Silky Terrier
AlertFriendlyJoyful
Australia · 13–15 years
About the Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is an elegant, spirited toy breed developed in Australia by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers. Originally called the Sydney Silky, this breed combines the Yorkie's glamorous silky coat with the Australian Terrier's sturdiness and working terrier spirit. Silky Terriers are more robust and terrier-like than their Yorkie cousins — they are true terriers in a small, glamorous package. Their long, fine, silky coat parts down the center and flows along the body, giving them a polished appearance. They are alert, active, and surprisingly tough little dogs.
Breed stats
- Height
- 9–10 in
- Weight
- 10–11 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Long, fine, glossy, silky, straight
- Origin
- Australia
Coat colors
- Blue and Tan
- Gray and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–0.75 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
Not every Silky Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Silky Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Silky Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers look similar but are distinct breeds. Silky Terriers are slightly larger (10-11 lbs vs 4-7 lbs) and sturdier than Yorkies. Their coat, while silky, is slightly coarser and does not grow as long as a Yorkie's floor-length show coat. Temperamentally, Silky Terriers retain more working terrier characteristics — they are more athletic, have higher prey drive, and are more independent than Yorkies, which have been bred primarily as companions. Silky Terriers were developed in Australia; Yorkies in England. Both are excellent apartment dogs but Silkies need slightly more exercise.
- Silky Terriers can be vocal dogs. They are alert watchdogs that bark to notify you of visitors, unusual sounds, and activity outside. Their bark is sharp and persistent, which can be bothersome in apartments. However, they are not as excessively vocal as some terrier breeds. Consistent training from puppyhood, teaching a 'quiet' command, and providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation significantly reduce unnecessary barking. Bored or under-exercised Silky Terriers bark significantly more than those kept active and engaged. With proper management, their barking is controllable.
- Silky Terriers require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coat. Brushing every day or two prevents tangles and mats in their long, fine hair. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks keeps the coat in good condition. Many pet owners keep their Silky in a shorter trim to reduce daily maintenance. Their coat is similar to human hair — it sheds very little, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Regular dental care is important as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and eye care complete the grooming routine.
Similar breeds
Explore all dog breeds
DogDataHub covers 199+ breeds with full profiles, health info, and compatibility ratings.
Browse all breeds