Ever wondered what breeds make up a silky terrier?
Silky terrier, commonly know as the Australian Silky Terrier, is one of the most versatile small dog breed that has its origins traced back to the most sought after terrier dog type “the Yorkshire Terrier.
As a crossbreed, the silky terriers were predominantly bred for hunting purposes of smaller vertebrates like rats and rattlesnakes, which are rampant in Australia.
So, What breeds make a silky terrier?
Silky terriers descend from their ancestral terrier types from the Yorkshire region located in the northern part of England Great Britain. Silky terriers are, therefore, an intermixed crossbreed that is closely related to the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.
The Silky Terrier is a small dog breed that was bred in Australia as a working dog and also for hunting and killing snakes. Later on the breed became an urban pet and companion.
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This breed is said to be suitable for families with low activity index. And that means that silky terriers are ideal for busy singles, seniors, apartment living, houses with or without yards etc.
So basically, the Australian Silky Terrier is a dog breed that is suitable for everyone.
Now, without a doubt, you must have been interested in knowing more about this breed and potentially you are considering of adopting one for yourself.
If that is the case, then you’re exactly where you need to be right now. This is a complete Australian Silky Terrier pet guide, so we will look at the following:
- History of the breed
- The physical appearance of the Australian Silky Terrier
- Temperaments/ Characteristics of the breed
- Food Requirements of the breed
- Exercise requirements
- Grooming requirements
- Health Concerns
- Lifespan
History of the Australian Silky Terrier
The history of the Silky Terrier can be traced back in the 1980s in Australia where it was bred as a working dog and also for hunting small vermin.
The Australian Silky Terrier is the result of cross-breeding the Yorkshire Terriers and the native Australian Terrier, so it is not a pure breed, the offsprings will sometimes look more like the Yorkshire Terriers or more like the Native Australian Terrier.
Around 1906 a breed standard was developed in Australia and it had guidelines of how a breed should look like, move or act like.
In1955 that’s when this breed became known as the Australian Silky Terrier.
Now, because of their subtle differences, telling which is which between the silky terrier and the Yorkshire terrier is a bit of a challenge for untrained eyes.
However, if you know what to look for, you will notice features that set the silky terrier apart from the Yorkshire terrier.
So, What is the difference between a Yorkie and a silky?
- The Dog Coat: The Silky terrier has a slightly shorter coat compared to the Yorkies Coat.
- Dog Breed Size: The Silky terrier is larger, while the Yorkshire terrier is a little bit smaller in their body frame.
- The Dog Height: The Silky, also popularly known as the Sydney Terrier, is a low-set dog (standing at an approximate height of 9 to 10 inches tall.
The physical appearance of the Australian Silky Terrier
Both males and females stand 9 to10 inches tall and weigh 8 to 10 pounds, the breed is known for having a very beautiful, long and silky coat, parted down the back and hanging down 5 to 6 inches down, the color of the coat is rich tan and various shades of blue.
Temperaments or Characteristics of the Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier is a breed with many wonderful temperaments and that’s why a lot of dog owners are fond of this breed. Below we have listed the characteristics of the breed:
- The dog breed is loving and friendly: The breed loves being around his owner as a way of showing affection and is also very good with little kids.
- Silky Terriers are intelligent, spirited and self-assured: Because of his intelligence, he is very easy to train. He loves to play, he is lively and spirited too. Always a happy active dog.
- Silky Terriers are very sensitive: This is because of his hunting instincts, he is very sensitive and can as well be a good watchdog as he will bark as anything unusual happening around him.
- Silky Terriers are obedient and devoted to his owner: This breed is very loyal to his owner, he will do anything to please his owner.
All these wonderful traits are affected by a few factors including heredity, training, and socialization.
So it is highly advised that owners Should try to train and socialize this breed while they are still at a young age.
Food Requirements of the breed
In order to keep your Australian Silky Terrier healthy and looking great, you need to give him the right type of food. So below we have listed the best food for the breed, highly recommended by veterinarians too:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula dry dog food: This dog food features real meat as the first ingredient.
Real chicken is the main ingredient and a source of high quality proteins which is great for maintaining the dog’s muscles, the food also contains wholesome grains, garden veggies and fruits that are healthy for the dog.
The blue buffalo dry dog food also contains essential proteins and carbohydrates that help meet the energy needs of the adult Tenterfield terrier and features omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote the dog’s shiny coat and healthy skin.
And a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists are there to support the dog’s immune system health, life stage requirements and a healthy oxidative balance.
The food doesn’t contain any unhealthy byproducts meals and grains such as soy, corn or wheat
Purina Beyond simply 9 dry dog food: The main ingredient of this dog food is chicken and it’s the only source of animal protein in this food.
Other ingredients are wholesome grains such as oatmeal, barley and rice which are all easy to digest for the dog and provide excellent fiber for easier digestion. The food doesn’t contain soy, corn, wheat or poultry by-product meal.
Nature’s Recipe Adult dry dog food: This grain-free dog food is easy to digest and is also full of tasty meaty flavor.
The ingredients of this meal are highly palatable protein from fish, poultry, lamb or venison and are combined with wholesome veggies and all the nutrients the dog needs.
Real salmon is the first ingredient of this food, and contains high-quality proteins that help in the development of the dog’s muscles.
Then there’s sweet potatoes and pumpkin that are the main sources of carbohydrates for the dog’s energy. Lastly, the food is rich in antioxidants that help maintain a strong and healthy immune system.
Diamond Naturals Real Meat recipe dry dog food: This food contains high-quality protein from real beef which is the main ingredient.
The food doesn’t contain any grains but contains whole grains such as barley and oatmeal. The food also contains antioxidants and fatty acids that will help maintain the dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat. The food is great for dogs of all ages and is very healthy for the tummy.
Pedigree Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food: Pedigree is the dog food that’s been available in the markets for years and its trusted by many dog owners because it offers great quality dog food at affordable prices.
The food is available in chicken, steak and lamb formulations and also contains healthy whole grains and veggies. its also contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for the dog’s health.
Merrick Grain free Dry Dog food: This dog food comes in buffalo, duck, turkey, salmon, Texas beef, rabbit, venison and chicken.
The food is high in proteins and fat in a dry kibble and also provides the Tenterfield terrier with excellent blends of antioxidants. The food also contains chondroitin and glucosamine for the dog to have a healthy bone.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog food: The first and main ingredient of this dog food is chicken which is also the main source of proteins.
The second ingredient is the chicken meal and contains 300% more proteins than fresh chicken. The third ingredient is brown rice and is gluten-free.
The fourth ingredient is barley which is a starchy carbohydrate responsible for supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients for your dog.
All these ingredients combine to make healthy and tasty dog food. The food also contains flaxseed known to be one of the best plant sources of healthy omega 3 fatty acids which are responsible for maintaining the dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat
Taste of the wild high protein dry dog food: The main ingredients of this food are bison, venison, wildfowl, salmon, lamb, and boar.
This food is one of the best on our list and is great for dogs of all ages. The food is also grain-free as t has other healthier sources of carbs.
This food also helps to maintain the dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat, as it is also enriched with antioxidants and vitamins.
Grooming requirements
The Australian Silky Terrier has a long hair coat that is straight and shiny, the hair is similar to the human hair and is constantly growing.
So this breed requires an owner who will be committed to grooming him the right way. The silky hair will require brushing and combing several times each week.
Regular haircuts will be necessary to keep the coat at the desired length. Many owners choose to keep the coat trimmed short for easier care.
Overall, the breed tends to shed very little. Bathing the dog frequently is not necessary, only once a month is enough.
Make sure to always keep the dog’s ears clean to avoid ear infections and also keep the nails neatly trimmed so your silky’s feet will stay healthy and comfortable.
Oral hygiene is important for health and you should brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least two to three times per week. As far as grooming requirements, thats all the breed needs.
Health Concerns
The Australian Silky Terrier is a very healthy dog breed, but just like all other dog breeds, he is also prone to certain health issues that will require your attention the minute you see the signs and symptoms.
Below we have listed the health issues that the Australian Terrier is more likely to suffer from, these health issues are mostly hereditary:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Diabetes mellitus
Lifespan
When well taken care of this breed has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years.