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.
When it comes to training, this dog does not like to beat around the bush as it wants the training straightforward. It is highly biddable, quick and very eager to learn making each training a fast one and interesting. This dog can happily strive in an apartment living because it can satisfyingly get active indoors with only a few minutes of daily walks around the neighborhood.
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 bodies of the Silky Terriers are beautifully wrapped with 5 to 6 inches of long, fine, and silky soft hair. It is parted at the center on its back and drapes smoothly at the sides which almost reaches the floor. The hair of the Silky has no undercoat, sheds very little and often comes in combinations of blue and fire red, blue and tan markings, and any combinations of the blue shade.
To keep the Silky's hair at its best, regular grooming is needed such as daily brushing or combing and regular baths. Its coat should also be trimmed regularly in order to keep it healthy and neat. Most Silky Terriers have hair on top of their heads that covers the eyes so it is best to tie this in a topknot.
The development of the Silky Terrier was contributed by some other terrier breeds and these are believed to be the Skye, Cairn, Yorkshire and Australian terriers. It was the American servicemen, who were stationed in Australia during WWII, who brought the Silky Terrier to the United States. In 1959, this breed became an official member of the American Kennel Club and in 1962, its first breed standard had been created.