Review of the Australian Silkie Terrier breed (+photo)

Story

Several representatives of the terrier group participated in the formation of the Australian Silky Terrier breed. In the 18th century, English colonists moved to Australia en masse, and they brought the breed there. People did not particularly care about the purity of the lines, they simply adapted the dogs to local conditions if possible.

The responsibilities of the four-legged pets became hunting, protecting the property and livestock of farmers, and catching rodents and poisonous snakes.

At the end of the 19th century, Yorkies arrived in Sydney, and local residents crossed them with Australian terriers. It was from the first that the new breed inherited its beautiful long hair. Otherwise, the snares turned out to be a smaller copy of their Australian ancestors. But even with improved appearance, the dog was considered a working dog.

The first mixed litters were not identified as a separate species: some puppies looked like Yorkies, others like Australians, and others were different from both. Further crossbreeding was carried out within the new dog breed until a stable type was developed.

In 1906, a standard was developed (later it was updated several times), and in 1907 the first Silkie Terrier breed was presented at an exhibition in Australia (and in Great Britain only in 1930).

The dogs came to the USA after World War II, where they gained enormous popularity and recognition. Until 1955, the species was called the Sydney Silky Terrier, but the American Canine Association renamed the dog.

The Silkie Terrier breed was officially registered in the USA in 1959.

Despite its popularity and attractiveness, the Silkie is a rare and expensive breed.

Health and illness

The Silky Terrier is usually a strong and healthy dog. But the breed has a hereditary predisposition to certain diseases.

Movable snares may suffer from dislocations. In adults, diabetes mellitus occurs. Another vulnerable spot is the eyes. Retinal diseases and cataracts are detected in Silky Terriers.

These anomalies are inherited. Conscientious breeders, in order to exclude health problems, examine the couple before mating. For example, in Finland, the USA and Sweden, an eye test and a check of the knee caps are mandatory procedures for Silk Terrier dogs that are being prepared for breeding.

There is no national club for the Australian Silky Terrier in Russia yet. Therefore, such requirements have not been introduced.

Description of the Silky Terrier

The dog's build is strong and dense, its legs are short. The movements of the snare are light, free and energetic. The breed belongs to the group of toy terriers, the main purpose is to be a companion.

Size

The height of the terrier at the withers is from 23 to 26 cm (males are larger). The dog's weight is 3.5-4.5 kg.

Head

The snare's skull is wedge-shaped (the length of the upper part of the head is longer than the muzzle), and is of medium size. Slightly flattened on top, the distance between the dog’s wedge-shaped erect ears is small (but there is a fold-eared variety).

The terrier's eyes are almond-shaped, small, dark. The look is attentive, piercing. The edges of the eyelids and nose are black. The transition to the forehead is moderate. The teeth of the snare are in line and have a scissor bite.

Body type

The dog's neck is medium, the scruff is pronounced. The topline is level. The chest is wide and deep. The terrier's body is moderately low and elongated. The tail is docked. Major defects are considered to be a dog's back curvature and short body.

Limbs

Straight, strong, moderately muscular. The angles of articulation of the elbows and knees are pronounced. The breed's paws are small and compact, with the toes pointing forward. The pads are elastic and thick.

Color

Blue, blue, with thick tan. Too light colors in the breed are unacceptable. The color starts from the scruff of the neck and extends to the tip of the tail, down to the elbows and knees of the dog.

Wool

Long, flowing, parted in the middle of the back. The axial hair is not hard, there is a soft undercoat. The hair is smooth to the touch. Shorter on the limbs.

Description and breed standard

For dogs of similar size, the Australian Silky Terrier is quite muscular and strong. The breed is indeed very similar to Yorkies, which is why in some circles the name Australian Yorkshire Terrier is even common. The Silka standard has been updated 5 times and each updated document clarifies the differences between the breed and Yorkies.

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There is no slackness in the shoulders or elbows in the movements of the Silky Terrier, the gait is free and correct. The hind limbs have a strong push; dogs can jump quite high.

The purebred dog looks quite well-groomed due to its straight and silky coat. The appearance is somewhat aristocratic; the FCI data states that the length of the coat should not impede the dog’s movements. The paws are freed from long hair.

For Australian Silky Terriers, all shades of blue and fawn are acceptable, with more saturated shades being preferred. In puppies, the color is allowed black, but should change to blue by 18 months of life. Any deviations in color, coat length or other parameters are considered disqualifying faults. The main features of the breed described in the FCI standard apply to all dogs participating in the document flow of the federation.

What is the difference between a Silkie and a Yorkie?

The market is filled with offers for the sale of snares, but in reality they sell Yorkies. In fact, distinguishing the two breeds is quite simple. The list of differences between Australians is quite long; here are the most obvious differences:

Character and appearance

Despite their activity and temperament, dogs have a stable psyche and balance. Silks are distinguished by their fearlessness and pugnacity.

Dogs quickly become attached to their owners and get along with children. It is not recommended to own this breed of dog for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, as terriers require frequent walks and vigorous exercise.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Silks willingly make contact with people, but as guards they are vigilant and incorruptible. Australian dogs are unobtrusive, know how to spend time on their own, and do not suffer from boredom.

Children who are too young can cause stress for a dog; a terrier can even bite in self-defense. But snares are friendly to pets, including cats with whom they live under the same roof.

Silk puppies are born almost black, but with age (up to 1.5 years) their color changes to blue or light blue.

If you do not show firmness and perseverance towards the Australian Terrier in time, then it will become dominant in the family, and the owners will have to fulfill its whims.

Appearance and character

Description of the breed:

• The head is strong, proportional to the size of the body. The forehead is flat, the transition from the forehead to the nose is pronounced. Nose is black. The fur falls on the face and ears;
• oval-shaped eyes, wary gaze;
• triangular ears are erect, although there are snares with a curved shape;
• the body is strong, elongated, covered with silky hair;
• paws are medium, strong;
• the tail is docked; if not, it is set high.

The height of the dogs is 23-29 cm (females are smaller), the average weight is 4-5 kg. The main tone is blue.

Puppies may have black coat color. Upon reaching 1.5 years, it changes.

It is very easy to confuse a Silkie Terrier and a Yorkie. They are similar in color, but nevertheless they are completely different dogs. Australian Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier - differences:

• The Yorkie has long hair, the guard hair is elastic, the Silka also has long hair, but soft and light;
• the body structure of the Yorkie is square, the snares are elongated and squat;
• The Yorkie's lower jaw is graceful, while the Silka's is strong;
• York is smaller than Silka.

In addition, the Australian Silky Terrier is a rare and expensive breed. The dogs' character, despite their small size, is lively. They are very energetic and positive. They love children, play ball with them, and bring different objects. They do not like to have their ears or tail pulled. They are very attached to their owner and obedient (subject to education and training). They understand the owner without words. They easily adapt to the owner's character.

You cannot walk your puppy without a leash until he has been trained to use the “come” command. He will chase cats and may get lost.

Education and training

You need to start training with a terrier from 2 months. The first skills are litter box training, walking on a leash, knowing a nickname. During lessons, a kind attitude towards the dog and rewards for success have a special effect. Early socialization is necessary, as the snare has a timid and shy character.

Such individuals are easy to train, distinguished by intelligence and excellent memory. But terriers quickly get tired of the monotony and begin to be stubborn, so different exercises need to be alternated more often. From puppyhood, Australian dogs require an authoritative attitude, as they are somewhat capricious.

Sometimes a dog is unable to overcome its hunting instincts - it gets distracted by birds, cats, sniffs out tracks, digs holes. When meeting with relatives, the terrier tries to take a leading position.

A restless pet needs active games, walks, jogging, and training. Otherwise, if kept passively for a long time, the Australian Terrier will begin to wither and get sick. Improper care will also affect the dog’s psyche – timidity or increased aggression will appear.

Australian Silky Terriers love to bark. They do it loudly, piercingly and for a long time.

How much do puppies cost?

It is problematic to purchase an Australian Silky Terrier in Russia due to the rarity of the breed. Breeding occurs mainly in their homeland - Australia. This affects the price of puppies, which is quite high.

Gradation of the price indicator, depending on the category of puppies:

• pet class (for personal use) – up to 30 thousand rubles;
• breed class (for purebred breeding) – from 60 to 75 thousand rubles;
• show class (exhibition specimens, with exact compliance with breed standards) – 80-120 thousand rubles.

Since many unscrupulous breeders replace Australian terriers with Yorkies, it is important to study the pedigree characteristics of these representatives so as not to encounter deception.

Care and maintenance

Snares are not particularly demanding, and they are not difficult to care for. The terrier's long coat needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week. She is trimmed every 2-3 months. Excess hair around the eyes and on the ears of the dog is cut off.

It is recommended to bathe your pet 2-3 times a year and select exclusively soft, hypoallergenic shampoos. The dog is clean, so regular brushing is sufficient.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Up to 3 months, meals are three times a day, as they grow older, their frequency is reduced to 2, but the volume increases. Routine is very important for the Australian Terrier. When purchasing a puppy, you should ask the breeder what the animal was fed. You need to change your dog's diet gradually. Its basis is cereals, vegetables, lean meat.

Proven store-bought food or homemade products are suitable as food (but you cannot mix them at one time).

Cleaning the terrier's ears – once a week.

Aussie teeth are not prone to tartar or plaque buildup, but they should be examined regularly.

In the cold season, it is advisable for the terrier to wear overalls for walks.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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The dog cannot be kept on a chain or in an enclosure, only in a house (apartment).

Features of character and behavior

Australian terriers are typical representatives of their group. They are active and love to play pranks: gnawing, breaking, digging, barking. They are quite hardy and unpretentious, unlike their “brother” York, they do not have a “Napoleon complex”, but do not like other dogs and pets on their territory. They are very affectionate with people, playful, and get along well.

It is not for nothing that representatives of the breed received companion status. They will share all the joys and sorrows of their owner, will be obedient and devoted.

Advantages

• Like all hunting dogs, terriers have developed sense organs from birth: nose, eyes and ears . This provides dogs with a good reaction and makes them not only hunters, but also watchdogs. Having noticed a stranger, the Australian Terrier will immediately notify the owner with a loud bark.
• They live well in small areas : apartments, enclosures. But the “sofa” lifestyle is not suitable for Australians. Their mischievous nature does not allow them to sit still, so pets need to be walked often and given exercise. Terriers will happily accompany you on hikes, travels and during sports activities.
• They get along with people easily. They will become cute, affectionate dogs that you can show to your friends. Relations with children are also good and friendly. Dogs are not considered as caregivers, but this is solely due to their small size.
• The intelligent and obedient terrier is easy to train and follows the owner's commands. Loves active outdoor games with a ball, frisbee, sticks, ropes and other toys.

Flaws

• This breed is characterized by pugnacity and intolerance towards other dogs. The Australian Terrier will not tolerate another male and will fight for leadership. It gets along quite well with the opposite sex, but it is better not to keep pets together.
• Prone to a wandering life. Without proper training, it is better to walk a terrier on a leash, otherwise he may run away and will not return: he feels quite comfortable in conditions of homelessness.
• They will hunt for any small prey they come across: from a rat to a cat. This can cause inconvenience when walking. Breeders should immediately get used to “gifts” from their pet in the form of a killed victim.
• And Australians are big pranksters
  . Without walking and sufficient physical activity, these dogs will find something to do or have fun on their own: chew shoes, wallpaper, bark at passers-by or roommates.

Health

Among small dogs, the Silka has the highest performance and adaptability to the environment. The breed is also excellent in health, as it inherited good genetics from its ancestors.

Typical diseases for the terrier are diabetes, epilepsy, skin diseases, and thyroid problems. But they are rare in animals.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Taking care of your pet's health includes timely vaccinations, systematic examinations by a veterinarian, proper feeding and maintaining activity.

Health and main diseases of the Australian Terrier

The purebred Australian Silkie Terrier is genetically predisposed to allergic reactions and dermatitis, diabetes and problems with the musculoskeletal system. The dog is prone to diseases such as:

• dislocations of the knee joint;
• episyndromes;
• joint dysplasia;
• tracheal collapse;
• herniated discs of the spine;
• vision problems (corneal ulcer, cataracts, glaucoma);
• colds.

You will definitely have to vaccinate your dog on time and regularly treat it against fleas, ticks or worms. If the terrier is active and eats healthy foods, he can live up to the age of thirteen.

List of nicknames

It is better to choose a name for your pet that is sonorous, suitable for the temperament, but not long and easy to remember:

1. Suitable nicknames for boys are:

• Archie, Charlie, Dick, Jack, Max;
• Sam, Barney, Bucks, Ace, Cujo, Flash, Hugh, Rocky, Leo, Mike;
• Nemo, Nick, Oscar, Umka, Twix, Hooch, Caesar, Elvis, Ian, Hulk.

1. For girls:

• Gina, Bella, Maggie, Lady, Dina, Chelsea, Sophie;
• Astra, Alpha, Alice, Barbie, Gerda, Busya;
• Eva, Maya, Nyura, Puma, Ruby, Tuchka, Fiona, Coco;
• Ellie, Juno, Utah, Fanta.

You need to accustom your pet to its name as soon as it appears in the family.

Exhibition standard

The breed standard received registration in the FCI standard under number No. 236 on December 5, 2012. Group of terriers, without working tests. The main purpose of the Australian Silky Terrier is as a companion dog. According to the standard he has:

1. The head is of medium length, strong. It is covered with long, silky hair.
2. The skull is moderately wide, not convex.
3. The border between the bridge of the nose and the frontal part is moderately expressed.
4. The muzzle is slightly narrowed.

5. The nose is black.
6. The lips are close-fitting, thin, black.
7. The eyes are oval-shaped, small, dark in color. The expression of the eyes is intelligent and alert.
8. The jaws are strong.
9. The teeth are even, straight, scissor bite.
10. The ears are triangular in shape, not large in relation to the head, erect, set high.
11. The ends of the ears are sharp, the cartilage is thin.
12. The neck is short, with a slight bend.
13. The body is proportional, slightly elongated.
14. The back is straight, the lumbar region is strong.
15. The chest is deep, of medium width, convex ribs.
16. The tail is in a vertical position, set high. May be cropped.
17. The forelimbs are graceful and straight.
18. The front and rear paws are compressed into a ball, dark in color, similar to a cat’s paw.
19. The claws are black and strong.
20. Hips are developed.
21. The hock joints have a pronounced vertical angle, parallel to each other.
22. The coat is flowing, pleasant and silky to the touch. The length of the fur on the limbs is shorter than on the body. The undercoat is soft.
23. The coat color has all shades of blue with red tan, the more saturated the base color, the better.

A deviation from the standard is any discrepancy: high paws, shortened body, bulging eyes, hard coat, black or too light coat color, drooping ears, ring tail, hunchback, short muzzle, malocclusion and other defects.

Rules for choosing puppies

When buying a dog, you need to get to know the kids' parents. Ideally, these are active, healthy animals with good pedigrees and adequate behavior. It is desirable for Australian dogs to have championship titles, especially if the owner plans to participate in exhibitions with the pet.

The puppy itself should look reasonably well-fed, active, and non-aggressive. The baby's gaze should be clear. The fur is shiny and thick. It is important to match the external characteristics of the Australian Terrier breed.

The baby should not be taken away from the mother before 2 months.

Cohabitation

Ocicat cat - description of the cat breed, red kitten

The Australian Silky Terrier gets along well with other dogs. Difficulties may arise when communicating with cats, but with proper training they can be avoided.

Important! A dog can hunt rodents, especially if it lives in a private house.

The Silky Terrier gets along well with children, but difficulties may arise when communicating with one-year-old babies. The pet does not take well to careless treatment - pulling the tail, screaming, etc.

A puppy needs to be trained from the first days of its arrival in the house. In this case, you can avoid many problems. The terrier does not get along with poultry or small animals.

Cost and where to buy

You can buy a dog for 15-60 thousand rubles. (price depends on the nursery and region). The best representatives of the breed from eminent parents are often sold for $1,200-2,000.

When buying a puppy on the market or from unknown people, the future owner runs the risk of taking a non-purebred or sick animal. The best option would be to contact a well-known kennel or a breeder who professionally breeds Silky Terriers. The conditions for keeping dogs must meet all hygienic requirements.

History and characteristics of the Australian Silky Terrier (Silky)

Origin of the breed

The Australian Silky Terrier is an amazing breed with a long history.

The homeland of the snare is Australia, where in the 19th century the breed was obtained by crossing Australian and Yorkshire terriers. Thus, the breeders sought to improve the exterior. And they managed to achieve their goal. As a result, individuals were bred with silky bluish fur, which received the appropriate name.

The first version of the standard was adopted in Sydney in 1906, and since 1907 Australian terriers have already taken part in exhibitions. But breeders did not immediately come to a consensus regarding the appearance of the dogs. In 1909, the state of Victoria developed a second standard, which was significantly different from the first version. Unified requirements for the exterior were approved only in 1926.

After the end of World War II, snare terriers, along with military personnel, came to America. Miniature breeds were in high demand in this country. In 1955, the American Snare Terrier Club was organized, and three years later the National Canine Council began operating in Australia, which adopted the requirements for the Snare Terrier standard.

Important! Today the breed is recognized by the organizations FCI, KCGB, AKC, CKC, UKC, ANKC.

Video: description and review of the breed

Dog standard

The Silkie Terrier is a compact, but strong and well-proportioned breed.

The Australian Terrier is a compact dog with a strong build. This breed is characterized by the following features:

1. At the withers they reach 26 cm and weigh 3.5–6.5 kg. The head is proportional to the body. The length of the forehead exceeds the size of the bridge of the nose.
2. The nose is pigmented black. The transition from the forehead is well defined. Scissor bite.
3. The ears are erect, triangular, their tips pointing upward. The eyes are small, oval-shaped, dark in color.
4. The body is elongated. The back line is straight. The neck is slightly arched. The chest is not very wide. The paws are smooth and of moderate thickness. The claws are dark in color.
5. In the tail area the hair is short, and a long coat is considered a fault. When docked, it is positioned vertically. If the tail is kept in its natural form, its upper part is curled towards the back.
6. Silks live up to 15–17 years.

The fur reaches 15 cm in length. But this indicator may vary depending on the care and age of the animal. The standard provides certain requirements for wool:

• it should not restrict the dog’s movements;
• in a standing position, there is a gap between the surface and the fur line;
• on the tail and paws the cover should be short, on the back there must be an even parting;
• the color can be gray-blue or blue and fawn (the richer the color, the more valued it is).

Important! Silver or white coloring is not allowed, with the exception of a combination of silver, fawn and blue on the face.

Pet character

The Australian Silky Terrier is a brave, energetic and kind dog.

The Australian Terrier is a brave, inquisitive, energetic dog, loyal to its owner. When strangers appear, it barks loudly, but does not show aggression. The breed has retained its protective qualities and serves as an excellent guard on a farm, in a house or apartment . Breeders note the extraordinary courage of these little pets.

Silkie can get along with other dogs, but does not always get along with cats and rodents, since she has hunting qualities. Loves to play with children, but it is not worth leaving the dog with children under 6 years old. If a child begins to pull the snare's tail or ears, the pet will not tolerate this and may bite.

The character is relatively malleable, the dog is easy to train, but can be stubborn during training. Therefore, breeders recommend taking an obedience course.

Reviews

Olga: “We bought a girl, 2 months old, she lives with us for half a year. She immediately became a family favorite. I quickly got used to the tray. Fortunately, the terrier hardly misbehaves and doesn’t chew shoes. Barks not as often as we were afraid. Loves to be in company, in the center of attention. I made friends with the cat, they communicate without conflicts. Sometimes it gets a little tiring with the activity, but overall the impression is positive, we don’t regret one bit that we chose it.”

Artem: “We bought our daughter an Australian puppy two years ago. We were worried that there would be difficulties in caring for the terrier, but in vain. We bathe him sometimes, brush him often, there is no hair on the sofas or carpets. The dog treats guests calmly and is sociable. An absolutely problem-free dog, and my daughter is so happy.”

Anastasia: “Silky is a good and devoted friend, he will never let you get bored. But it takes a lot of time. The terrier knows how to have fun on his own, but more often he looks for company. Constantly asks to go outside. He behaves restlessly. So if you don’t like unnecessary fuss, then the dog is not for you.”

Dog character and care

Silkies are curious, active, energetic and have a cheerful, friendly character. With proper training, they get along well with other animals. It is better not to leave these terriers with hamsters and guinea pigs, since most small terriers were bred to hunt rodents.

They are patient with children and favorably perceive guests visiting their owners. When meeting strangers, they are wary, but without provocation from the stranger, they simply inform their owners about the discovery by barking loudly. They guard the territory well, quickly detecting “intruders.”

This is a companion dog, bored without its owners and requiring attention, so it is better not to leave it alone for a long time - the snare can find something to do that will not please the owners. The energy that these dogs have is overflowing, requiring a sufficient amount of exercise every day if the owners want the Silky Terrier to behave calmly. This is an ideal breed for traveling, as the dogs easily adapt to traveling conditions.

The Australian Silk Terrier can be trained quickly if the activities with it are varied. It is better not to use coercion, force and loud screams when training - since all terriers are stubborn, a snare responds better to encouragement and praise. An obedience course and early socialization are mandatory for these terriers - docile and affectionate in communication with their owners, snares can show aggression towards other dogs.

Photo and video review

Having become familiar with the description and standards of the Silky Terrier in theory, you can proceed to viewing the photo gallery and video review.

Puppies and training

From the very moment an Australian Silky Terrier puppy enters the owner's house, he needs to be given a lot of attention. It is necessary to provide the dog with everything necessary: ​​water, food, toys and personal space. This breed is fairly easy to train, but training should begin as early as possible.

If a Silkie Terrier is frequently abused or treated roughly, there is a chance that it will become uncontrollable and mischievous. It is imperative to socialize the puppy in a timely manner so that unwanted behavioral problems with cats and other pets do not arise in the future.

Despite its small size, the Australian Silky Terrier remains a terrier at heart, so it is characterized by some stubbornness and self-will. The health of this breed is very good, but we must not forget about vaccinations, which are mandatory for all puppies at the age of one month. With proper care and maintenance, the Australian Silky Terrier can easily live up to the age of 15 years.

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Pros and cons of the breed

ProsCons

The Australian Silky Terrier is a cute compact breed that has not only decorative, but also working qualities.

Such a pet will bring joy and surprise you with funny tricks every day.

Character and psychological portrait

The Silky Terrier has an active and energetic character. The psychological makeup of his mind can be classified as choleric. Silks are distinguished by the following character traits:

• curiosity, sticks his nose in wherever possible;
• courage, readiness to defend the owner;
• attachment to family;
• bored alone;
• loves children and does not show aggression towards them;
• loves active games in the fresh air with a ball or stick;
• requires vigorous walking, and in its absence can create a mess at home;
• performs the role of a companion with a plus.