BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Can.Ch. OTCH,U-CD Hopepark's Naughty But Nice
TDX, CGC, FD, AD, Am.CDX (Gayna) Owned and trained by Heather Somers Photo courtesy of Hopepark Silky Terriers |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Australia
Height:
9 to 10 inches (23-25 cm)
Breed Profile:
The Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the early 1900s and is a blend of the Autralian and Yorkshire Terriers. Originally, the breed was known as the Sydney Silky Terrier and, in 1955, the official name became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed is known in North America as the Silky Terrier. The Silky, known as a "toy terrier", was bred to be a family companion and he is generally good with children and likes being with other pets.
The Silky is alert, friendly, inquisitive and responsive. He is neither as active as a Terrier nor as needing of care as many of the Toy breeds. He does, however, enjoy participating in various dog sports and activities including conformation shows, obedience, agility, flyball, earthdog trials, and tracking.
His coat is fine in texture, flat-lying, glossy and silky. His body hair ranges from 5 to 6 inches in length and he wears a profuse topknot on the top of his head. His colour is blue with tan markings.
Health Issues
In general, the Silky Terrier is a healthy breed. Like all breeds of dogs, however, the Silky is not completely free of health problems. Some health issues which have been seen in the breed include:
- Patella Luxation — A condition that affects many of the Toy breeds.
- Legg Calves Perthes Disease — A condition similar to Hip Dysplasia except that the ball joint of the leg where it connects to the hip is affected rather than the hip itself.
If you are considering the adoption of a Silky Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard for the Australian Silky Terrier
- FCI Breed Standard No. 236 - Australian Silky Terrier
AKC SILKY TERRIER DVD
19 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com
Grooming Information
The Silky Terrier's long silky coat needs daily brushing to keep it free of mats and in good condition. The coat is non-shedding and virtually odourless.
- Dental Care — Many of the Toy breeds, including the Silky, require extra care with their teeth. Tarter build-up and loose teeth is much more common in the smaller breeds of dogs. It is important to keep the teeth clean and brushing daily using only dog toothpaste will help maintain the teeth in good health.
- Grooming your Silky From the STCA
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
