Australian Silky Terrier
Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky, Sydney Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier has always been kept solely as a companion, unlike its close relative the Australian Terrier. It is the only Australian breed that does not have a working background.
Originally the Australian Silky Terrier was known as the Sydney Silky after the city where they were developed.
Australian Silky Terrier Standards
- 9"
- 8-11 lbs
- small terrier
- v-shaped, erect, small ears
- tail is traditionally docked where legal
- coat is straight, glossy, and silky
- hair reaches 5-6" in length
- blue and tan
History of the Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier was first developed in the late 1800s in Sydney. Imported Yorkshire Terriers from England were initially crossed with the Australian Terrier to create the breed. However, it is important to note that the Australian Terrier itself was still under development during this time. Australian Silky Terriers were merely seen as a variety of the rough coated working dogs.
For decades the interbreeding of Yorkshire Terriers and the two types of Australian Terriers would continue. Dogs from the same litter would be registered as different breeds depending on their coats. By the early 1900s the Yorkshire Terrier would become a distinct breed. The Australian Terrier and Silky Terrier would not be separated until the 1930s, with the cross breeding formally discouraged in 1932.
Related Breeds: