Silky Terrier puppies and dogs

Silky Terriers are small dogs, most weighing around 10 pounds and standing around 9 to 10 inches tall.

Silky Terriers are usually black and tan or blue and tan. The “blue” refers to a steel-blue or silver-blue color that covers most of the body, while the “tan” refers to tan markings on the face, ears, chest, and legs. The tan markings are typically found above the eyes (eyebrows), on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the chest, and on the lower legs. This color combination gives Silky Terriers their distinctive appearance.

No, Silky Terriers do not shed much, if at all. They have a single-layered coat that is long, straight, and silky, more similar to human hair than typical dog fur. This type of coat sheds minimally compared to double-coated breeds, which have an undercoat that sheds seasonally. However, Silky Terriers still require regular grooming and brushing to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.

Silky Terriers have hair, not fur. Their unique coats are long, straight, and silky — a defining trait of the breed. Their coats don’t shed much but require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.

Yes, Silky Terriers tend to bark a lot, especially if they are not properly trained or socialized. Silky Terriers are naturally alert dogs, and they can be territorial and may bark in response to perceived threats or intrusions. Proper training and socialization can help limit excessive barking.

Yes, Silky Terriers can make great family dogs under the right circumstances. They are alert, affectionate, and energetic dogs who thrive on activities like ball-chasing and walks. A fairly active family with the patience and confidence to instill proper behavior in this breed is best. Their small size makes them ideal for families in smaller spaces like apartments, and their energy levels are moderate. 

Proper socialization is crucial, of course, as well as consistent training and grooming. Silky Terriers thrive in homes where they are treated as valued members of the family and provided with the care and interaction they need to stay happy and healthy.

Yes, Silky Terriers can be good with cats as long as they have an early introduction, proper training, and supervision. Like most terriers, the Silky Terrier was historically used as a ratter and thus may give chase to your family cat. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Silky Terrier, if properly socialized to your cat and introduced at a young age, should get along just swell.

Yes, Silky Terriers are good with other dogs if they are properly socialized from a young age. They can be territorial and assertive, though, especially with dogs of the same sex or those they perceive as threatening. Well-trained Silky Terriers are more likely to have positive interactions with other dogs. Your Silky Terrier’s personality may vary. Some may be more outgoing and friendly with other dogs, while others may be more reserved.

Yes, Silky Terriers are smart dogs. They are intelligent and quick learners, which can make them responsive to training when approached with positive reinforcement methods. They have a great ability for problem-solving. Overall, their intelligence, plus their lively and curious nature, makes them engaging companions and adaptable to various living environments.

Silky Terriers can be good for first-time pet parents, but they need early socialization, consistent training, regular grooming, and moderate exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are important for their well-being. They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods, as they may develop behavioral issues due to boredom or loneliness. 

Overall, Silky Terriers can make loving and loyal companions for first-time pet parents who are willing to invest time in their care. Their intelligence, affectionate nature, and moderate size make them a popular choice for many households.

On average, Silky Terriers can run up to 15 miles per hour in short bursts, which allows them to be effective hunters of small prey. Their endurance and sustained speed may not match larger dogs, who are better designed for long-distance running or sprinting. 

No, Silky Terriers can be time-consuming to train. This sparky breed requires a patient trainer with a sense of humor and lots of praise. It's worth noting, however, that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Silky Terriers are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly when training is consistent and positive. They respond well to rewards-based training methods such as treats, praise, and play. Like many terrier breeds, Silky Terriers can be stubborn and independent. They have a moderate attention span, so keeping training sessions short, fun, and engaging is important to maintain their interest and focus. Consistency in training methods and expectations is key.

Yes, Silky Terriers can make great playmates for well-behaved older children as they are affectionate, lively, and playful. However, because of their small size, they may not be safe with rambunctious younger children. Teaching both dogs and children appropriate behaviors and boundaries is essential to help prevent any potential misunderstandings or accidents.

As with any breed, it is recommended that children are always supervised when interacting with your Silky Terrier to keep both the children and dog safe.

Silky Terriers are rather sturdy for their size and have quite a long lifespan. Diseases are Silky Terriers prone to:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes: This is a condition that causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Silky Terrier suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes is a complex disease that prevents the body from properly regulating blood sugar levels. It is caused either by a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. Insulin allows the body to use glucose (sugar) for energy or to store for later use. Improper insulin levels will cause excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, cataracts, and weight loss. Though diabetes is a serious illness, it can be controlled by diet and insulin medication.

• Cushing’s disease: This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol and causes excessive drinking and urination, increased hunger, hair loss, obesity, and bruising.

• Epilepsy: This neurological condition causes seizures. 

• Tracheal collapse: This condition occurs when the trachea (or windpipe) flattens and makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs properly.

• Others: Like most toy breeds, Silky Terriers are prone to dental issues and allergies.

You can adopt a Silky Terrier at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. The cost of adopting a Silky Terrier is around $300 in order to cover the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying Silky Terriers from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Depending on their breeding, they usually cost anywhere from $800 to $3,500.

The easiest way to adopt a Silky Terrier is through a rescue that specializes in the breed. A great place to start is by starting a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Silky Terriers in your area.

Silky Terriers typically reach their full adult size between nine months and one year old. By this time, they have generally reached their full height and weight. However, their growth rate can vary, and some dogs may continue to fill out until they are around 18 months old. 

Silky Terriers were originally bred for ratting (hunting and killing rodents). They were also bred to be small in size, alert, and great companions. Their charming personality and size have made them popular as household pets.

The Silky Terrier hails from Australia and is likely the result of crossbreeding the Australian Terrier with the Yorkshire Terrier.

A healthy Silky Terrier will live between 12 and 15 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.