Australian Silky Terrier breed guide.
Breed guide overview
About Australian Silky Terrier
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Australian Silky Terrier breed
The Australian Silky Terrier, often called the Silky Terrier, is a small and elegant toy breed with roots in Australia. Originally known as the Sydney Silky Terrier due to their popularity in Sydney, this delightful breed was developed by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Australian Terrier to create a charming and affectionate companion.
Despite their terrier-like name, the Australian Silky Terrier is primarily a companion breed, renowned for its lively personality and devoted nature. Their most distinctive feature is their silky, flowing coat, which sets them apart and gives them their name.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Australian Silky Terriers are compact in size, standing about 23 cm tall for both males and females and typically weighing between 3.5 to 4.5 kg. Their small size and manageable weight make them ideal for apartment living or homes with limited space.
These elegant dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, providing many years of companionship when properly cared for. With their affectionate temperament, striking appearance, and lively nature, Australian Silky Terriers remain a beloved breed for those seeking a small, energetic, and loyal pet.
What is the temperament of Australian Silky Terriers like?
Australian Silky Terriers are renowned for their lively, friendly, and affectionate temperament, making them wonderful companions. Despite their small size, they are confident and courageous, traits inherited from their terrier lineage. They are highly intelligent and alert, which not only makes them responsive to training but also excellent watchdogs.
Silkies are loyal to their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their affectionate nature means they thrive on human companionship and enjoy being actively involved in family life. While they are generally good with children and other pets, early socialisation is important to ensure they are well-mannered and adaptable in various situations. Supervision and gentle introductions are recommended when interacting with young children or unfamiliar animals.
This breed’s intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, but consistent training and positive reinforcement are essential to bring out their best behaviour. Their terrier roots may give them a touch of independence, but with early training, they can develop into well-behaved and sociable companions.
Overall, Australian Silky Terriers combine their playful energy, devotion to family, and courageous nature, making them an ideal choice for individuals or families seeking a small yet spirited pet.
"Donny is the best bud you’ll ever meet. He loves to go on long walks and play, but is just as content sleeping all day and being a lazy loaf. He thinks he’s a person, trying to sit at the table and help out when cooking dinner."
Donny's owner, Yasmina from London
"Paris is very friendly, sociable and affectionate. She is very intelligent and active, she is an excellent companion."
Paris' owner, Carolina from London
How much exercise do Australian Silky Terriers need?
Australian Silky Terriers are moderately active dogs that thrive on about 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. Their small size makes them well-suited for walks, playtime, and interactive activities that not only keep them physically fit but also provide mental stimulation. These lively little dogs enjoy games like fetch or chasing toys, and they adapt well to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they get their daily dose of activity.
Exercise Tips for Adults:
- Provide a mix of walks and play sessions to meet their physical and mental needs.
- Avoid activities that involve excessive jumping or rough play, as these could strain their small joints.
- Incorporate interactive toys or training games to keep them engaged and prevent boredom, which can lead to unwanted behaviours.
Exercise for Puppies:
For Australian Silky Terrier puppies, exercise should be limited to shorter, controlled play sessions to protect their developing bones and joints.
- As a general guideline, a few 5- to 10-minute play sessions throughout the day are sufficient for young puppies.
- Gradually increase the duration and intensity of their exercise as they grow, ensuring their joints are strong enough to handle more activity.
Most Australian Silky Terriers can handle full adult levels of exercise by the time they reach 12 months old, but it’s always best to consult your vet for recommendations tailored to your dog’s specific age and development.
With the right balance of physical activity and mental engagement, Australian Silky Terriers will stay happy, healthy, and well-behaved companions.
Do Australian Silky Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Australian Silky Terriers have a long, fine, and silky coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its sleek appearance and prevent tangles. While their coat is one of their most striking features, it does demand consistent care to keep it in good condition.
Grooming Routine:
- Daily Brushing: Brushing their coat daily with a soft-bristle or pin brush is recommended to prevent matting and tangles. Focus on areas prone to knotting, such as behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the tail.
- Bathing: Bathe your Silky Terrier as needed, typically every 4 to 6 weeks or when they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo to keep their coat healthy and shiny without stripping its natural oils.
- Trimming: Regular trims, especially around the feet, ears, and tail, can help maintain a tidy appearance. Some owners prefer to keep their coat slightly shorter for easier maintenance.
- Professional Grooming: Consider taking your Silky Terrier to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for more comprehensive care, including trims and coat shaping.
Additional Grooming Needs:
- Face Cleaning: Clean around their eyes and muzzle regularly to prevent dirt or debris buildup.
- Dental Care: Brush their teeth with a dog-specific toothpaste at least a few times a week to maintain oral health.
- Nail Trimming: Check their nails regularly and trim them as needed to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort.
With consistent grooming, Australian Silky Terriers can maintain their elegant appearance and stay comfortable and healthy. Their grooming needs are moderate but essential for their overall well-being.
Are Australian Silky Terriers easy to train?
Australian Silky Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with the right approach. However, they can also have a stubborn streak, a trait often seen in terrier breeds. Training them requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods to bring out their best behaviour.
Training Tips for Australian Silky Terriers:
- Start Early: Begin training and socialisation as soon as possible. Early exposure to various environments, people, and other animals will help them grow into confident, well-mannered companions.
- Focus on Basic Commands: Teach essential commands like sit, stay, and recall early on to establish a solid foundation for future training.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime. Avoid harsh methods, as these can make them resistant to training.
- Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Australian Silky Terriers have short attention spans, so limit training sessions to 5-10 minutes and make them engaging to hold their interest.
- Be Consistent: Set clear rules and boundaries and stick to them. Consistency helps reinforce desired behaviours and prevents confusion.
Socialisation:
Socialisation is crucial to prevent unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or aloofness with strangers. Introduce them to new situations, sounds, and experiences in a positive and controlled way to help them adapt well to their environment.
Challenges:
Their intelligence and independence can occasionally lead to stubbornness, but with patience and creative training techniques, they are capable of learning and excelling in obedience tasks. They also enjoy mental stimulation, so incorporating games or agility training can keep them engaged.
With the right training approach and plenty of encouragement, Australian Silky Terriers can become well-behaved, loyal, and loving companions.
What Do Australian Silky Terriers Eat?
Australian Silky Terriers require a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their age, size, and activity level. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining their health, energy, and silky coat.
Feeding Puppies:
- Provide a high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds, which supports their growth and development.
- Feed puppies 3–4 meals per day until they are around 6 months old, then reduce to twice daily.
- Transition to adult food at about 12 months of age, or as advised by your veterinarian.
Feeding Adults:
- Adult Australian Silky Terriers should eat small breed-specific dog food, as these formulas cater to their higher metabolism and nutrient requirements.
- Divide their daily food intake into two meals to help with digestion and maintain energy levels.
- Monitor portion sizes to prevent overeating, as small breeds can be prone to weight gain.
General Tips:
- Always provide fresh, clean water.
- Treats should account for no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- Consult your veterinarian for personalised feeding recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.
Are Australian Silky Terriers Healthy?
Australian Silky Terriers are generally healthy and resilient dogs, but like all breeds, they may be predisposed to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary care and early detection are key to managing these potential issues.
Common Health Concerns in Australian Silky Terriers:
Bones and Joints:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A condition that affects the blood supply to the femur, leading to pain and lameness in the hip joint.
- Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position, causing discomfort or limping.
Dental Health:
- Periodontal Disease: Build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to inflammation, infection, and tooth loss. Regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings can help prevent this.
Hormonal Disorders:
- Cushing’s Disease: A condition where the adrenal gland produces excessive steroid hormones, which can cause symptoms like increased thirst, appetite, and weight gain.
Respiratory Health:
- Tracheal Collapse: Weakening of the cartilage in the windpipe can cause a narrowing of the airway, often presenting as a honking cough.
Vet top tip
Australian Silky Terriers are prone to dental issues like periodontal disease, so maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brush their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste at least a few times a week, and provide dental chews or toys to help reduce plaque buildup. Regular dental check-ups with your vet can prevent long-term problems and keep their teeth healthy and strong.
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