Silky Terrier Characteristics: The inquisitive and sweet-tempered Silky Terrier is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1959). The Silky Terrier, is characterized by its sturdy, short-legged compact, appearance with a distinctive straight and parted, blue and tan coat and a keen, determined expression. Other characteristics include dark, small, deep set, oval-shaped eyes; erect, V-shaped ears; a small, high set, erect tail and a light, jaunty gait. The temperament of the Silky Terrier can be described as Inquisitive, Alert, Friendly. The coat type of the Silky Terrier is described as long, straight, silky coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Silky Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Ratter and is known by its nick name the "Sydney Silky". The origin of the Silky Terrier dog breed was in Australia where it was developed in the late 1800's. Fast Facts about the Silky Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Silky Terrier breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1959) *** Nick name: "Sydney Silky" *** Origin: Australia *** Male Height: 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 8 - 11 pounds (4 - 5 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: long, straight, silky coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3-5 puppies *** Health Problems: Legge-Perthes, Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Silky Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1959): The Silky Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1959). Other names for the Silky Terrier: The Silky Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Sydney Silky". Other names for this breed of dog include the Australian Silky Terrier, Silky Toy Terrier and Sydney Terrier. Origin of the name: The name Silky Terrier derives from the simple description of the dog's lovely, long, silky coat. origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as rats, foxes, squirrels and badgers into their burrows and bolt holes. Silky Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Silky Terrier breed was in Australia during the late 1800's. The Silky Terrier is one of the few terriers that were developed outside the United Kingdom. The Silky Terrier resulted from the cross breeding Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers. The Australian Terriers were bred in the 1840's. The Yorkshire Terriers began to arrive from England to Australia the late 1800's. The original name given to the new breed was the "Sydney Terrier" and was recognized as a distinct breed in the Australian state of New South Wales in 1906, and in Victoria in 1909. Sydney Terriers were exported by American soldiers to the United States following WW2. In 1955, the Sydney Terrier name was officially changed to the 'Australian Silky Terrier'. The Silky Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959 and became known as simply the Silky Terrier. Silky Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Silky Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion. Silky Terrier Height: This breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Silky Terrier Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 8 - 11 pounds (4 - 5 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Silky Terrier Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a long, straight, silky coat. Silky Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Silver & Tan, Blue & Tan, Silver Black & Tan, Grey & Tan and Black & Tan. N.B. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Silky Terrier Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Silky Terrier are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Silky Terrier is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Silky Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3-5 puppies. Silky Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Silky Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Silky Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Inquiring, Inquisitive, Alert, Friendly and Sweet-tempered. Silky Terrier Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Silky Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small dog has a light, jaunty gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Silky Terrier Diet: A fully grown Silky Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Silky Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Silky Terrier breed include Legge-Perthes, Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Silky Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dog Silky Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Silky Terrier breed is 12-14 years. Silky Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Silky Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Silky Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Oscar *** Taylor *** Mitch *** Jim *** Gus *** Jasper *** Callum *** Bailey *** Zac *** Riley *** Dylan. Silky Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Silky Terrier names are Jess *** Chloe *** Georgia *** Roxie *** Ruby *** Tessa *** Abbey *** Ruby *** Bree *** Casey. Fast Facts about the Silky Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Silky Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1959) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Australia *** History / Date: late 1800's *** Male Height: 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cm) *** Male Weight: 8 - 11 pounds (4 - 5 kg) *** Coat Type: long, straight, silky coat *** Litter Size: 3-5 puppies *** Silky Terrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Silky Terrier Lifespan: 12-14 years *** | 