A Silky may live in apartment but will need plenty of walks and ‘could’ be a bark- ing problem as they will ‘alert’ to noises they hear outside. ON LEASH ALWAYS. Silkys are a ‘single’ coated breed (mean- ing no undercoat). Grooming is minimal but a daily brushing is required to keep mats and tangles from forming. A weekly bath (or when needed) followed with a leave in conditioner is good. A little tidy upkeep on the ears, feet and tail is really all that is needed. Medical Conditions Overall very healthy dogs but any of the below may appear occasionally: • Cataracts • Epilepsy • Diabetes • Pancreatic disease • Legg-Perthes disease • Luxating patellas • Cancer and noncancerous tumors Interesting Fido Facts A Silky is said to never forget a face and I have found this to be very true. housebreaking can be a challenge as you must be very consistent in your training. A Silky must be an integral part of your ‘family’ as they will not be happy (and neither will you). Silkys are very active and do very well in Agility or fast paced events. A bit of basic obedience is always necessary, but it really is too structured for the Silky terrier personality. A very young puppy is not the best in homes with very small children or very elder- ly. An adult may work better in these
A Silky really ‘cutting’ threw the poles during an agility trial. They love the fast-paced event and challenge—but…they also enjoy frustrating their ‘trainers’.
situations if properly socialized at young age. Men generally enjoy a Silky as they are not a ‘foofoo’ dog but a ‘real dog’ and given the opportunity they will prove it daily. History of the Silky Terrier Silky Terrier Breed Originated in Aus- tralia. In breeding the Australian Terrier the breeders were occasionally having ‘soft coat- ed’ pups in their litters. Some decided they liked this look and interbred with Yorkshire Terriers to increase the coat factor for single coated pups with the same black and tan markings. What evolved is a breed between the Australian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier in size and coat type. Th e first Silky Terri- ers went by several names in the di ff erent states within Australia. Some being called the Australian Silky Terrier while other areas called them the Sydney Silky Terrier. As the breed became more stable and bred true to type, a dog of approximately 10 inches at the shoulder, blue and tan in color, a silky single
haired coat and resembled an Australian Terrier body more than a Yorkshire Terrier evolved. A silky is longer in body than height at shoulder, a strong wedge shaped head, erect ears sitting on top of the head, a strong set of teeth and strength of muscle to do the job of keeping the home clear of varmints. Th e breed is a free spirit with free move- ment and friendly nature. Th ere is still some confusion today as to name of the Silky Ter- rier. ONLY in the United States is the breed known as the ‘Silky Terrier’ by AKC. In all other countries it is known as the Australian Silky Terrier and even in the terrier group in many countries. In 1959 AKC was about to recognize both the Australian Terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier. AKC made the decision to drop “Australian” o ff the Silky Terrier and to place the Australian Terrier in the Terrier Group while the Silky Terrier was placed in the Toy Group. None the less, a Silky is a terrier and never doubt this when making the decision to own one.
A Silky at their most glamorous and posing for the camera. They do love having photos taken as it means ‘I am the center of attention’.
A litter of four Silky Terrier pups at 6 weeks of age. Pups are born black with tan markings and go through many color changes before adulthood. Ears generally go erect 8-12 weeks of age. 234 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , F EBRUARY 2014
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