Members
01/Overview
The Silky Terrier is a small Australian breed known for its fine, glossy coat, alert expression, and lively personality. Developed as both a companion and a capable vermin hunter, the breed combines the elegance of a toy dog with the confidence, curiosity, and determination of a terrier.
Highlights
02/History
The Silky Terrier originated in Australia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The breed developed primarily from crosses between Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers, with breeders aiming to produce a small dog that combined a refined, silky coat with the toughness and working ability of a terrier.
Early development took place mainly in Sydney and other parts of New South Wales and Victoria. Because breeders in different regions had slightly different preferences, the dogs varied in size, coat, and overall appearance during the breed’s early years.
The breed was initially known by several names, including the Sydney Silky and Sydney Silky Terrier. As breeding became more organized, efforts were made to establish a consistent type that balanced elegance with a sturdy, functional build.
Silky Terriers were valued as companions but also retained strong vermin-hunting instincts. Their small size made them well suited to controlling rats and mice around homes, shops, and farms.
By the early twentieth century, breed standards began to emerge in Australia. Differences between regional standards were gradually resolved, and the breed became more uniform in size, structure, coat, and color.
The breed became known internationally as the Australian Silky Terrier before the name was shortened in some countries. The American Kennel Club recognized the Silky Terrier in 1959 and placed it in the Toy Group.
The Silky Terrier Club of America serves as the breed’s American Kennel Club parent club. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed as the Australian Silky Terrier and places it in Group 3, Terriers, Section 4, Toy Terriers.
03/Appearance
A mature Silky Terrier stands 9 to 10 inches tall at the withers and typically weighs around 10 pounds.
Skull: The Silky Terrier has a moderately long, strong, wedge-shaped head with a flat skull. The head should be refined and well proportioned without appearing coarse.
Expression: The expression is keen, alert, and intelligent, reflecting the breed’s lively and attentive nature.
Eyes: The eyes are small, dark, and oval in shape. They should be set to give the dog a bright, sharp expression without appearing round or prominent.
Ears: The ears are small, V-shaped, set high, and carried erect. They should be free from long hair and contribute to the breed’s alert appearance.
Muzzle: The muzzle is strong and moderately long, tapering slightly toward the nose without appearing weak or pointed.
Nose: The nose is black and well developed.
Bite: The Silky Terrier has strong teeth that meet in a scissors bite.
The Silky Terrier is slightly longer than tall, with a low-set, compact outline that combines refinement with enough substance for its terrier heritage. The breed should appear balanced, sturdy, and elegant without looking fragile.
The chest is moderately deep, the ribs are well sprung, and the back is level. Bone is fine but strong, providing sufficient support for an active small dog while preserving the light, graceful appearance expected of the breed.
Texture: The Silky Terrier has a fine, straight, glossy coat with a silky texture. The hair lies close to the body and should be long enough to display the breed’s characteristic sheen and flowing appearance without obscuring the dog’s outline or movement. The coat falls below and follows the body outline. It should not approach floor length. On the top of the head, the hair is so profuse as to form a topknot, but long hair on the face and ears is objectionable. The hair is parted on the head and down over the back to the root of the tail. The tail is well coated but devoid of plume. Legs should have short hair from the pastern and hock joints to the feet. The feet should not be obscured by the leg furnishings.
Standard Colors
04/Consider
The Silky Terrier is lively, intelligent, affectionate, and strongly influenced by its terrier background. Anyone considering the breed should be prepared for consistent training, regular exercise, early socialization, and routine coat care.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Silky Terrier is generally considered a healthy and long-lived breed with a typical lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Preventive veterinary care, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good dental hygiene, and maintenance of a healthy weight can help support long-term health.
The Silky Terrier is lively, affectionate, confident, and alert. It often forms a close bond with its family and combines the social nature of a companion dog with the curiosity and determination of a terrier.
The breed can be friendly and outgoing, although some individuals may be reserved at first with unfamiliar people. Early socialization helps the Silky Terrier become comfortable with different people, dogs, environments, and everyday situations.
Silky Terriers can live successfully with respectful children, especially when interactions are calm and supervised. Because of the breed’s small size, rough handling should be avoided.
Exercise Expectations
A healthy adult generally benefits from about 30 to 45 minutes of activity each day, although particularly energetic individuals may need more. Scent games, retrieving, puzzle toys, and dog sports can provide additional mental engagement. Because of the breed’s terrier instincts and tendency to chase small animals, off-leash exercise should take place only in a securely enclosed area.
Grooming Expectations
The Silky Terrier can adapt very well to apartment living when given enough exercise, training, and mental activity. Its alert nature and tendency to bark may require additional management in homes with close neighbors.
The breed is small enough to travel easily and generally enjoys staying close to its family. Care should be taken around high furniture, stairs, and larger dogs because the Silky Terrier can be injured by rough play or falls.
The Silky Terrier usually does best in a household that appreciates its confidence, energy, and affectionate nature. Regular companionship, consistent routines, and structured activity help the breed thrive.
05/Puppies
Silky Terrier puppies are lively, curious, affectionate, and quick to explore their surroundings. Early routines, positive socialization, patient training, and regular grooming help them develop into confident and well-mannered adults.
A Silky Terrier puppy benefits from a predictable daily schedule that includes regular meals, potty breaks, sleep, play, training, and quiet time. A crate or secure puppy area can provide a safe place to rest and support housetraining when direct supervision is not possible.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, household sounds, surfaces, vehicles, and unfamiliar environments. These experiences should remain positive and appropriate for the puppy’s age.
Training can begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. Short sessions can introduce name response, recall, leash walking, basic manners, impulse control, and calm greetings. Because the breed can be curious and easily distracted, recall and focus exercises are especially valuable.
A Silky Terrier puppy should receive a complete and balanced diet formulated for growth. Exercise should focus on supervised play, short walks, and gentle exploration rather than forced running or repetitive jumping while the puppy is still developing.
Regular veterinary visits are important during the first year. Grooming should also begin early so that the puppy becomes comfortable with brushing, combing, nail trimming, ear checks, tooth brushing, and general handling.
06/Activities
Silky Terriers are lively, intelligent, and athletic dogs that often enjoy activities involving speed, scent, problem-solving, and close work with a handler. Here are some of the dog sports and activities in which Silky Terriers may participate:
Agility: Silky Terriers can use their speed, balance, and quick reactions while navigating obstacle courses.
Obedience: Obedience Trials allow the breed to demonstrate focus, accuracy, and cooperation with a handler.
Rally: Rally Obedience combines movement through a course with varied obedience exercises that can help keep training engaging for this quick-learning breed.
Scent Work: Silky Terriers can search for specific odors hidden in containers, indoor spaces, outdoor areas, or vehicles.
Barn Hunt: Barn Hunt gives the breed an opportunity to use its natural vermin-hunting instincts to locate safely enclosed rats hidden among bales of straw.
Fast CAT: This timed 100-yard dash provides a controlled opportunity for the Silky Terrier to use its speed and chasing instinct.
Conformation Shows: Silky Terriers compete in Conformation Shows, where judges evaluate each dog according to the Breed Standard, including structure, movement, coat, expression, temperament, and overall type.
Trick Dog: Trick training provides mental stimulation and gives the Silky Terrier a productive way to use its intelligence and lively personality.
Therapy Work: A calm, friendly, and well-socialized Silky Terrier may visit hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, and other settings to provide companionship.
Canine Good Citizen: Silky Terriers may participate in programs that evaluate everyday manners, social behavior, and reliability around people and other dogs.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Silky Terrier is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Silky Terrier is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
Silky Terrier clubs support breed education, responsible breeding, health initiatives, rescue work, and participation in Conformation shows and Performance events.
Silky Terrier Club of America: Founded in 1955, this is the national breed club for the Silky Terrier in the United States and the breed’s AKC parent club.
09/Rescue
Breed-specific rescue organizations help Silky Terriers that have been surrendered, abandoned, or found in shelters. These groups may provide foster care, veterinary treatment, behavioral evaluation, and placement with an appropriate adoptive family.
Silky Terrier Club of America Rescue: The breed’s American Kennel Club parent club provides rescue information and can help connect Silky Terriers in need with foster or adoptive homes across the United States.
Silky Terrier Rescue: Volunteer breed rescue networks in the United States may assist with foster care, rehabilitation, and adoption of Silky Terriers needing new homes.
Because the Silky Terrier is a relatively uncommon breed, dogs available through dedicated rescue programs may be limited. Local shelters, broader Toy breed and Terrier rescue organizations, adoption databases, and breed clubs can provide additional information about a Silky Terrier or Silky mix currently needing a new home.
10/Facts
Developed in Australia
The Silky Terrier was created in Australia from crosses between Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers.
Originally Called the Sydney Silky
Early examples of the breed were often known as Sydney Silkies or Sydney Silky Terriers.
A Toy Dog with Terrier Instincts
Although the Silky Terrier is classified in the Toy Group by the American Kennel Club, it retains the confidence, alertness, and hunting instincts of a true terrier.
Bred to Control Vermin
Silky Terriers were used to hunt rats and mice around homes, shops, and farms.
11/FAQ
Silky Terriers can make excellent pets for people who want an affectionate, lively, and intelligent companion. They need regular exercise, consistent training, routine grooming, and plenty of interaction with their family.
Official Standard of the Silky Terrier
General Appearance: The Silky Terrier is a true "toy terrier". He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His coat is silky in texture, parted from the stop to the tail and presents a well groomed but not sculptured appearance. His inquisitive nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - Shoulder height from 9 to 10 inches. Deviation in either direction is undesirable. Proportion - The body is about one fifth longer than the dog's height at the withers. Substance - Lightly built with strong but rather fine bone.
Head: The head is strong, wedge-shaped, and moderately long. Expression piercingly keen, eyes small, dark, almond shaped with dark rims. Light eyes are a serious fault. Ears are small, V-shaped, set high and carried erect without any tendency to flare obliquely off the skull. Skull flat, and not too wide between the ears. The skull is slightly longer than the muzzle. Stop shallow. The nose is black. Teeth strong and well aligned, scissors bite. An undershot or overshot bite is a serious fault.
Neck, Topline and Body: The neck fits gracefully into sloping shoulders. It is medium long, fine, and to some degree crested. The topline is level. A topline showing a roach or dip is a serious fault. Chest medium wide and deep enough to extend down to the elbows. The body is moderately low set and about one fifth longer than the dog's height at the withers. The body is measured from the point of the shoulder (or forechest) to the rearmost projection of the upper thigh (or point of the buttocks). A body which is too short is a fault, as is a body which is too long. The tail is docked, set high and carried at twelve to two o'clock position.
Forequarters: Well laid back shoulders, together with proper angulation at the upper arm, set the forelegs nicely under the body. Forelegs are strong, straight and rather fine-boned. Feet small, catlike, round, compact. Pads are thick and springy while nails are strong and dark colored. White or flesh-colored nails are a fault. The feet point straight ahead, with no turning in or out. Dewclaws, if any, are removed.
Hindquarters: Thighs well muscled and strong, but not so developed as to appear heavy. Well angulated stifles with low hocks which are parallel when viewed from behind. Feet as in front.
Coat: Straight, single, glossy, silky in texture. On matured specimens the coat falls below and follows the body outline. It should not approach floor length. On the top of the head, the hair is so profuse as to form a topknot, but long hair on the face and ears is objectionable. The hair is parted on the head and down over the back to the root of the tail. The tail is well coated but devoid of plume. Legs should have short hair from the pastern and hock joints to the feet. The feet should not be obscured by the leg furnishings.
Color: Blue and tan. The blue may be silver blue, pigeon blue or slate blue, the tan deep and rich. The blue extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail, down the forelegs to the elbows, and half way down the outside of the thighs. On the tail the blue should be very dark. Tan appears on muzzle and cheeks, around the base of the ears, on the legs and feet and around the vent. The topknot should be silver or fawn which is lighter than the tan points.
Gait: Should be free, light-footed, lively and straightforward. Hindquarters should have strong propelling power. Toeing in or out is to be faulted.
Temperament: The keenly alert air of the terrier is characteristic, with shyness or excessive nervousness to be faulted. The manner is quick, friendly, responsive.
Approved October 10, 1989
Effective November 30, 1989
Meet the Judges
George Milutinovich reflects on judging multiple breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry depth, Breed winners, and overall quality.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Barbara Beissel of Lamplighter shares decades of insight on Silky Terriers, breeding to the Standard, and preserving Toy breeds.
A look at the Silky Terrier’s history, evolving Standards, and how size and coat length shaped the breed from its early Australian origins.
All About Judging
Judging the Silky Terrier: Key traits, temperament, grooming, and breed type considerations for a successful ring evaluation.
Meet the Breeders
Sandy Mesmer of Tessier shares her insights on Silky Terriers, show puppy selection, breed trends, and the dog show community.
Delve into the ultimate Silky Terrier guide, uncovering everything from their characteristics and traits to care tips and rich history.
Article discussing the Silky Terrier breed from a longtime breeder’s perspective, focusing on appearance, coat, and areas needing improvement.
Purebred Silky Terriers Breed Origins | Here is a thorough account of where the Silky Terrier came from. It starts with the Yorkie, and way before that too.
Learn everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between the Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier dog breeds.
The tail is set high and carried upright, contributing to the Silky Terrier’s confident and balanced outline. It may be left natural or traditionally docked where permitted, and should remain in proportion with the body.
Standard Markings
A Note About Color: The Silky Terrier’s coat is blue and tan. The blue may be silver blue, pigeon blue, or slate blue; the tan is deep and rich. The blue extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail, down the forelegs to the elbows, and half way down the outside of the thighs. On the tail, the blue should be very dark. Tan appears on the muzzle and cheeks, around the base of the ears, on the legs and feet, and around the vent. The topknot should be silver or fawn, which is lighter than the tan points.
Coat Type
Silky
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Long
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
A Silky Terrier should receive a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog’s age, activity level, and body condition. Portions should be measured carefully because even a small amount of excess weight can affect mobility and overall health.
A puppy generally needs three or four small meals each day before gradually moving to two meals. Most adults are fed twice daily, with the amount adjusted according to the food’s caloric density and the dog’s activity level.
Treats can be useful during training but should remain limited. Fresh water should always be available.
The Silky Terrier is intelligent and usually quick to learn, but it can also be independent and easily distracted. Training is most effective when sessions are short, varied, and supported by praise, food rewards, toys, or play.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, environments, sounds, and surfaces. Recall, leash manners, impulse control, and calm greetings are especially useful because the breed may react quickly to movement or interesting scents.
Clear and consistent expectations help prevent unwanted habits such as excessive barking, chasing, or ignoring commands. Patient, reward-based training usually produces the best results.
The coat of the Silky should be brushed carefully from the skin outward, with particular attention to the ears, legs, chest, and other areas where friction can cause tangling. Regular bathing and trimming around the feet and sanitary areas can help keep the coat clean and manageable. Nails should be trimmed regularly, ears should be checked for irritation or debris, and teeth should be brushed routinely.
