silky terrier

Australian Silky Terrier
Silky Terrier

Silky Terrier
Other names	Silky
Country of origin	Australia
Traits
Classification & standards FCI Group 3, Terrier, Section 4 Toy Terriers #236 standard AKC Toy standard ANKC 1 (Toys) standard CKC Group 5 - Toys standard KC (UK) Toy standard NZKC Toy standard UKC Terriers standard

The Australian Silky Terrier is a small breed of dog of the terrier dog type. The breed was developed in Australia, although the ancestral types and breeds were from Great Britain. It is closely related to the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. The breed is called the Silky Terrier in North America, but is called the Australian Silky Terrier in its country of origin and in the rest of the world.

Appearance

The Australian Silky Terrier is a small and compact short legged terrier, 23 to 26 cms (9 to 10 ins) at the withers, alert and active. The long silky blue and tan coat is an identifying feature, hanging straight and parted along the back, and described as "flat, fine and glossy".^[1] All proportions and aspects of the body and head as well as desirable shades of blue and tan and placement of markings are extensively described in the breed standard.^[2]

The Silky Terrier should be slightly longer than tall (about one fifth longer that the height at withers). This is a dog that was historically used for hunting and killing rodents, so its body should have enough substance to fit this role. The coat requires quite a lot of regular grooming and shampooing to retain its silkiness.

Silky terrier has strong and wedge-shaped head. The eyes are small and almond shaped. According to the standards, light-colored eyes are considered a fault. The ears are small and carried erect. Silky terrier has a high-set tail and small, almost catlike, feet. The coat should be long, but not so long to approach floor length. The hair on the face and ears is normally cut.

History

A Silky Terrier with handler at a show, illustrating the dog's size and coat.

The ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier were from the same background as the Australian Terrier, although there are few records to indicate whether early dogs were just Australian Terriers born with silky fur, or whether there was an attempt to create a separate breed.^[3] According to the American Kennel Club, the breed began at the end of the 1800s when Yorkshire Terriers were crossed with the Australian Terriers.^[4] At first the breed was known as the Sydney Silky, as it was found primarily in the city of Sydney, Australia.^[1] Although most other Australian breeds were working dogs, the Silky Terrier was bred primarily to be an urban pet and companion, although it is also known for killing snakes in Australia.^[3]

Up until 1929 the Australian Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier, and the Yorkshire Terrier were not clearly defined. Dogs of three different breeds might be born in the same litter, to be separated by appearance into the different types once they were grown.^[4] After 1932 in Australia, further crossbreeding was discouraged, and in 1955 the breed's name officially became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed was recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1958 in the Toy Group.^[3]

During and after World War II American servicemen that had been stationed in Australia brought back to the United States a few Silky Terriers. Newspaper photographs of the breed in 1954 caused an upsurge of popularity and hundreds of Silkies were imported from Australia to the United States.^[5] The American Kennel Club recognised the breed as the Silky Terrier in 1959, as did the United Kennel Club (US) in 1965; it is also recognised as the Silky Terrier by the Canadian Kennel Club. The breed is recognised by all the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world, and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as breed number 236. It may also be recognised by various minor kennel clubs and internet breed registry businesses.

Breed Groups

The Australian Silky Terrier is a terrier, but is usually placed in the Toy Group rather than the Terrier Group due to its small size. As breed groupings are done mostly to organise groups of breeds for dog shows, it is safer for the little dogs to be with others their own size, rather than with larger dogs. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale has a special Section of the Terrier Group that includes only the smallest dogs, while other kennel clubs place the breed in the Toy Group, but universally everyone agrees that the breed's type is Terrier.

Health

An adult female Silky Terrier.

The Silky is prone to several disorders including luxating patella, tracheal collapse, and epilepsy.^{[citation needed]} These dogs are very sensitive to voice tone. A loud deep tone will frighten them, and a high squeaky shriek will make them freeze.^{[citation needed]} The Silky Terrier enjoys back scratches and can be rendered immobile by scratching the hindquarters.^{[citation needed]}

Temperament

The breed standard describe the ideal Australian Silky Terrier temperament as keenly alert and active.^[6] They love to be given chances to run and play, but must have a tightly fenced yard. They also enjoy brisk walks and playing ball. The Silky is able to do well in an apartment, although they are also an active indoor breed. It is important they are kept busy and social to discourage boredom. They are also rodent hunters.

Care

The Silky Terrier's coat is highly susceptible to tangles and matting. They require daily brushing and combing. This breed requires a deep commitment from their owners. To keep the coat lustrous regular shampooing is necessary.

See also

• Yorkshire Terrier
• Australian Terrier

References

Additional reading

• History, Origins and Development of the Australian Silky Terrier George Holmes. One of several essays appearing in Australian Made: Australian Breeds Feature, privately published, mid-1990.

External links

• Silky Terrier Club Of America

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Australian Silky Terrier

• Australian Silky Terrier at the Open Directory Project