Ratings

Breed Introduction

The Australian Silky Terrier is cheerful and lively, sometimes quite mischievous, and is purely used by humans as a companion. This dog maintains the energetic and assertive characteristics typical of terriers. In Australia, it can also exhibit the terrier’s skill in chasing small animals. The Silky Terrier is cute, lively, and intelligent, and will be alert when strangers approach, making it an ideal watchdog or family dog for urban residents. It has a small, light, agile, and lively body, possessing the typical traits of a terrier.

The Australian Silky Terrier is cheerful and lively, resembling the Yorkshire Terrier in appearance but larger in size. This breed originated in the 19th century, with blue and tan Australian Silky Terriers successfully establishing themselves in the United States and Canada before settling in Europe. They have a strong territorial instinct and will bark when they see strangers. They do not have dense fur but can withstand cold climates.

The Australian Silky Terrier bred in the late 19th century may have resulted from the Australian Terrier, which was primarily a companion dog, crossed with the Yorkshire Terrier and possibly the Skye Terrier. Though small, the Silky Terrier is robust and has a strong ability to hunt small rodents, and its character can be somewhat rebellious.