Silky Terrier for Sale


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About Silky Terrier

You will find a Silky Terrier to be a charming toy dog, always in high spirits. The breed is also known as the Australian Silky Terrier since it originated from the wide brown land. Many confuse it with the Yorkshire breed, but the Silky variation is larger than the Yorkie. You can learn more about the dog here as you book the Silky Terrier for sale near me from the ads above.

The information below will help you know how to distinguish the dog from other similar breeds. You will also know what to do and expect once the puppy arrives at your place.

Silky Terrier Overview

Height

9-10 inches

Weight

8-11 pounds

Coat

Long and silky single-coat

Coat Color

Bi-color or tri-color combinations of blue, black, silver, gray, and tan

Temperament

Affectionate, active, friendly, and quite vocal

Litter Size

3-6 puppies

Origin

Australia

Lifespan

12-15 years

These small dogs are in the toy group but don't behave like the lapdogs in the same group. They are not fragile despite their size and are more feisty than yappy. Silky Terriers are always curious, so don't be surprised when they bark at something new.

If you would like to own one of these refined dogs, there are Silky Terrier puppies for sale near me offers at the top. We have a wide breeder’s reach, enabling you to get a Silky puppy within your location.

History of the Silky Terrier

The Australian Silky Terrier originated from the Australian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier cross-breeding. The development happened towards the end of the 19th century when they first named it the Sydney Silky. Most dog breeds from Australia were meant to be working dogs, but this one leaned more towards urban life. That, however, did not restrict the Silky Terriers from killing snakes when they found one.

Before 1929, there was no clear distinction between the Silky, Yorkshire, and the Australian Terriers. You could find the three breeds in the same litter, but the differentiation would only be done once fully grown. Australian officials in the dog's docket later discouraged further cross-breeding in 1932. In 1955, the breed was given the Australian Silky Terrier name before its recognition by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1958.

During and aftermath of WWII, Americans stationed in Australia imported a few Silky Terriers. A sudden popularity sprung in 1954 after a newspaper featured the dog. That’s when more Silkies were imported to the US before the AKC recognized the breed in 1959.

It was during the recognition time that they changed the name to Silky Terrier. Organizations such as the UKC (United Kennel Club) and the Federation Cynologique Internationale also recognized the breed under the same name.

Silky Terrier Aliases

  • Silky
  • Australian Silky Terrier
  • Sydney Terrier
  • Sydney Silky
  • Silky Toy Terrier

Similar Dog Breeds to Silky Terrier

  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Australian Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Skye Terrier

The dog breeds above belong to the Terrier group, and they have similarities. Depending on the breed, it may be hard or simpler to differentiate it from the Silky members. As you confirm if there is a Silky Terrier puppy for sale near me at the top, you can also check the other related breeds.

They are all available here, and we have breeders ready to deliver once you order one.

Silky Terrier Appearance

Here are the points that will help you differentiate the Silky from a Yorkshire Terrier and any other similar breed.

  • It’s a small dog belonging to the toy group category
  • The body is longer than taller, and the back is leveled
  • The head has a wedge shape. It's flat at the top (between the ears), and the skull is longer than the muzzle
  • Small eyes with an almond shape. They are dark, and the same color applies to the rims.
  • A small black nose
  • Teeth are scissors-shaped when closed
  • The ears are erect and V-shaped. They are set in a high position on the head.
  • Straight front legs with feet resembling that of a cat
  • A highly set tail. Sometimes, people dock it, but you must check if it is legal in your area.
  • The dog has a single coat consisting of long hair. It comes in bi-color and tri-color combinations of black, blue, tan, and gray colors.
  • The hair part is at the back's center and rarely tangles.

Character Traits of a Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier's temperament includes intelligence, friendliness, and high spirits. It's a dog breed with a hunting gene, so you will see it chasing small animals. Australians have witnessed this dog killing snakes and small animals, so they know this character in a Silky Terrier. The unlikable part about the dog is that it does not back down from a fight since it thinks it's a big dog.

The small size may make you wary of leaving such a dog at the gate, but it makes an excellent watchdog. Due to its vocal nature, you will always get a notification if a visitor or stranger is around. You may see a sense of independence on the dog, but it loves to be around people. That is why it suits family life with a compound to play.

When a Silky is not in the house following you in every room you visit, you will find it in the backyard digging. It can sometimes rest and let you cuddle, but this is not a habit you will enjoy often. It loves human company and will be happiest when you travel together. How the dog behaves may, however, be affected by how you train the dog and the socialization level.

Taking Care of a Silky Terrier

How you care for this dog will determine how you and other people will relate to the dog. Here are some things you need to keep in mind as you live with a Silky.

Training and Exercise

The breed is one of the smart ones, which means it's a quick learner. You should, however, expect some stubbornness since they can choose not to obey. Like most dogs, the best time to train is at a young age. Training with positive reinforcement in mind will yield better results. Consistency is vital; ensure the dog knows when it's misbehaving.

Combine the training with early socialization. Let the dog meet different people in different environments. Silkies can adapt to any environment quickly but can also be reserved when meeting new people. They also don’t like being alone for long periods. Being alone creates boredom, and they react by chewing things and barking a lot. There are tips to ensure the dog behaves when left alone, but it should be around someone most often.  

For exercising, know that you are dealing with an active dog but not at the hyperactive level. So, you can have it run and stretch in a fenced yard or spend at least an hour of exercise with it. It can enjoy hikes, fetch games, and more, keeping the dog fit physically and mentally. When you are in an unfenced area, ensure the dog is always on a leash. It's a small dog with a bull's attitude, making it never back down from a fight.

It also has a high prey drive that makes it chase small animals. Since it’s another terrier, expect it to dig once in a while – a technique it can use to escape under the fence.

Feeding

A Silky Terrier requires ½ to ¾ cup of quality dry food daily. That should be divided into two meals. If you have a puppy, it can eat up to ¼ cup every day. The food you give the dog depends on the physical condition, not the hunger status. Silkies can trick you into giving more food, so don't fall into that.

As you feed the dog, check if it's gaining weight or losing. Use the hands-on and eye tests to measure your dog's physical well-being. If the dog is becoming obese, reduce the amount of food intake and engage in more exercises. If it’s getting thinner, check the quality of food given before increasing the daily amounts.

Grooming

The Silky Terrier’s coat can be compared to human hair. It’s long, straight, and shiny with a fine texture. That tells you that this is a dog that requires grooming once in a while. So, you can start with brushing the dog twice a week at minimum. Frequent brushing depends on how long the coat is. You can use a soft-bristle brush, pin brush, or a comb to keep the hair straight and remove tangles. Bathing can be done after every four weeks. After the shower, you may use a conditioner or spray to keep the hair straight.

More grooming activities include trimming the nails if they click on the floor as the dog walks. Check and clean the ears every week. Lastly, brush your teeth every day. If you can't do it daily, brush at least 2-3 times a week.

Silky Terrier Health Issues

A Silky Terrier’s lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. The dog, like most breeds, is, however, prone to the following conditions:

  • Epilepsy
  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Diabetes Mellitus

Is a Silky Terrier Suitable for You?

Here are a few points to consider as you check the Silky Terrier pups for sale offers at the top.

Pros

  • Friendly and playful
  • Excels in sports and intense exercise
  • Can adapt to different environments
  • Can be a perfect watchdog due to being highly alert

Cons

  • It can be stubborn, especially during training
  • The grooming needs are demanding
  • It digs and barks a lot

Where to Find a Silky Terrier

We have Silky Terrier puppies for sale available here, costing between $600 and $800. The Silky Terrier price range sometimes shifts to between $1000 and $1200. The shifting and difference highly depend on the bloodline, demand, the breeder's location, and availability. Puppies with the American Kennel Club champion bloodline will cost more.

If you are also looking for a Teacup Silky Terrier for sale, check the ads at the top for pricing and booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you differentiate a Silky Terrier from a Yorkshire Terrier?

A Silky Terrier is larger than Yorkshire. The head of a Silky resembles a wedge, while that of a Yorkie is rounded.

2. Is a Silky Terrier fit for apartments?

Yes, Silkies can live in apartments if they have a chance to get out and exercise every day. Otherwise, they are more recommendable to people with yards or large compounds. For apartment dwellers, please note that this dog is vocal, and that might disrupt the neighbors.

3. Are Silky Terriers interesting?

Yes, they are interesting dogs with an affectionate and playful character. What may annoy you is too much barking if not adequately trained and digging.

4. Is a Silky Terrier puppy expensive?

A Silky puppy's price is relatively expensive. The Silky Terrier price ranges between $600 and $800. The price sometimes shoots to $1200. It depends on the breeder, bloodline, and the puppy's condition, among other factors.

5. Do Silky Terriers like being alone?

No. It would be best if you did not leave the Silky Terrier alone, especially for long periods. The dog can develop separation anxiety, making it chew and bark. Being alone for a long time may also trigger other unwanted behaviors.

Wrapping Up

A Silky Terrier is a cute dog that is full of activity. It may look like a potato couch because of the looks, but the temperament here is the opposite. If you would like an adorable and exciting dog, check the Australian Silky Terrier for sale ads we have at the top. We have breeders in different states, and connecting you with one is as easy as clicking or tapping on that displayed offer. With the above information, taking care of a Silky after the purchase will not be hard for you.