Australian Silky Terrier

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

Made in Australia!

A true little Aussie, this alert and active breed has a history shrouded in some mystery, due to his development not being chronicled accurately.

What we do know though, is that the Australian Silky Terrier was not only developed by the Australian pioneers as a companion dog, they also prized their joy of life, independent thinking and outstanding terrier qualities.

It is assumed that British migrants at the end of the 18th century brought with them a selection of early British Terrier types, some of which were instrumental in developing the Australian Silky Terrier.

At a time when selective breeding was in its infancy, many of the early Terriers were considerably more alike than they are now, but it has been suggested that early Skye, Dandie Dinmont, Norwich, Border and Cairn Terriers were forefathers of the Silky. It is also thought that Toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Clydesdale or Paisley Terrier, which was known for its straight silky coat, were ancestors of the breed.

The first Silky Terrier Club in NSW was formed in 1906. Sydney breeders decided to have their own standard and the breed became known as the Sydney Silky. In 1959, a committee of Kennel Club representatives from NSW and VIC met and, at last, breeders agreed on a national standard. The breed was then known as the Australian Silky Terrier. Now, despite its name, the Silky is placed in the Toy group in Australia.

Appearance

The Silky’s structure is moderate, medium and refined. It should be compact, displaying activity and strength in movement. The Australian Silky Terrier is a clean pointed dog with a straight, single, well-groomed body coat, which gives it a glamorous appearance.

As well as having an intelligent expression, an Australian Silky Terrier must be capable of working and be sound in every way. Originally, the Silky was bred to work as a hunter of domestic rodents and must, therefore, show no signs of weediness or nervousness.

The body is moderately low set, and the ribs should extend well back, giving a short, strong, balanced coupling. The backline is straight and the topline should be level.

All shades of blue and tan are acceptable in the coat, and the blue can range from pigeon-blue to slate-blue. A Silky is born black and tan, and should have a complete colour break by 18 months of age. Many breeders are happy to have a puppy hold its colour, as it is a good sign that the dog will eventually be a good blue.

The movement of the Silky should be free, light-footed, lively and straightforward. An easy, effortless gait with reach and drive is required, so it needs powerful, propelling hindquarters.

Temperament

The Silky is full of life and activity, but is also very happy to be sitting quietly with this family, to whom he is extremely loyal to. He will often have one eye open, and those pricked ears listening out for any threats to his family and property. Silkies are an intelligent breed and typically respond well to training, so it’s a good idea to start teaching basic obedience commands to Australian Silky Terrier puppies from a young age.

In the show ring a Silky must display keen alertness, showing activity and interest in the proceedings, and should be quick, friendly and responsive any stimulation.

Health

The Australian Silky Terrier is a strong, healthy breed with few health problems. It can live for up to 15 years or more. Like most breeds, it may develop arthritis or cataracts in old age, but will otherwise live a long, healthy life if it is properly cared for.

Maintenance & Suitability

The Silky’s coat is non shedding and therefore low allergenic. It can be susceptible to tangles and matting if ignored, however regular shampooing, conditioning and brushing will keep it looking great.

Australian Silky Terriers don’t require a huge amount of exercise, and can therefore be suitable for apartment living. Of course, they will welcome being taken for a walk every day. They’ll equally love having a secure backyard in which they can run around and patrol for any potential threats.

Any way you look at it, this Australian breed has a great personality and will suit a range of lifestyles.

For more information please contact DOGS NSW or the Australian Silky Association of NSW - [email protected]

Words: Pat & Tanya Scales

Image: Submitted by Kristina Pastiu

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Australian Silky Terrier, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Australian Silky Terrier and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

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Breed Standard - Australian Silky Terrier

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

The dog is compact, moderately low set, of medium length with a refined structure but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. The parted, straight silky hair presents a well-groomed appearance.

Characteristics

It should display Terrier characteristics, embodying keen alertness, activity and soundness.

Temperament

(See under Characteristics)

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Of moderate length, slightly shorter from the tip of the nose to between the eyes than from the same position to the occiput. The head must be strong and of Terrier character, being moderately broad between the ears; the skull flat and without fullness between the eyes, with fine silky top-knot, not falling over the eyes, (a long fall of hair on the foreface or cheeks is very objectionable.) Nose black.
Eyes	Shall be small oval never round or prominent, dark as possible in colour with a keen intelligent expression.
Ears	Should be small, V-shaped with fine leather, set high on the skull, pricked, and entirely free from long hair.
Mouth	Strong jaws, teeth even and not cramped, the upper incisors fitting closely over the lower (scissor bite). Lips tight and clean.
Neck	Medium length, refined and slightly crested, fitting gracefully into the shoulders. Well covered with long silky hair.
Forequarters	Shoulders fine and well laid back, fitting with well angulated upper arms snugly to the ribs. Elbows turned neither in nor out. The forelegs have refined, round bone and are straight and set well under the body with no weakness in the pasterns.
Body	Should be moderately long in proportion to the height of the dog. Level topline at all times (both standing and moving), well sprung ribs extending back to strong loins. Chest of moderate depth and breadth. A topline showing a roach or dip is a serious fault.
Hindquarters	The thighs must be well developed and the stifles should be well turned and the hocks well bent. When viewed from the behind the hocks should be well let down and parallel with each other.
Feet	Small, well padded, cat-like with closely knit toes, the toenails must be black or very dark.
Tail	Docked: Set on high and carried erect, but not over-gay. Should be free of feathering.Undocked: The first three vertebrae to be carried erect, the balance to be carried erect or slightly curved, but not over-gay. Must not be curled. The length to give an overall balanced appearance. In accordance with the docked description the undocked tail to be free of feathering.
Gait/Movement	The movement should be free and true without slackness at shoulders or elbows, there should be no turning in nor out of the feet or pasterns. The hindquarters should have strong propelling power with ample flexibility at stifles and hocks. Viewed from behind the movement should be neither too close nor too wide.
Coat	Must be flat, fine and glossy and of a silky texture. The length of coat must not be so long as to impede the dog's action and should allows daylight to be seen under the dog. The front and rear feet to be free from long hair.
Colour	All shades of blue and tan are acceptable ,the richer these jcolours and more clearly defined the better. Silver and white not acceptable. Blue on the tail to be very dark. Silver blue or fawn top-knot desirable. Distribution of blue and tan as follows: tan around the base of the ears, muzzle and on the sides of the cheeks; blue from the base of the skull to tip of tail, running down the forelegs to near the knees and down the thighs to the hocks; tan line showing down the stifles and from the knees and hocks to the toes and around the vent. The blue body colour should be free from tan or bronzing. Tan markings must be free from smuttiness. Black colouring is permissible in puppies, blue colour must be established by 18 months of age.
Size	Height:Dogs - 23 to 26 cms (9 to 10 ins) at the withersBitches can be slightly lessWeight:Weight in proportion to height.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.