The Australian Silky Terrier is a mirror image of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier, that immensely contributed to its development. However, the Yorkshire Terrier appears daintier and smaller than the Silky Terrier.
They could be small, but do not mistake them for delicate, cuddly pets. This is a high-spirited dog wooing all with its feisty and curious demeanor. They appear as cute as a button when they look intently through their small, almond eyes, with the v ears standing erect on top of their head. At present, it is indeed a sensation worldwide, and in North America, it is called just Silky Terrier minus the Australian.
If on the lookout for a watchdog, then this is not your pick, as they display over-friendliness when interacting with strangers, barking in joy. They would also be your kid’s perfect playmate, though their scrappy nature makes them better suited for older kids.
Originated in Australia by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Australian Terrier
Breed standard developed by the Australian Silky Fanciers in New South Wales and Sydney
A second breed standard came up in Victoria, though there was a disparity between the two
Another standard was produced when both the camps reached a certain conclusion
Restrictions were put on crossbreeding, which was also discouraged in Australia
They were brought to the United States by American servicemen stationed in Australia
Their popularity in the United States increased
Its name changed from the Sydney Silky Terrier to the Australian Silky Terrier
Gained recognition by the Australian Kennel Council, placed in the Toy Group
Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC)
They have high energy levels and would not just be contented with sitting on your lap and enjoying cuddles. Daily walks teamed with sufficient playtime outdoors and indoors would help keep them happy and satisfied.
Their glossy, straight, and silky coat need brushing twice or thrice a week using a soft-bristled or pin brush. To help eliminate the mats and tangles that could easily form in their long, flowing coat, use a metal comb with a long tooth. B
Bathe them using a vet-approved dog shampoo once in four or six weeks or on occasions when it gets messy. Trimming the Australian Silky Terrier’s nails once a month and cleaning their eyes and ears are the other hygiene measures one needs to adopt.
The Australian Silky Terrier has a sensitive stomach, so care must be taken while selecting their diet. Do add proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients in the homemade food, or even ensure that the readymade ones you choose for your dog have all of them. While going for the store-bought varieties, Blue Buffalo Wilderness and Taste of the Wild would be the preferred option.
Training the Silky Terrier is a cakewalk. Be calm and patient, reward it for every milestone it meets, and see how brilliantly your pet learns all that you have taught them. As per Dogs 101’s survey, the Silky Terrier is among the top 20 quick-learning breeds.
So, now you know that you would need to be firm and tactful, and everything else would fall in place.
Firstly, train it on socialization so that it knows how to distinguish the good from the bad and would not bark at every stranger at its door. Obedience training would eventually help eliminate streaks of stubbornness and yappiness that it is likely to display at times.
