Silky Terrier
Paw Prints 🐾
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Find Silky Terrier BreedersGet to Know Silky Terriers
- Australian Roots, American Recognition: Despite their dainty appearance, Silky Terriers originated in Australia in the late 1800s, where they were bred by crossing Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers. The goal was to create a small, elegant dog with a silky coat and a lively personality. They were later refined and popularized in the United States.
- They’re Hunters: Silky Terriers may look like lap dogs, but they were originally bred to hunt rodents and snakes. Their feisty nature, strong prey drive, and surprising bravery for their size make them excellent little hunters.
- Silky, Not Fluffy: Their name says it all—the Silky Terrier's coat is fine, glossy, and smooth, more similar in texture to human hair than fur. Unlike some terriers, their coat grows continuously and doesn’t shed much, which means they need regular grooming and trimming.
- Big Dog Attitude: These tiny dogs pack a bold, confident personality. They often think they’re much bigger than they actually are and won’t hesitate to challenge dogs several times their size. Silky Terriers are known for being smart, sassy, and loyal.
- They Love to Talk: Silky Terriers are quite vocal—they like to bark at everything from strangers to squirrels. While this makes them excellent watchdogs, it also means they can be a bit noisy if not trained early.
Breed History
The Silky Terrier, also known as the Australian Silky Terrier, was developed in Australia in the late 19th century by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers. The goal was to create a small companion dog with the elegance and silky coat of the Yorkshire Terrier and the spirited personality of the Australian Terrier. Originally bred to hunt and eliminate small vermin, Silky Terriers quickly became popular as household pets due to their charming looks and lively temperament. They were officially recognized as a distinct breed in Australia in the early 1900s and later gained recognition in the United States, where they continue to be cherished for their affectionate nature and bold attitude.
Personality and Behaviour
- Lively: Silky Terriers are energetic and spirited, always on the go and eager to be involved in whatever’s happening around them. They thrive on playtime and mental stimulation.
- Confident: Despite their small size, Silkies carry themselves with a bold, fearless attitude. They aren't easily intimidated and often take the lead in new situations.
- Affectionate: These dogs are very people-oriented and love being close to their families. They enjoy cuddling, following their owners around, and being the center of attention.
Care
- Exercise: Silky Terriers may be small, but they have plenty of energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime in a secure yard, or games of fetch indoors can help burn off their energy. They also enjoy mental challenges like puzzle toys or basic agility training. Without enough activity, they may become bored and develop unwanted behaviors like barking or chewing.
- Grooming: The Silky Terrier’s long, fine coat requires consistent care to stay looking its best. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats, especially around the ears, neck, and legs. Regular baths and occasional trimming help keep their coat clean and neat. Since their hair grows continuously, many owners choose professional grooming every few weeks. Also, routine care like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene should be part of their grooming routine.
- Training & Socialization: Silkies are intelligent and eager to learn, making them quite trainable with the right approach. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. Early training is important to curb any stubborn or territorial tendencies. Socialization from a young age helps them feel comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. Without proper training and social exposure, their boldness can turn into bossiness or excessive barking.
Silky Terrier Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Silky Terrier Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Silky Terrier Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Silky Terrier is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Silky Terrier
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Silky Terrier puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Silky Terrier, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Silky Terrier is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
