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Australian Silky Terrier

Australian Silky Terrier is a toy breed from Australia also known as Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky.

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Australian Silky Terrier

Breed overview

Australian Silky Terrier is a toy breed from Australia also known as Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky.

Developed in Australia in the early 20th century from crosses between Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, creating a small but robust terrier with a luxurious coat.

People looking into Australian Silky Terrier usually prepare for Moderate exercise needs, High grooming needs, 8–10 lbs • 9–10 in.

Silky TerrierSydney Silky

History and origin

Australian Silky Terrier is tied to originating from Australia, specifically Sydney, with sources often placing its development around 1890 CE.

Australian Silky Terrier is described here as placed in the Toy group and marked as an established breed.

Developed in Australia in the early 20th century from crosses between Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, creating a small but robust terrier with a luxurious coat.

Browse dog breeds from Australia Browse more Toy breeds

Quick facts

Breed group
Toy
Size
Toy
Origin country
Australia
Region
Sydney
Origin year
1890 CE
Weight
8–10 lbs
Height
9–10 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Breed status
Established

Traits and day-to-day fit

Energy level
3 / 5
Trainability
3 / 5
Good with children
3 / 5
Shedding level
2 / 5
Barking tendency
4 / 5
Moderate exercise needsHigh grooming needsChildren score: 3/5Trainability: 3/5

Coat and classification

Australian Silky Terrier is grouped here with these coat and texture descriptors.

LongSilkyStraight

Australian Silky Terrier is also listed as recognized by these kennel-club organizations.

Recognized by AKCRecognized by FCIRecognized by CKCRecognized by KCRecognized by KCA

Appearance and build

  • Small, compact body with refined bone structure
  • Long, silky, straight blue and tan coat
  • Wedge-shaped head with alert expression
  • Moderately low-set V-shaped ears

What this breed is known for

  • Developed in Australia in the early 20th century from crosses between Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, creating a small but robust terrier with a luxurious coat.
  • Despite their elegant appearance, Silky Terriers retain the true terrier temperament and were used for hunting small vermin in urban areas of Sydney.
  • They're known for their silky, human-like hair that grows continuously and requires regular grooming to maintain its characteristic sheen and prevent matting.

Health and care notes

Australian Silky Terrier is noted here for Moderate exercise needs and High grooming needs.

  • Luxating Patella
  • Tracheal Collapse
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy

Coat details: Long, Silky, Straight

These are informational breed-guide notes, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Australian Silky Terrier come from?

Australian Silky Terrier is closely associated with Australia, especially Sydney in the sources used for this page.

How big does a Australian Silky Terrier get?

Typical size details for Australian Silky Terrier on this page are 8–10 lbs, 9–10 in, 12–15 years.

What is the Australian Silky Terrier known for?

Developed in Australia in the early 20th century from crosses between Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, creating a small but robust terrier with a luxurious coat.

Sources and citations

References below include kennel-club profiles, breed standards, and supporting background links for deeper reading.
  1. American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club
  2. Royal Kennel Club breed profile
    The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Royal Kennel Club breed standard
    The Royal Kennel Club • Breed standard
  4. Australian Silky Terrier reference page
    Wikipedia

Use the linked breed directories and standards for deeper reference. Breed guides are informational and do not replace veterinary or breeder advice.