Silky Terrier

The ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier include the Yorkshire Terrier (originating from Scotland, before being considered from England) and the Australian Terrier (which descends from rough-type terriers brought from Great Britain to Australia in the early nineteenth century) some records exist to indicate whether the dogs were just early Australian Terrier born with silky fur, or if there was an attempt to create a separate breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed began in the late nineteenth century, when Yorkshire Terriers were crossed with Australian Terriers. Early on, the breed was known as the Sydney Silky, because it was found mainly in the city of Sydney in Australia. Although most other Australian breeds were working dogs, the Silky Terrier was bred primarily to be an urban pet and companion breed, but it is also known as a snake killer in Australia. Until 1929, the Australian Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier, and the Yorkshire Terrier were not clearly defined. These dogs of three different breeds could be born in the same litter, and be separated by the appearance of different types after their growth. After 1932, in Australia, further crosses were discouraged, and in 1955 the breed name officially became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed was recognized by the Australian National Council of Dogs in 1958 in group 3. During and after World War II, American military personnel who had been stationed in Australia brought back a few specimens of Silky Terriers to the United States. Newspaper photographs of the breed in 1954 caused a resurgence of popularity and hundreds of Silky Terriers were imported from Australia to the United States. The American Kennel Club recognizes the breed as the Silky Terrier in 1959, as does the United Kennel Club (USA) in 1965. It is also recognized as the Silky Terrier by the Canadian Kennel Club. The breed is recognized by all major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world, and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale among 236 breeds. It can also be recognized by various minor kennel clubs.

The breed standard describes the ideal Australian Silky Terrier temperament as very alert and active. They love to run and play, but must have a closed fenced yard. They also enjoy brisk walking and ball play. The Silky is able to do well in an apartment, they are also an active breed indoors. It is important that they are very busy and socially surrounded in order to discourage boredom.

The Australian Silky Terrier is a small compact terrier with short legs, 23 cm at the withers, alert and active. The long silky gray and white or blue and tan coat is an identification element, hanging straight and separated along the back, the coat described as "flat, fine and brilliant". All proportions and aspects of the head and body as well as desirable shades of gray and white, and the placement of marks are widely described in the breed standard. The Silky Terrier should be slightly longer than high (about one-fifth longer than height at withers). It is a dog that was historically used for hunting rodents and snakes, so its body should have enough substance to hold this role. The coat requires much regular grooming and shampooing to maintain its silky appearance. The Silky Terrier has a strong wedge-shaped head. The eyes are small and almond-shaped. According to the standards, clear eyes are a defect. The ears are small and carried erect. The Silky Terrier has a high and small tail, the feet are almost feline. The coat must be long, near the floor. The hair on the face and ears are normally cut.