Should i get a silky terrier

Silky Terriers require regular grooming. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Skip to main content. Dog Breeds. Background Silky Terriers were the inadvertent offspring of Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, which had been crossbred in an effort to attain a darker coat.

Sizing up Weight: 8 to 10 lbs. Height: 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder Coat: Silky Color: Black and tan, blue and tan, blue silver and tan, gray and tan, silver and tan, silver black and tan. Health Progressive retinal atrophy Luxating Patella Cataracts Takeaway Points Silky Terriers have more energy than their size might lead you to believe.

Silky Terriers are a close cousin to the Yorkshire Terrier. Fun fact: The Silky Terrier is a toy breed regarded as truly Aussie. Size They are a toy-sized breed weighing between kgs, with an average height of Space A Silky Terrier is happy wherever its humans are, and they suit apartment living.

Energy Levels The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Difficulty of Training They are extremely intelligent and loyal dogs, but have a defiant streak. Family Suitability Silky Terriers are great family pets and loyal companions.

Compatibility with other Pets They love to meet new friends, including cats and dogs if socialised from a young age. Need for Company They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family. Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

Yes Coat and Grooming Needs This breed requires moderate maintenance. Shedding They shed little. Posts you might like. Shiba Inu Learn More. While their signature hairdo may seem intimidating at a glance, the silky terrier's coat is actually easy to maintain with regular brushing.

Tarianne Terrazas Quintana, a member of the Silky Terrier Club of America STCA board of directors, hopes more people will get to know the silky and realize that they make a great family dog or companion dog for individuals with an on-the-go lifestyle. The silky terrier is a bright, active dog who can appreciate hanging out at home with her owners as much as a hike in the woods.

This toy breed carries a stereotypical terrier temperament: They often have strong-willed personalities and are dedicated to their loved ones. As highly intelligent pups , a silky often thinks of herself as a one-dog neighborhood watch—so package deliverers should beware her mighty bark.

Donna Hitz, a member of the STCA board of directors, says silkies are good at alerting their owners to any visitors or animals including the occasional scampering squirrel that approach the house.

Owners can train their silky terrier to minimize unnecessary barking but need to know it's a part of their nature. Sandy Mesmer, another member of the STCA board of directors who has trained silky terriers, says it is important to be patient with your silky. Silkies often want to learn on their own schedule, and they are selective with who they choose to give their obedience to. They were bred to be independent workers, so that is their hard-wiring.

Potential owners should be prepared for positive reinforcement training and consistent short training activities to engage their silky. I would love to see more people fall in love with this breed because they are wonderful.

As a highly curious dog, the silky terrier craves adventure and engagement. With her short stature, she lives well in apartments and other small homes—but owners should be prepared for daily walks year-round and other forms of stimulation, such as interactive toys and playing games. Many silky terriers excel at agility work or earthdog trials, which are scent competitions for dogs originally bred to hunt rats or other vermin.

Above all else, the silky is happiest when she is entertaining her chosen people. Her desire to be the center of attention can mean your silky might get jealous of other dogs or pets who steal her spotlight. In order to combat this envious streak, it is important to socialize your silky terrier puppy well. Like many terriers, the silky can suffer from separation anxiety and should not be left at home alone for long periods of time.

If her nervousness is left unaddressed, the silky can express her frustration with loud barking. Silkies prefer exploration, and they would rather accompany you on outings or errands than be left behind. Thankfully, Hitz says the silky is easy to take on any type of trip.

They're so adaptable. I am so glad it's the breed that I got involved in so many years ago because it has just been entertaining, comforting, and fun. Silkies are a great dog breed. Ready for the open secret of the silky terrier world? It's actually not too tricky to get that sleek coat to shine at home! Mesmer says the silky terrier is among the easiest straight-coated dogs to groom, as long as owners are willing to keep up with weekly baths and brushing sessions. A natural bristle dog brush or a rubber comb can keep a silky terrier looking her best.

The Silky Terrier Club of America advises owners to use a moisturizing shampoo and a detangling leave-in conditioner to clean their pup. You might even be able to use your own—because the silky terrier's coat is similar enough to human hair, human products can safely be used.