Silky Terrier
Updated January 7, 2025
Silky Terrier
Updated January 7, 2025
Lively and spirited, Silky Terriers are best for pup parents and families who are lively but not always on the go. This affectionate, adaptable, pint-sized dog breed can thrive in homes big and small, and they do well with other dogs, too, as long as they're properly socialized.
Smarty Pants, Joyful, Chatty
Male: around 10 pounds
Female: around 10 pounds
Male: 10-11 inches
Female: 10-11 inches
13 to 15 years
Blue Silver and Tan, Gray and Tan, Silver and Tan, Silver Black and Tan, Blue and Tan, Black and Tan
Silkies are smart and funny little dogs with gorgeous locks of fur—and they know it. So, if you’re used to having the best hair in your crowd, get ready to take a back seat. Silkies don’t always want to be center stage, though. They just want to be the center of your world—and that means being wherever you are: in the living room, in the bathroom or even out running errands. For a small dog, they’ll fill up your home with a lot of life—and noise. These pups like to bark! They’ll let you know when neighbors walk by… or a cat comes around… or even when leaves blow by. And they’ll let you know when you’re late with dinner. But this sweet little dog is the perfect friend for paling around and guaranteed to bring out the sunshine on any cloudy day.
Silky Terrier Characteristics
Silky Terrier Appearance
Silky Terriers are often mistaken for their diminutive cousin, the Yorkshire Terrier. They have similar gorgeous hair, but Silky colors are a glossy tan and blue that can be silvery or dark. Their perky ears stand out from their wedge-shaped heads, constantly listening to what’s going on around them (the nosy buggers). Their docked tails are held almost straight up and wag merrily. And when the dog is in motion, their whole body expresses their joyful outlook on life.
- Ears
Silky ears may be small, but they will capture your every word (even if your pup doesn't obey what you're saying). Their ears are V-shaped and set high on the head.
- Eyes
Silky Terrier dogs have keenly inquisitive, almond-shaped eyes that look like they have perfect black eyeliner.
- Nose
Their head is small and wedge-shaped, giving them a more elongated face than their round-faced Yorkie cousin. Their cute, little-but-powerful nose is black.
- Coat Length
Silkies have long hair, which as their name implies, is silky in texture. It parts from their head to the tail, and as long as it's kept mat-free, the fur flows freely without looking overly coiffed.
- Coat Color
Silkies come in six standard colors, including silver, tan, black and blue. The blue can be silver blue, pigeon blue (a steel gray) or slate blue (dark gray).
- Tail
The AKC breed standard calls for the tail to be docked, but some pup parents keep their Silkies' tails in its natural state. Docking involves cutting a portion of the dog’s tail off when they are puppies. Veterinary groups along with many US states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian. Whether docked or not, the tails are kept high when in motion and do not curl.
Silky Terrier Temperament
Silky Terriers love being with their people, whether hanging out at home, running errands or going into the office with you. They can suffer from separation anxiety, so if you’re going to be gone for long, consider checking them into doggy daycare or arranging for a neighbor or pet sitter to swing by for some playtime.
This pup has a sparkly personality and loves to play and will perform all sorts of tricks for a treat. But they do have that traditional “terrier temperament,” which is feisty and bold. These traits endear them to their families, but without proper training and exercise, their boldness and feistiness may look a lot like stubbornness and attitude.
With proper socialization and training, these pups do well with kids and other dogs. This breed isn’t known for being aggressive or biters, but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. So, it’s a good idea to supervise them around small kids and babies (a Silky may misread a toddler’s quick movements, squeezy hugs and squeals and try to protect themselves). It’s also important to ensure children are taught how to properly interact with dogs.
It might surprise you, but Silkies have a high-prey drive. These dogs are born hunters and were bred to hunt vermin (mostly rats and snakes). So, they’ll chase cats and other small animals. But a pup who’s had a full day of exercise and play is just too tired to chase the neighbor’s cat out of your backyard.
Silkies are known for their barking skills. If it was an Olympic sport, Silkies would take home the gold every time. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs. But know that, while you can teach them to bark less often, you’ll never train the bark completely out of them.
Silky Terrier dogs are very intelligent, so be sure to engage their brains as well as their bodies. Interactive toys and dog sports like agility are great ways to keep their active minds busy and out of trouble.
Related Breeds
How to Care for a Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier breed is happiest when they’re with you, which gives you plenty of time to bond with your pup while caring for them. To keep their coat, well, silky, you will spend a lot of time brushing and combing those tresses. But Silkies shed hardly at all, so you won’t be vacuuming up large quantities of hair every week. This small dog breed has a lot of energy, but because they’re tiny, it doesn’t take much to wear them out. And they love pleasing their people, and they take quickly to training—you’ll just have to navigate that stubborn streak common to pups like the Silky.
Grooming
Training
Diet
Exercise
Environment
Silky Terrier Health
Silky Terriers have a lifespan of 13-15 years and have a few health issues. It’s important pup parents know these potential health problems, so they can keep their dog healthier for longer.
- Collapsing Trachea: Collapsing trachea occurs when the cartilage rings for the trachea become floppy or weak and can flatten, making it hard to breathe. Treatments for a collapsed trachea range from pain medications to anti-inflammatories and weight loss. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. When walking a dog with collapsing trachea, using a harness instead of a neck collar is recommended so as not to put additional pressure on the neck.
- Cataracts: Silkies tend to be especially prone to cataracts as they age. Cataracts cause blindness and may be corrected with surgery.
- Patella Luxation: Luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. This can cause bunny hopping, lameness, pain and arthritis. Treatment may include weight management, joint supplements or, in severe cases, surgery.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes: This potentially genetic orthopedic condition involves degeneration of the femoral head (ball in the ball and socket of the hip joint) resulting in lameness and pain. X-rays can confirm it, and surgery is often needed to treat it.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a seizure condition that typically starts between 6 months and 5 years of age. While there is no cure, most dogs can be successfully managed with daily medications.
- Endocrine Disease: Silky terriers may be prone to diabetes mellitus and Cushing’s disease. Both are endocrine diseases that can result in increased drinking and urinating, increased appetite and lethargy. If you suspect your pet may have one of these conditions, please make an appointment with your vet right away for bloodwork.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and is a potentially life-threatening condition that Silkies may be more prone to than other dogs. Signs of pancreatitis include frequent vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration and lethargy. Depending on the severity, your vet may treat it immediately with hospitalization on IV-fluid therapy, then manage it long-term with a low-fat diet.
Silky Terrier History
No one likes to be mistaken for their family member, so let’s get it straight from the beginning: Silky Terriers are not the same as Yorkshire Terriers. How can you tell them apart? For one, Silky Terriers (aka the Australian Silky Terrier) are bigger than Yorkies. Silkies also come in a range of blues (silvery, steel gray and dark gray), while Yorkies are only dark gray and tan. Thirdly, they come from opposite sides of the world: Yorkies hail from Great Britain, while Silky Terriers originated in Australia.
Silkies were created in the late 19th century when the native Australian Terrier was crossed with a Yorkshire Terrier. (There may be other terrier breeds lurking in their ancestry, but those can be debated.) The Sydney Silky Terrier was primarily developed to become companion pups, but these dogs proved to be great at controlling vermin on farms. (Great looks and rough-and-tumble!)
In 1954, “This Week” magazine featured a Silky on the cover, and America was won over. In 1955, the Sydney Silky Terrier Club of America was formed. That same year, their name changed in Australia to the Australian Silky Terrier, and the dog became the Silky Terrier in the United States. The American Kennel Club recognized the Silky Terrier in 1959.
Are you looking to add a Silky Terrier to your family? You can find reputable breeders on the AKC’s website. The cost for a puppy is between $1,000-$2,000. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. If you’d like to adopt a pup, contact Silky Terrier rescues or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. You can also search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.
FAQs
Do Silky Terriers shed?
How long do Silky Terriers live?
How big do Silky Terriers get?
Do Silky Terriers bark a lot?
What are the most common Silky Terrier mixes?
Expert input provided by Dr. Kyle Fugett, DVM, owner of Animal Medical Center in Rogers, Arkansas; Melinda Robles, CDPT-KA, owner of Elite Pet University in Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Hannah Manaserah, owner of Lucky Dog Canine Grooming in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.
The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.