Silky Terrier Puppies Have a Lot of Heart in A Small Package
The Silky Terrier is a delightful, spirited breed that combines the best of two worlds: the elegance of a toy dog with the plucky personality of a true terrier. Originally bred in Australia as a companion and small hunter, the Silky Terrier is well-known for its long, glossy coat and keen, lively demeanor. Standing around nine to ten inches tall and weighing eight to ten pounds, these compact dogs are packed with personality. Despite their small size, Silkies are brimming with energy, confidence, and curiosity. They enjoy staying active and thrive when given opportunities to play, explore, and interact with their people. Their beautiful coat, which comes in shades of tan and blue, requires regular grooming to maintain its signature sheen and softness. This loyal breed is incredibly devoted to its family, forming strong bonds and often displaying a playful sense of humor. Silky Terriers are intelligent and trainable, making them a wonderful choice for families, singles, or seniors alike. At Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, we’re thrilled to introduce you to this unique breed, eager to bring joy, energy, and love into your life!
History
The Silky Terrier’s origins trace back to Australia in the early 20th century, where breeders sought to create a small, elegant, yet spirited companion dog. By crossing the native Australian Terrier with the Yorkshire Terrier, they developed a breed that inherited the best qualities of both: the Australian’s rugged, bold nature and the Yorkshire’s luxurious, silky coat. Originally called the Sydney Silky, this breed was prized not only for its beauty but also for its plucky, alert temperament. Over time, it gained popularity beyond Australia, becoming known simply as the Silky Terrier and adored worldwide for its charm and personality.
Temperament
As mentioned above, the Silky Terrier retains all of the general terrier personality, meaning they’re friendly, intelligent, spirited and tenacious. Despite their size, they do not easily back down from a fight and they will be quick to sound the alarm if they sense an intruder, which makes them very good guard dogs. Though they have a fierce independent streak, Silky Terriers are happiest when they are part of their family pack and may even follow you from room to room so they don’t miss out on any of the action! They require early socialization in order to acclimate to other pets and to children. They don’t tolerate a lot of poking and prodding so may not do well around younger children.
Environment
Though their small size may make it seem like Silky Terriers are the perfect choice for apartment living, their excess energy and tendency to bark a lot might make that a bit of a challenge. They can still adapt, however, as long as you provide them with enough regular exercise to help burn off excess energy and avoid destructive behavior. Though they can be independent, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time as they prefer the company of their family.
Exercise
The Silky Terrier, though small in size, is an energetic and active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. A brisk daily walk, combined with playtime, helps burn off excess energy. Interactive games like fetch or agility exercises are excellent for mental stimulation and physical activity. While they are small enough for apartment living, it’s important to provide them with enough activity to prevent boredom and potential mischief. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day to keep your Silky Terrier fit and content.
Grooming
The Silky Terrier has a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its shiny, healthy appearance. It will require regular brushing at least twice a week to avoid matting and may require professional grooming as well. You should use a gentle brush and a fine tooth comb to remove any mats without causing any distress. Additionally, regular baths using a gentle dog shampoo will keep their coat clean and soft. Don’t forget routine care for their nails, ears, and teeth to ensure overall well-being.
