A YORKIE OR A SILKY: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
But what about the Silky? Ben's granddam, “Katie,” emigrated with her owners to Tasmania in Australia, where the Silky Terrier (also known as the Australian Silky Terrier) was developed. Newspaper reports document this as early as 1860. The facts, as we know them, are that Yorkshire Terriers and Silky Terriers are genetically just about the same. But the Yorkie developed in an industrialized soci- ety—Northern England—where tiny size, long flow- ing coats, and the ability to hide in milady’s sleeve were prized. Silkys were also developed as companion dogs, but their owners were pioneers who prized the Silky’s joy of life, independent thinking, and scrap- py terrier qualities, resulting in a somewhat larger, hardier breed. Silkys are larger than the Yorkie. Yorkies tend to be about 4 to 7 lbs. (though some are throwbacks to Ben and are much larger) and Silkys are roughly 8 to 12 lbs. Silkys have a longer muzzle and a longer back. Both breeds have distinctly terrier temperaments, and can take over their owners’ households, so both breeds require owners who can be very kind but very firm. But there is one difference between the two breeds that is perhaps the most helpful to the casual passerby. In 2022, Yorkies are the 13th most popular breed in the US according to the AKC. Silkys rank 116th. So, if you see a small, silver-coated dog walking down the street, chances are—it’s a Yorkie.
Clau Mi
Lou Barnicle
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sandy Mesmer’s mother took her to her first dog show when she was eight years old. This fascinated Sandy and she immediately wanted to show their Standard Poodle. Sandy’s mom explained the many reasons why this wasn’t possible, and Sandy understood, but there was a little voice in her head that said, “Someday, I’m going to do that.” Of course, being eight, the next week Sandy was telling everyone that she wanted to be a jockey. Sandy bought her first Silky Terrier in 1981 from Pat Walton, then later, another female, Ch. Silwynd Tessy of Tessier, from Rita Dawson. Sandy always treated the kennel as a profession, working at showing to breed rather than breeding to show. Sandy found it extremely helpful to go to National Specialties every year, as she could then see a true cross section of the best dogs in the country. Memorable dogs were the Silkys out of the fabulous Ch. Marina’s Houston, leading to the purchase of “Houston’s” son, Ch. Marina’s Marvelous Marvin. Many years later, Sandy was blown-away by three feisty and beautiful sisters at the Dallas National, owned by Karen Huey. Karen and Sandy have worked together ever since. In 1995, a friend of Sandy’s, Billie Pruitt, told her that she’d always wanted to show. One of her first Silkys was Ch. Tessier Thor of Tagalong, a kind dog who was happy to teach his newbie owner the ropes. Billie and Sandy traveled together to shows until Billie passed away in 2015.
Tessier Silky Terriers has produced many Top 20 dogs over the years, and currently has the No. 1 Silky (Breed) and just finished their 175th homebred champion. But Sandy has also always felt that their biggest goal was not a top-winning dog—that’s just a weigh station—but a marvelous pet that epitomizes not only the looks of the breed but also its sparkly and feisty personality. Sandy is excited to be part of the Silky Terrier Club of Central Florida, as she feels it allows its members a strength in numbers in supporting, protecting, and furthering their chosen breed. She feels that members will all have better dogs because they have a club that gives them a forum for information and a greater ability for their voices to be heard. And, for the last two years, Sandy has been proud to be on the Board of the Silky Terrier Club of America.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2022 | 323
Powered by FlippingBook