SILKY TERRIER Breed Standards
The Silky Terrier is originally from Australia and was developed late in the 19th century by crossing native Australian Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers. Breeders wanted to improve the color of the Australian Terrier, and it was generally agreed upon at the time that the Yorkshire was best suited to the job. The resulting litters, however, tended to be split between puppies resembling Australian Terriers and puppies resembling Yorkshires. Fortunately, a precious few seemed to inherit the desired traits from both breeds, and these dogs were bred together to perpetuate a new breed, the Silky Terrier.
A standard was created for the Silky Terrier in Sydney in 1906. Another, slightly different standard, was developed in the Australian province of Victoria in 1909, but the two were finally revised and reconciled in 1926. The Kennel Control Council of Victoria also introduced canine legislation in 1932 to prevent cross breeding—and further confusion—between the different types of terriers. A breed club was established in Australia in 1959.
American soldiers stationed in Australia during World War II were attracted to the Silky Terrier’s distinct appearance and brought them back to the US as pets. In March of 1955 the Sydney Silky Terrier Club of America was established, although the name was changed to the Silky Terrier Club of America in July of that same year. Still known as the Australian Silky Terrier in its native land, the Silky Terrier continues to be very popular both as a companion and as a show dog.
SKILLS: The Silky Terrier is a true "toy terrier". He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His coat is silky in texture, parted from the stop to the tail and presents a well groomed but not sculptured appearance. His inquisitive nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion.
SIZE: Size - Shoulder height from nine to ten inches. Deviation in either direction is undesirable. Proportion - The body is about one fifth longer than the dog's height at the withers. Substance - Lightly built with strong but rather fine bone.
COAT: Straight, single, glossy, silky in texture. On matured specimens the coat falls below and follows the body outline. It should not approach floor length. On the top of the head, the hair is so profuse as to form a topknot, but long hair on the face and ears is objectionable. The hair is parted on the head and down over the back to the root of the tail. The tail is well coated but devoid of plume. Legs should have short hair from the pastern and hock joints to the feet. The feet should not be obscured by the leg furnishings.
Color - Blue and tan. The blue may be silver blue, pigeon blue or slate blue, the tan deep and rich. The blue extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail, down the forelegs to the elbows, and half way down the outside of the thighs. On the tail the blue should be very dark. Tan appears on muzzle and cheeks, around the base of the ears, on the legs and feet and around the vent. The topknot should be silver or fawn which is lighter than the tan points.
CARE REQUIRED: The Silky Terrier is very prone to tangles and mats and needs daily combing and brushing. It should be bathed regularly to keep the hair in top condition. It takes quite a commitment from its owner, requiring about 15 minutes a day. After bathing, make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm. The coat must be trimmed occasionally, and the hair on the legs from the knees down is often trimmed short. The hair that falls over the eyes is tied up in a topknot so the dog will be able to see easier. The Silky Terrier sheds little to no hair.
CHARACTER: The keenly alert air of the terrier is characteristic, with shyness or excessive nervousness to be faulted. The manner is quick, friendly, responsive.
EXERCISE: The Silky Terrier is full of energy. It has surprising stamina and will enjoy regular chances to run and play, however they will adapt to the family's circumstances.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Silky Terrier is good for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: Socialize them well with cats when they are still a puppy or they will chase them when they get older. Can get jealous and pick fights with other dogs. Training these dogs is very straight- forward because it is very eager to learn.
