Dog Breeds-Australian Silky Terrier

Other Names-Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky

Height- males ( 9-10 inches), females ( 9-10 inches)

Weight- males ( 8-10 pounds), females ( 8-10 pounds)

Life Expectancy- 12 to 15 years

Group- Toy

Recognized By- CKC(Canadian Kennel Club), AKC(American Kennel Club), ACR(American Canine Registry), NKC(National Kennel Club), UKC(United Kennel Club), FCI(Federation Cynologique Internationale), CET(Club Espanol de Terriers), ANKC(Australian National Kennel Club), NZKC(New Zealand Kennel Club), APRI(American Pet Registry Inc.), KCGB(Kennel Club of Great Britain), CKC(Continental Kennel Club).

The country of origin for this little breed is Australia. Believed to have been developed by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with an Australian Terrier, however at the time the Australian Terrier was itself in development as a breed, so it is possible others crosses may have been involved.

A small breed of Terrier, with long hair about five to six inches long. It does not have an undercoat. The texture of the coat is no surprise. Like its name, the coat has a silky texture. Colours include blues and red, or blues and tan.

Interesting note- Silky Terriers are born black.

Silky Terriers have very strong attachments with their owner and family but may be a bit leary of strangers and other animals. If raised with children it will get along fine with them, but perhaps does not have as much patience for teasing or rough handling as some of the other breeds, and may snap in response. Training is relatively easy, the Silky Terrier is eager to learn. Even for a little breed, it is very protective and makes a good watchdog.

Silky Terriers can manage well with apartment life, and do not necessarily need a yard.

Health problems that have been reported with this breed:

• diabetes
• tracheal collapse
• eplilepsy
• elbow dysplasia
• patellar luxation
• legg-perthes
• intervertebral disk disease

The long silky coat of this breed is quite prone to matting and tangling. A daily brushing of at least 15 minutes will help prevent this. Shedding is not a problem with this breed. Frequent bathing is recommended, but make sure the dog is thoroughly dried and warm after.