Silky Terrier

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Silky Terrier

Silky Terrier Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
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Silky Terrier Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 8 - 11 lbs

Height: 9 - 10 inches

Color(s): Blue and tan

AKC Lance Moore Silky

Silky Terrier

$700.00

AKC Pierre Thomas Silky

Silky Terrier

$700.00

Overview

The Silky Terrier is intelligent, curious, and in constant motion. Originally developed in the 19th century in Australia. The Silky is compact but is light in build. They are a friendly and spirited breed. The Silky Terrier can be possessive with their family and property.

Character

The Silky Terrier is an excellent companion. This breed has a keen alertness and a true Terrier nature. They can, on occasion, exhibit defiance and stubbornness. They do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time and do best when someone is home for most of the day. The Silky makes an excellent watchdog.

Temperament

The Silky Terrier is generally happy and loves to play. They are bold in action and have a mischievous streak. This breed loves to dig and bark. The Silky is most suited for older, well-behaved children. They are extremely territorial and may exhibit aggression toward other dogs. They love to chase cats, so raising them with cats from puppy-hood is highly recommended.

Care

The Silky Terrier's coat is highly susceptible to tangles and matting. They require daily brushing and combing. This breed requires a deep commitment from their owners. To keep the coat lustrous regular shampooing is necessary. The Silky is prone to several disorders including luxating patella, tracheal collapse, and epilepsy.

Coat

The Silky Terrier's coat is virtually non-shedding and odorless. Their coat is one of the breed's most prominent features. It is straight, silky, and shiny. Unlike the Yorkie, whose coat flows to the floor, the Silky coat is shorter and conforms to the shape of the body. The texture is much like human hair. The color of the coat may be blue and red, or blue and tan.

Training

This breed may be difficult to housebreak. They respond best to praise, reward, love and consistency. The Silky Terrier does well in obedience training provided the method used is not done using a choke collar. The Silky trachea is easily damaged. Training must be done firmly and fairly.

Activity

The Silky Terrier is a bundle of energy. They love to be given chances to run and play, but must have a tightly fenced yard. They also enjoy brisk walks and playing ball. The Silky is able to do well in an apartment, although they are also an active indoor breed. It is important they are kept busy and social to discourage boredom.

Ask a Question Silky Terrier Questions & Answers

QUESTION: can my silky be in heat again, she was just in heat in november?

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 11:14:55 AM

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QUESTION: how to i figure out what kind of dog i have???Thank you

Anonymous - 1/22/2012 11:09:18 AM

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QUESTION: I found my silky terrier how can I determine his age?

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 3:11:14 AM

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QUESTION: My Silky Terrier is pulling her hair out so much that she now has a "shaved look" throughout her rump and her back legs. Is this common for this breed? She seems to do it more when left alone during the day. Help!

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 10:59:55 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 10 yr old male shih-tzu and just purchased an 18 month old Yorkie but think she is silky. She is aggressive toward my shih-tzu or territorial...literally leaps at him. I'm afraid of him lashing out as he's a little temperamental himself, what can I do to prevent this? Thank you.

Anonymous - 12/30/2011 9:54:33 PM

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QUESTION: I am thinking about to get a silky terrier but I am not sure how long I should take it out to play and how long to leave it alone

Anonymous - 12/29/2011 8:58:40 PM

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QUESTION: I am confused. I thought i had a yorkie, but she was bigger 11lbs. I bred her to a yorkie. So I thought I had a full blooded yorkie and sold her pups as this. But looking at the pics above she looks just like a Silky. I love my girl but now what do I do about the pups I already sold as yorkies???? need help asap!!!

Anonymous - 12/12/2011 2:23:49 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 6 year old female Silky. She was groomed two months ago, trimed up not shaved and her hair this time is not growing back like before. I'm worried!!!

Anonymous - 12/8/2011 10:29:27 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 5 year old female Silky Terrier. My question is that she has had several cycles of heat and I really want to breed her, but cannot find a male around my area to do this. Any ideas? I would like to see a picture of the male before breeding her.

Anonymous - 11/15/2011 10:36:31 AM

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QUESTION: I have a silky male - will his personality change when he gets neutered? He is smart, he is house broken fully by the time he was 7 mos., he is 9 months best companion we have ever had.

Anonymous - 11/9/2011 7:49:26 PM

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I have a silk terrier/chihuahua, his temperment did not change once neutered. If anything, he became less likely to mark his territory when we went for walks.

Anonymous - 11/29/2011 8:04:37 PM

QUESTION: how long do silkly terriers stay in heat?

Anonymous - 11/4/2011 8:46:39 PM

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Three weeks

Anonymous - 1/10/2012 6:10:45 PM

QUESTION: how long after female comes into heat she comes into again

Anonymous - 10/31/2011 12:51:16 PM

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QUESTION: I have a beautiful dog going on 3yrs old who was sold to us as a Yorkie by a shih tzu breeder who was selling some Yorkies for a breeder friend of his (supposedly). Anyway, everywhere I go someone tells me that they think she is a Silky and by pictures and measurements, she seems to fit the Silky beed characteristics. I would like to get a reliable DNA test to find out once and for all and I have been told there are all types out there, some not a good as others. And possible some that are more specific within the terrier class. Can anyone direct me? thanks so much

Anonymous - 10/9/2011 3:09:49 PM

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I too, have a Silky girl that I rescued at 3 months, and I also have a rescue Yorkie. You can distinguish the differnce between Yorkie and Silky by their muzzles. The Yorkie's muzzle is more smaller/narrow and pointier and the Silky has a more elongated curve to it. I call my Silky an "alligator mouth" because that's exactly what it looks like. That's how I found the distiction between my 2 girls. Hope this helps you.

Anonymous - 10/13/2011 2:37:21 PM

QUESTION: just got a rescue silky terrier. having her groomed tomorrow - she is matted really bad. how long does it usually take to grow back? rescued from a puppy mill

Anonymous - 10/7/2011 12:37:46 AM

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Cowboy Magic detangler works great to get snarls and mats out. For that matter so does baby oil. Don't leave either in and don't use people shampoo - too strong. Just takes some patience and fingers to pull apart snarls before brushing. Three farm silkies that love to play in hay, sawdust, twigs anything that will muss and tangle hair.

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 2:25:47 PM

It depends how short of a haircut you give your silky. If you go with a puppy cut, it can take a couple of months, but if you just get her trimmed, it won't take long at all. Her hair won't mat as much if you keep it short.

Anonymous - 10/29/2011 3:32:50 AM

QUESTION: I rescued a pure breed silky from an owner who just did not want her any more. She's about 2-3 yrs. What do i feed her, does it have to be expensive? I already have two golden retriever mixes and four cats.

Anonymous - 9/26/2011 11:28:32 PM

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Well even though the silky terrier gets pricey you can go both ways... I have mine which is 5 years and she eats kibbles& bits for pups or just the easier to chew bites as oppose to the big bread or adult bread size bites. These bags are like 18$ for the biggest bag 20lbs. Also u could do pedigree for small breed or for puppies. The other option petco usually has a really good brand of food for this precise dog breed it's like 25$ for like 10 lbs.. But it's targeting coat, teeth, everything that this bread needs. It's all up to you. I do suggest because if their coat & to prevent tartar in their teeth stay away from can food ... They get it all over their face hairs and then they smell like dog food. Hth.. Good luck!

Anonymous - 9/27/2011 7:50:03 PM

QUESTION: I have a silky terrier and its so hard to train him at first i started off with the wee wee pads cause he was too little to be out in the winter now im trying to train him but is there any suggestions or help for me to get my dog potty train he so mean?

Anonymous - 9/17/2011 11:36:58 PM

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QUESTION: how often can a silky terrier bathe?

Anonymous - 9/13/2011 12:30:06 AM

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Because silky terriers are single coated, they can be bathed once a week with a good shampoo and conditioner recommended for dogs.

Anonymous - 9/19/2011 3:14:32 PM

QUESTION: Just bought a 5 month old silky terrier and he does not bark. Is this normal for his age?

Anonymous - 8/14/2011 10:22:45 PM

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I have a 7 months old silky. He does not bark unless he is irritated. I was advised by the vet this is normal.

Anonymous - 8/20/2011 12:08:50 PM

QUESTION: Im Getting a silky and am wanting to start a kennel but i have one queston how old do they have to be to get pregnant?

Anonymous - 8/12/2011 8:36:53 PM

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3-4 years... And heavier than 7lbs to prevent complications

Anonymous - 9/27/2011 7:35:15 PM

QUESTION: is paying 600 for a 4 year old house broke silky too much?

Anonymous - 8/5/2011 4:09:58 PM

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No, we paid 800 for a silky puppy and he still does not know how to go outside. Getting them already trained is a VERY good idea

Anonymous - 9/10/2011 7:19:39 PM

QUESTION: I am considering buying from a shelter a tan,black puppy with white front paws. They tell me she is a silky terrier. What age do they start going grey? If I groom her hair short will she look like she does as a puppy? I noticed on the silkies they seem to have a long snout? The puppy doesn't seem to have that snout so do they change? I'm interested in a dog that looks scruffy. Could they have misread what she is? Thanks Julie

Anonymous - 7/17/2011 12:27:32 PM

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Typically these dogs don't have white paws all tan/gray/bluish all around ... Silky's are black & tan at birth and for example mine was that til about 9 months to 1 year then started to be grayish/bluish where she was black and the tan can remain tan or start turning more silky gold. You never know from a shelter they always get silky terriers all the time but classify them as yorkies just cause they resemble the characteristics .. They might think the dog in question is a silky terrier

Anonymous - 9/27/2011 7:41:43 PM

QUESTION: Hi,, i have a male silky and im currently living in an apartment.....i have trained him to pee and poo in the toilet, but whenever we are not at home or sometimes even at home, he goes pee around the edges of the sofa, doors, kitchen cabinet and what ever he can find.... and after he does that ill bring him to the place where he has peed and scold him telling him not to do it..... he gets scared and he actually is smart as he knows that he has done something wrong, but the next day he does it again....pls help

Anonymous - 7/4/2011 7:16:49 AM

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I believe your silky gets frantic or separation anxiety when you are gone and does whatever to get your attention. He may be a dog that will not do well as a single pet. For a small dogs and children toilets are scary things especially to face alone. Take your dog outside to do business and above all take the time it takes. If you cannot due to work or whatever, you have the wrong breed of dog or the wrong dog for you.

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 2:35:58 PM

Your training method is obviously NOT working. I'd consider taking your silky outside more and feeding him on a regular schedule. Neutering would also help A LOT. He is marking his territory. Neutering will also prevent accidental puppies, running away, jumping, and a lot more behavioral issues. There are many places that will neuter him for a low cost. If your training method isn't working and he's getting scared, try a method called the positive reinforcement method. Famous dog trainer Victoria Stillwell has a website called positively.com. If you search around the website for awhile, you will find an answer.

Anonymous - 7/18/2011 5:16:16 PM

ok,but is there a another way around where anything else can be done , before getting him neutered

Anonymous - 7/11/2011 1:26:12 AM

Your silky is marking his territory. It's normal for a male dog to do that. I would say get him neutered

Anonymous - 7/6/2011 9:39:49 PM

QUESTION: When full grown are silky terriers the same size as yorkshire terriers?

Anonymous - 6/20/2011 4:30:26 PM

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Silky Terriers are about twice as big as yorkies.

Anonymous - 6/27/2011 2:27:31 PM

QUESTION: Do silky terrier's shed hair alot?

Anonymous - 5/22/2011 3:11:48 PM

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You will hardly ever find a hair. Silky Terrier's don't have the undercoat that other dogs do, so they really don't shed. I just brought home a rescue yesterday (have owned the breed in the past) and he has not shed a hair on me and he has been cuddled and held quite a bit. You will NOT be sorry with this breed! :)

Anonymous - 5/29/2011 1:20:37 PM

No, silky terriers do not shed hair. Much like us it gets brushed out mostly.

Anonymous - 5/27/2011 10:27:00 PM

No they don't. I'm allergic and own one. My silky terrier doesn't shed as long as he's brushed at least twice a week.

Anonymous - 5/27/2011 6:50:49 PM

QUESTION: SHOULD SILKY TERRIERS BE CAGED FOR TRAINING PURPOSES

Anonymous - 5/4/2011 10:23:32 AM

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I tried training my Silky to her den, it didn't work well @ all. She was a puppy when I initially started the training. She's eight now and still barks and cries when in her den. I have opted to let her roam the house when we're not @ home.

Anonymous - 11/19/2011 4:10:25 PM

I have used the cage training method for several dogs that I have had and yes at first they don't really like it, but a day or so after, they get used to it. Currently I have a Silky that has full run of the house, but many times prefers to be in her cage. We think that it serves as a comfort zone for her, when she does not want to be bothered. :)

Anonymous - 11/15/2011 10:45:02 AM

No, i tried that myself and my silky terrier was barking all night.

Anonymous - 8/12/2011 5:49:51 PM

QUESTION: How many puppies can a silky terrier have when pregnant?

Anonymous - 4/20/2011 10:25:02 PM

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I have a silky boy and a silky x chihuahua girl and have had two litters, first 7 puppies, second litter 9 puppies. Above the norm.

Anonymous - 6/23/2011 7:38:12 AM

I have silkys I breed. The most I have had is six per litter.

Anonymous - 6/7/2011 3:25:42 PM

QUESTION: I have a 15 year old silky. We resuced her and found out she had lyme disease. Even after treatment, she was found to be positive again by the vet.She went through 2 years of treatment. Now, she appears to have dementia. Can silkies get dementia? is this from the Lyme disease?

Anonymous - 3/27/2011 3:13:41 PM

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I think the dementia is from age. My male silky just died at 17.75 years and he had what we called dogsheimers'. He just wandered around aimlessly whenever he was awake and crashed wherever he had the urge.

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 6:26:34 AM

QUESTION: Are Silky Terriers good at going out side to make its business.

Anonymous - 1/23/2011 2:49:22 PM

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We think we have a silky but we are not sure because we rescued her three months ago and we think she is 10 but she does very well with going outside to go potty.

Anonymous - 4/16/2011 3:46:37 PM

I have 2 Silky's. One rings a bell to go outside to do his business and the other comes to us and lets us know she needs to go. I got the boy when he was a puppy and every time I took him to go outside I would take his paw, ring the bell and say "got outside and go potty, good boy you rang the bell" It didn't take long for him to get it.

tconner104 - 2/26/2011 10:20:34 PM

My silky was a rescue as a 8 week old puppy. It took some work but she is trained very well. Rings the bell at the door when she wants to go out.

Anonymous - 2/16/2011 8:59:02 PM

My silky is paper trained. He is a year old and still not doing good with going outdoors. Usually runs around and play; then comes inside and does his business. Still working with him

Anonymous - 1/31/2011 1:19:28 AM

QUESTION: Can you put Silky Terrier's hair into a ponytail?

Anonymous - 1/17/2011 9:03:41 PM

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yes

Anonymous - 1/21/2011 12:54:16 AM

QUESTION: I had a rescue male silk terrier that past away last year from cancer. He was about 4 years when I got him and lived with me 8 years. His ears were down and long, but I only see silkies with different pointed ears. I really want a look of long ears and I am wondering how I could find one young or adult.Thanks Carol

Anonymous - 1/2/2011 12:41:21 PM

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Not true... Yes you can find purebred silkys with long droopy ears. Dog shows prefer silkys with erect ears so that is what most people consider the "standard" although purebred silkys can also have drop ears. Its just a cartilage issue.. most are born with drop ears and as they grow, the cartilage strengthens and the ear becomes erect. Its hard to tell when they are babies if they will be erect or drop.. some even have one of both! lol so cute! but yes you CAN find one! If they are a bit older it'll be easier to tell.

Anonymous - 3/24/2011 12:33:42 PM

A pure bread Silky will not have long droopy ears unless they were not kept trimmed as a puppy.

Anonymous - 1/22/2011 9:06:40 AM

If you are looking for Silky Terrier puppies for sale from reputable Silky Terrier breeders or to adopt a Silky Terrier from a Silky Terrier rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Silky Terrier puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Silky Terrier puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.