ABOUT SILKYS
The Australian Silky Terrier (Silky) is a toy dog by KC grouping. But, don't be fooled. They are a true terrier by personality. Silkys love attention and are very intelligent. They can be stubborn, but will do almost anything to please you or get your attention. They may not be the dog for every household, but if you want a smart dog, then the silky is for you.
THE SILKY TERRIER PERSONALITY
- A high energy dog
- Must be with people
- Very good alert dog (but not yappy)
- Busy dogs
- Very intelligent, but can be willful and stubborn
- Do not always obey
- Are very much like having a 3-year-old loose in the house
SILKY TERRIER PHYSICAL TRAITS
Silkys weigh about 10lbs., and are approx. 10 inches at the shoulder. The Silky is a stoutly built dog with no feeling of frailty. They have a single coat of long hair, much like human hair. The hair is blue (shades of slate to silver) on the body with rich tan colouring on the face, feet and ears. The topknot is of a lighter colouring.
The hair should not be so long as to drag on the floor. Overly long hair on the ears and feet is objectionable. The hair should be of a very silky nature - not cottony (too soft) or wiry (stiff).
GROOMING A SILKY TERRIER
The coat requires very little upkeep. It is recommended that a softish pin brush and comb are used. I can supply these if needed.
- Bathe weekly with a moisture shampoo and a good conditioner
- Brush a couple of times during the week. It helps to use a light coat dressing.
- Clip toenails ( although silkys don't usually like this)
- Trim a little around the feet and ears about once a month
- Trim the tail hair about 1 inch in length
SILKY TERRIER ACTIVITY LEVEL
Silkys are still a DOG in the best sense of the word. They love to chase squirrels, rabbits, cats (unless raised with them) and BIG DOGS. Here at Limartine, we have tried to combat this, as we raise all our puppies with Giant Schnauzers. The Giants mix with the puppies as soon as they can walk. At this Time my Giant male usually adopts them as his own!
Silkys are not a dog to leave unattended in the garden for long periods of time. They will get tired of being ignored by humans and seek a way to go and find some!! This is also true of leaving a Silky unattended in the house by itself all day.
Crate the dog for it's own safety and yours. They could eat plants that are toxic, chew on electric cables and be killed, eat the sofa and make you very unhappy and go to the toilet all over the place!! A crate is the dog's personal sleeping quarters; they do not mind being a safe place. It does take some training. Just like a child, they don't want to get to bed!!! With a Silky - you must be the Alpha Dog - the person in charge.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ... ?
The silky, in our humble opinion, is the best of both worlds. The stoutness and sturdiness of body to still be a 'dog' and the prettiness and sweetness to make a wonderful house pet.
KEVIN HUGHES & LISA WELCH