Silky Terrier

Updated August 11, 2025

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The Silky Terrier is a captivating toy breed with the heart of a terrier. They are known for their beautiful, silky blue and tan coat, as well as their lively, intelligent, and courageous personality. While they make affectionate companions, their terrier instincts for chasing and digging are still present.

Temperament

Intelligent, Friendly, Spirited, Alert, Courageous

Weight

8-11 pounds

Height

9-10 inches

Life Expectancy

13-15 years

Coat Color

Blue and Tan, Grey and Tan, Silver and Tan, Silver-blue and Tan

At a Glance

Maintenance Level

4/5

Friendliness

4/5

Energy Level

4/5

Good with Kids

3/5

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Characteristics Appearance Temperament Care Health History FAQs

About Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is a captivating toy breed with the heart of a terrier. They are known for their beautiful, silky blue and tan coat, as well as their lively, intelligent, and courageous personality. While they make affectionate companions, their terrier instincts for chasing and digging are still present.

13-15 years
Lifespan
8-11 pounds
Weight
9-10 inches
Height
4
Energy Level

What Makes Silky Terriers Special

The Silky Terrier is a charming and spirited companion with a beautiful, glossy coat. They are a true terrier at heart, with a bold and confident demeanor that belies their small stature. They are intelligent, loyal, and always ready for an adventure, making them a delightful, albeit sometimes challenging, pet.

Silky Terrier History & Origin

The Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the late 19th century. The breed was created by crossing imported Yorkshire Terriers with native Australian Terriers. The goal was to improve the coat quality of the Australian Terrier, and the resulting dogs with silky coats became the foundation for this new breed.

The breed was first known as the Sydney Silky Terrier.

Breed standards were established in Sydney in 1906 and Victoria in 1909, with a unified standard in 1926.

American servicemen brought the breed to the United States after World War II.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed as the Silky Terrier in 1959.

The cost of a Silky Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $1,500 to $3,000, while adoption from a rescue organization is typically less.

Silky Terrier Characteristics

Individual Variation

Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

Couch Potato Star Athlete

Grooming Needs

Minimal Grooming Extensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal Training Requires a Lot of Training

Health Issues

Few Known Health Issues Many Known Health Issues

Shedding Level

Sheds a Little Sheds a Lot

Silky Terrier Appearance

The Silky Terrier is a small, finely boned dog with a sleek and elegant appearance. Their most striking feature is their long, straight, glossy coat that is blue and tan in color. They have a keen, intelligent expression and carry themselves with a confident and alert air.

Physical Features

Ears

Small, V-shaped, and set high on the head, carried erect.

Eyes

Small, dark, and almond-shaped, giving them a sharp, intelligent look.

Nose

The nose is always black.

Coat & Build

Coat Length

The coat is long and fine, hanging straight and parted down the back. It has a texture similar to human hair.

Coat Color

The standard color is blue and tan. The blue can range from a slate blue to a silver blue. The tan markings are found on the face, ears, legs, and feet.

Tail

The tail is traditionally docked and carried high.

Silky Terrier Temperament

The Silky Terrier is a true terrier, full of zest for life and always ready for an adventure. Despite their small size, they have a big, bold personality and are often described as having a 'big dog' attitude. They are highly intelligent and quick to learn, but can also have a stubborn and mischievous streak, which is a classic terrier trait. Silkies are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families, thriving on human companionship and wanting to be involved in all family activities.

They are alert and courageous, making them excellent watchdogs. They will not hesitate to bark to alert their owners to anything they deem unusual. While generally friendly, their terrier instincts can make them wary of strangers at first. They are playful and energetic, enjoying games and activities with their owners. Their affectionate nature means they also enjoy cuddling on the couch after a long day of play.

Early socialization is important to ensure they get along well with other pets and children. With proper introductions and training, they can coexist peacefully with other animals. They are best suited for families with older children who know how to interact respectfully with a small dog.

Temperament Traits

IntelligentFriendlySpiritedAlertCourageous

Good With

Active individualsFamilies with older childrenApartment dwellersSeniors

Health

Silky Terriers are generally a healthy breed with a long lifespan, but like all purebreds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for these issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help ensure a long and happy life for your Silky.

Common Health Issues

Patellar Luxation: A common condition in small dogs where the kneecap dislocates.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip joint disorder that affects small breeds.
Diabetes Mellitus: A metabolic disorder that can affect Silky Terriers.
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures.
Tracheal Collapse: A condition where the windpipe weakens and collapses, common in toy breeds.

Preventive Care

Regular vet visits, maintaining a healthy weight, dental care, and purchasing from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings.

How to Care for a Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier, despite its toy size, is an active and intelligent breed that requires regular grooming, daily exercise, and consistent training to thrive. Their high energy and grooming needs mean they are not a low-maintenance breed.

Living Conditions

Space Requirements

Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments, as long as they get enough exercise.

Climate Adaptability

Does best in temperate climates; needs protection from extreme weather.

Apartment Living

Well-suited for apartment life with adequate daily exercise.

Best Suited For

Ideal for active singles, couples, or families with older children.

Training Tips

Start socialization and training from a young age.
Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise.
Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging.
Be consistent with rules and boundaries.
Address their tendency to bark early on with consistent training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Specialized Care Guides

Puppy Care

Early socialization and consistent, positive training are key for a Silky Terrier puppy. Crate training can be beneficial for housetraining.

Senior Care

Senior Silky Terriers may require adjustments to their diet and exercise routine. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor for age-related health issues.

First-Time Owner Tips

Can be a good choice for dedicated first-time owners who are prepared for their grooming and training needs.