect size for any backyard and are just right for those family outings in the car.
