A litter of four Silky Terrier pups at 6 weeks of age. Pups are born black with tan markings and go through many color changes before adulthood. Ears generally go erect at 8-12 weeks of age.
A Silky really ‘cutting’ threw the poles during an Agility Trial. They love the fast-paced event and challenge—but… they also enjoy frus- trating their ‘trainers.’
erwise not be happy—and neither will you. Silkys are very active and do very well in Agility or fast-paced events. A bit of Basic Obedience is always nec- essary, but it really is too structured for the Silky Terrier personality. A very young puppy is not the best in homes with very small children or the very elderly. An adult may work better in these situations, if properly social- ized at young age. Men generally en- joy a Silky as they are not a “foo foo” dog but a “real” dog and, given the op- portunity, they will prove it daily. HISTORY OF THE SILKY TERRIER The Silky Terrier breed originated in Australia. In breeding the Australian Terrier, the breeders were occasion- ally having “soft coated” pups in their litters. Some decided that they liked this look and interbred with York- shire Terriers to increase the coat factor for single-coated pups with the same black and tan markings. What evolved is a breed between the Aus- tralian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier in size and coat type. The first Silky Terriers went by several names in the different states within Austra- lia. Some were called the Australian Silky Terrier while other areas called them the Sydney Silky Terrier. As the breed became more stable and bred true to type, a dog of approximately 10 inches at the shoulder, blue and tan in color, with a silky, single-haired coat (resembling an Australian Terrier body more than a Yorkshire Terrier) evolved. A Silky is longer in body than
AT HOME Silkys are very energetic and active; definitely need a secure, fenced yard. It is never advisable to leave your Silky for long times in the “fenced yard” as they will become bored and “look” to be with their people. They can be escape artists. A Silky may live in an apart- ment, but will need plenty of walks and “could” be a barking problem as they will “alert” to noises they hear outside. ON LEASH ALWAYS! Silkys are a “single-coated” breed (meaning no undercoat). Groom- ing is minimal, but a daily brushing is required to keep mats and tangles from forming. A weekly bath (or when needed) followed with a leave-in con- ditioner is good. A little tidy upkeep on the ears, feet, and tail is really all that is needed. MEDICAL CONDITIONS Overall, Silkys are very healthy dogs, but any of the below may appear occasionally:
A Silky at its most glamorous and posing for the camera. Silkys do love having their photo taken, as it means: ‘I am the center of attention.’ height at the shoulders, has a strong wedge-shaped head, erect ears sit- ting on top of the head, a strong set of teeth, and strength of muscle to do the job of keeping the home clear of varmints. The breed is a free spirit with free movement and a friendly nature. There is still some confusion today as to the name of the Silky Ter- rier. ONLY in the United States is the breed known as the “Silky Terrier” by AKC. In all other countries it is known as the Australian Silky Ter- rier and is even in the Terrier Group in many countries. In 1959, AKC was about to recognize both the Austra- lian Terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier. AKC made the decision to drop “Australian” from the Silky Terrier and placed the Australian Terrier in the Terrier Group while the Silky Terrier was placed in the Toy Group. Nonetheless, a Silky is a Terrier, and never doubt this when making the decision to own one. T op N otch T oys , J une 2022 • 53
• Cataracts • Epilepsy • Diabetes • Pancreatic Disease • Legg-Perthes Disease • Luxating Patellas • Cancer and Non-Cancerous Tumors
INTERESTING FIDO FACTS A Silky is said to never forget a face, and I have found this to be very true. Housebreaking can be a challenge, as you must be very consistent in your training. A Silky must be an integral part of your “family” or they will oth-
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