Silky Terrier

Overview of Silky Terriers

  • The Silky Terrier is a healthy breed, with a lifespan
    estimated at 12 to 15 years.  Just like people, all small dogs have the
    potential to develop genetic problems, a few of which can be reduced
    through genetic testing of the parent dogs.  
  • Silky Terriers are also rather affectionate, so if you’re looking for a pint-sized pooch who loves to snuggle after a day of playing and exercising, this may be a breed that fits your lifestyle well!
  • Silky Terriers can adapt well to any living situation but need owners who have the time to devote to them—they do not like to be ignored, preferring to play fetch or go on walks with their family.
  • Silky Terrier temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
  • Silky Terrier is a toy dog looks happy and adorable look, really aggressive, bold, playful and curious, actively moving around, and is typical of the terrier breeds exactly.
  • Silky terrier puppy food: You can help prevent bone problems by feeding your puppy a puppy food that is high in calcium as it’s an essential building block to strong bones.
  • Silky Terrier must never be let off-leash except in a safe, enclosed area, and your fences must be secure, for they are amazing climbers and enthusiastic diggers.
  • Silky terriers are also diminutive but are just slightly larger than the Yorkie, usually standing around 10 inches tall and weighing around 8 to 10 pounds.
  • Silky Terriers enjoy having a garden in which to roam and dig, though they can live happily indoors with sufficient company and plenty of toys.
  • Silky Terrier
    Matted coat #7F
    Puppy trim #30 with ¾” comb
    Short trim #4F
    Head, underbody and tail – scissors
    Ears #10

    • Allergies

    After bathing, make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm.It should be bathed regularly to keep the hair in top condition.It takes quite a commitment from its owner, requiring about 15 minutes a day.The coat must be trimmed occasionally, and the hair on the legs from the knees down is often trimmed short.The hair that falls over the eyes is tied up in a topknot so the dog will be able to see more easily.The Silky Terrier is very prone to tangles and mats and needs daily combing and brushing.The Silky Terrier sheds little to no hair and is often a dog good for those with allergies.

    Breed

    The Silky Terrier dog breed exemplifies the expression “small dog, big personality.” Weighing just eight to ten pounds when full grown, they’re tough and confident, perhaps because of their heritage as a hunter of small prey.

    Cancer

    All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible.Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical.Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Silky Terriers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better.Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not.

    Coat

    Shedding is minimal and at a pace similar to the way humans shed their own hair.Shiny, silky hair that is similar to human hair is a trait that draws many to this breed.While daily brushing for up to 3 to 5 minutes is required to keep the coat free of tangles and debris, silky terriers do not shed like most other dog breeds.

    Energy

    Spot & Tango has worked with veterinary nutrition experts to design top quality dog food is established for an overweight Silky Terrier.An obese Silky Terrier specifically needs to include sufficient leafy greens and fruits in their diet to help in digestion and energy levels– Spot and Tango's dog food has both.Devoted to dealing with the tendency for dogs to gain weight today, Spot & Tango just utilizes select carbohydrates on their veterinary nutritionist-approved recipes.Following their dedication to quality ingredients, Spot & Tango prohibits all antibiotics, preservatives and hormones in each on their dishes.Food rich in nutrients and rich vitamins can serve to attend to symptoms that your obese Silky Terrier may be experiencing.Spot & Tango places a high priority on sourcing beef, lamb and turkey from regional New York farmers for each of their dog food recipes.

    Eye Problems

    The Silky Terrier has a lifespan of about 11 to 14 years and is generally fairly healthy though there are issues it can be prone to such as patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, Legg-Perthes, epilepsy, diabetes, tracheal collapse, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease and eye problems.

    Genetic Predispositions

    At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Silky looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Silky Terriers.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.

    Grooming

    It is often easier to start with a puppy, but you can often find great pet silky terriers who need a new home at rescues.It is your responsibility to take care of your silky terrier by providing appropriate exercise, the right food and proper grooming.

    Health

    With Pawlicy Advisor, you get a personalized “Coverage Score” and “Lifetime Price Score” for hundreds of policy variations for your Silky Terrier from top pet health insurance companies, all in one place.

    Infections

    Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, herage, and other factors.Silky Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections—the same ones that all dogs can get—such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

    Obesity

    Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.It is a serious disease that may causeor worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease.Obesity can be a significant health problem in Silky Terriers.She’ll feel better, and so will you!Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats.

    Personality

    Social

    Due to their desire to be social and follow their pet parent around constantly, silky terriers are best suited as indoor pets.They enjoy going for walks and playing outdoors for short periods of time, but their preference is to be indoors with their pet parent and family.

    Temperament

    The breed standard describe the ideal Australian Silky Terrier temperament as keenly alert and active.

    Training

    According to Vince Stead, author of Fun Training Your Silky Terrier Puppy and Dog, separation anxiety or changes in the household can cause a Silky Terrier to have urination accidents.Limit your time away from your dog and have a plan in place if you need to be gone for a long time.

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    Silky terriers are high-energy dogs with silky hair.They prefer to stay busy playing with toys, following their pet parent around the house and yard, staying alert as a watch dog and running around getting plenty of exercise.They adapt well to any living condition and cope well in apartments.Silky terriers stand up to 10 inches tall at full maturity and weigh up to 10 pounds.

    Are Silky Terriers good with children?

    A Silky Terrier is typically not the best dog for people who have small children. They tend to become stressed with the activity level of small children. Silkies thrive in an environment where the children are more mature or live primarily with adults.

    Are Silky Terriers Good With Kids?

    Although their rambunctious personality and loving demeanor work great with children, their fragile size may be too risky for young children.That’s why many professionals recommend waiting to have a Silky in a household until the children are old enough to understand how they are should handle their pet.

    Are Silky Terriers Hypoallergenic?

    The Silky Terrier Australian dog sheds little hair, drops little dander, and doesn’t slobber or drool — making them ideal hypoallergenic dogs.

    Are These Dogs Good for Families? ??

    Silky Terriers make excellent family pets for active and attentive families.They are affectionate and crave attention all the time, so they do best in homes where there is always someone around to keep them company.They can become sad if they feel neglected, and they can turn to destructive behavior as well, so company is most important to them.

    Are They Child-Friendly?

    The Silky Terrier is a great family dog and does well with kids especially if raised together.However, Silky Terriers have a strong personality so families with kids over 10 are best.

    Did You Know?

    The Silky Terrier originated in Australia in the early 1900s.Although a mix of terriers was used, imported Yorkshire Terriers and native Australian Terriers were two of the main dog breeds used to establish the Silky Terrier, which is why they look similar.

    Do Silky Terriers Have Hair or Fur?

    If you want to be scientific — they’re one and the same.

    Do Silky Terriers Shed?

    These pooches — like every single canine on the planet — shed hair.

    Do they require a lot of grooming?

    Silky Terrier’s do require routine grooming. As a young dog, it is imperative that you get the dog used to regular grooming. A full brush out 2 times a week is best with baths every 1 to 2 weeks. Never brush a dry coat, always lightly mist with a hydrating spray. If the Silky Terrier is kept in a shorter trim, weekly brush outs are still preferred.Routine baths ranging between 1 to 4 weeks is desirable. This is a breed that requires their caring owner to stay on top of routine maintenance.

    Does the Silky Terrier shed or cause allergies?

    Silky Terriers do not shed. Frequent baths and brush outs also help control dander. Because of this, the Silky Terrier tends to cause less severe reactions in people who suffer from allergies to dogs. However, before bringing a Silky Terrier into your home if you have allergies, you should spend some time around the breed to make sure you do not have a reaction.

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    Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

    Silky Terriers enjoy their attention and praise, so they often don’t do well with fur-siblings who may take some of that attention away from them.They’re best suited for homes without other dogs, and you should also be careful when going on walks or when meeting other dogs, as they can quickly become aggressive despite their small size.

    Exercise ??

    Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Silky Terrier is the amount of exercise they require every day.You need to set aside around an hour and a half on a daily basis for walks.The proper amount of exercise is imperative for these dogs to maintain proper health, so if you aren’t able to supply this amount of exercise time, you should rethink committing to this breed.

    Food & Diet Requirements ??

    Your Silky Terrier will have abundant energy, but given their size, they are still dainty eaters.You can expect to feed your pooch between a half cup and three-quarters of a cup of dry food a day.This should be split into two meals to help keep their energy levels stable throughout exercise and play.

    Grooming ??

    Grooming your Silky Terrier will be fairly time-intensive.They have fine hair that is prone to matting, so they will need to be brushed on a daily basis or every other day with a pin or slicker brush.They will also need to be bathed about once a month.

    Health and Conditions ??

    Silky Terriers don’t inherit many health conditions, and, thankfully, those that are more common in this breed are usually not life-threatening.You should still keep the below issues in mind in case you notice any symptoms, and, of course, yearly vet checkups are recommended to make sure your pooch is in the best shape and health possible.

    How active is the Silky Terrier?

    Silkies are well suited to apartment living due to their size but their level of barking means there could be problems with neighbors and noise regulations.It will need training to control its barking.It is a slightly active dog so a yard is not a requirement as long as its gets out a couple of times a day for a good walk.That along with its indoor play time should be enough to for its needs in terms of health.It will also ensure it behaves better, as when a dog is under exercised it can get destructive and difficult.

    How Big Is a Silky Terrier?

    The Silky Terrier size is between 9 and 10 inches.

    How is the Silky Terrier with children and other animals?

    It can be good with children with socialization but is best and safer with older children (over 10) who know not to be too rough, not to tease or startle it and who won’t cause it stress or fear.It can be playful and affectionate when it is happy but without socialization and with younger children it could even react with snapping.

    How much do Silky Terrier puppies cost?

    The cost to buy a Silky Terrier varies greatly and depends on many factors such as the breeders’ location, reputation, litter size, lineage of the puppy, breed popularity (supply and demand), training, socialization efforts, breed lines and much more.Review how much Silky Terrier puppies for sale sell for below.

    How much is pet insurance for a Silky Terrier puppy?

    Your personalized price will be lower or higher depending on the age of your Silky Terrier, as well as your zip code, your financial standing, and the kind of coverage you need.

    Is pet insurance worth it for a Silky Terrier?

    As a pure breed, a Silky Terrier is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed breed dogs.Can you pay for an unexpected $5,000 veterinary bill out-of-pocket? 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t, and if this sounds like you, pet insurance is a great tool to hedge financial risk and dog health costs.Like renters insurance, it’s something you have but hope not to use – but if an unexpected accident or illness does strike you’ll be reimbursed 70% to 90% of the vet bill (depending on your plan).Getting dog insurance will help ensure that your Silky Terrier will get the care they need at any stage of their life.

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    Training ??

    These dogs are fairly intelligent and eager to please, so you likely won’t have much of an issue with training.They will pick up on commands with ease, and they’ll learn the rules of your house quickly.They are, therefore, suitable for new owners who are willing to put some time into training and establishing obedience.

    What can I expect to pay for a puppy?

    Median Price: $0.00
    Average Price: $0.00
    Top Quality: $0.00 to $0.

    What if I have a show dog?

    Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. A major difference is the method of grooming that is required and the conditioning for the show ring.It is quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Silky terrier Club of America, www.silkyterrierclubofamerica.org.

    What is a common problem in the Silky Terrier?

    One of the most common problems with the Silky Terrier is hypoglycemia. It is more common in puppies and smaller Silkies. An adult Silky may develop hypoglycemia, although it is much rarer.Hypoglycemia is a fast drop in blood sugar levels. Just about every element of a puppy’s body depends on the proper balance of sugar in the bloodstream.When Hypoglycemia develops, there is only a small window of time to treat the puppy.Several factors can bring this on such as stress, lack of nutrients, and puppies who are born much smaller than average. Some symptoms include drowsiness, shaking, fainting, confused behavior, seizures, weakness, depression, muscle weakness and tremors, and a drop in body temperature. If any of these symptoms appear, your Silky could be in imminent danger within minutes.All small puppies should be watched very closely. If symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is required. It is a good idea to talk with your veterinarian about ways to prevent hypoglycemia when you take your puppy for a wellness check-up after purchasing your puppy.

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    What Makes Them Aggressive?

    Silky Terriers are not generally aggressive ones.However, because of their territorial nature, they can become aggressive towards other dogs if they’are not properly socialized when a puppy.

    What will training look like?

    This dog is moderately easy to train for people who have experience as it is intelligent and quick to learn when it is willing.It does have a stubborn independent side though so may try to challenge you.Use praise and treats to motivate and reward it and be sure to be firm and consistent about it.Small dogs tend to get away with things they should not, because owners see them as babies or are not as strict with them because it is hard work.These dogs develop small dog syndrome and then become very difficult to live with.Housebreaking too will be hard as small dogs can sneak away and do their business without you noticing.It can then become a bad habit that you are finding harder to break.

    What’s the Price of Silky Terrier Puppies?

    Silky Terriers are a fairly common breed in America, so you likely won’t have too much of a problem finding a breeder.You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,250 for your Silky Terrier puppy depending on availability, pedigree, and the breeder.

    What’s the Silky Terrier Weight?

    A typical Australian Silky Terrier weight is around 10 pounds.

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    History of Silky Terriers

  • In 1954 photos of the dog were in the news and its popularity spread further in the US.
  • In 1955 the breed was officially named the Australian silky terrier.
  • In 1955, this dog breed’s name in Australia was changed from the Sydney Silky Terrier to the Australian Silky Terrier.
  • In 1958 it was recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council.