Silky Terrier
About the Silky Terrier
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 9-10" |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Silky Terriers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Apartment Living
- Active Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Silky Terrier
The story behind the Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier was developed in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century, primarily in Sydney, when breeders crossed imported Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers, aiming to improve coat color and refine a small companion that kept terrier utility against rodents and snakes. For years the offspring were sorted into breeds by appearance rather than parentage until standards separated the Silky from both parent breeds; it was long known as the Sydney Silky, with the name Australian Silky Terrier adopted in its homeland mid-century. American servicemen stationed in Australia during the Second World War brought dogs home, fueling U.S. interest, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1959 as the Silky Terrier.
Originally bred for: Vermin control, Companion, Watchdog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Silky Terrier
That flowing single coat depends on complete nutrition carrying sufficient fatty acids, while so small a body needs remarkably few calories. Offer a good toy or small-breed food twice daily, in pieces sized for a delicate jaw.
Watch for: No breed-wide allergy is established, though dental crowding and tartar are common enough that texture and chew choice matter. Fatty scraps upset small stomachs quickly. Lasting itching or digestive change warrants veterinary assessment first.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Silky Terrier
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.