Australian Silky Terrier
A small, glossy-coated toy terrier with a bold spirit. Friendly and companionable, but keen, alert and prone to barking, with a silky coat that needs regular care.
Australian Silky Terrier scorecard
Overview
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, elegant toy breed best known for the long, glossy, blue-and-tan coat that gives it its name. Standing only around 23–26 cm at the shoulder and weighing a slight 3.5–5.5 kg, it is nonetheless every inch a terrier in character: keen, confident and busy, with the bold spirit of a working ratter packed into a refined, companionable frame. Its fine, straight, silky coat parts down the back and falls to either side, framing a sharp, intelligent expression.
Despite its dainty appearance and toy classification, the Silky is not a fragile lapdog. It is lively, alert and full of self-assurance, happiest when busy and involved in the household's daily life. The breed makes an affectionate, characterful companion for those who enjoy its terrier feistiness and are prepared to keep up with its grooming. With a typical lifespan of around 12–15 years, it is a long-lived little dog that suits a wide range of homes, including flats, provided it gets enough company and stimulation.
Good to know — a Australian Silky Terrier is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century by crossing the Australian Terrier with the Yorkshire Terrier, with the aim of producing a small companion that combined the Yorkshire's beautiful silky coat with the hardier constitution and ratting ability of the native Australian Terrier. For a time the resulting dogs were bred somewhat interchangeably with both parent breeds before being recognised as a distinct breed in their own right.
The breed was originally known as the Sydney Silky, reflecting its early popularity in that city, before standardising as the Australian Silky Terrier. It was bred chiefly as a refined town companion and household ratter, and it retains that dual nature today: a pretty, glamorous-coated toy dog with the working instincts of a true terrier. In Britain it is recognised by the Kennel Club within the Toy group, though it remains relatively uncommon.
Temperament & family fit
The Australian Silky Terrier is friendly, lively and intensely attached to its people, thriving on being part of family life and disliking being left alone for long. It is bold and confident well beyond its size, curious about everything and quick to investigate. This combination of affection and assertiveness makes it an engaging companion, but the terrier core means it can be feisty, determined and inclined to assume it is in charge if allowed.
The breed is notably alert and tends to bark, making a keen little watchdog that announces visitors and unusual sounds without hesitation; owners should be prepared to manage this tendency. The Silky generally enjoys human company and can get along with respectful older children and other pets when properly socialised, though its terrier instincts mean small furries should be introduced with care. Early socialisation helps temper the breed's natural boldness into good manners.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and quick to learn, the Australian Silky Terrier responds well to positive, reward-based training, but it also carries the independent streak typical of terriers and can be wilful if it sees no reason to comply. Consistency and gentle firmness are key; harsh handling tends to make these sensitive little dogs evasive rather than obedient. Keeping sessions short, fun and rewarding gets the best from the breed.
Two training priorities deserve special attention. The first is managing barking, since the Silky's alertness can tip into excessive vocalising without early guidance. The second is preventing "small-dog syndrome", where a tiny, charming dog is allowed to dictate household rules; clear, kind boundaries set from puppyhood produce a far happier and better-mannered adult. Recall and basic manners are very achievable with patient, consistent work.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Australian Silky Terrier typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The defining silky coat is the breed's chief grooming demand. It is long, fine and prone to tangling, and needs regular brushing and combing, ideally several times a week, to keep it free of knots and looking its best. Many pet owners choose to keep the coat trimmed shorter for easier maintenance. The coat sheds relatively little, but it does require commitment; occasional bathing keeps it glossy, and the hair around the eyes and feet may need tidying. Routine nail trimming, ear checks and dental care complete the grooming routine for this glamorous little terrier.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet formulated for small or toy breeds, divided into appropriate meals and carefully measured, as small dogs gain weight easily and even modest excess is significant on so light a frame. Toy breeds can be prone to dental disease, so feeding and dental-care choices that support oral health are worthwhile, alongside regular tooth brushing. Provide constant access to fresh water and adjust portions to the individual dog's activity and body condition, keeping the Silky trim to protect its joints and overall health.
Australian Silky Terrier health & costs
Before bringing a Australian Silky Terrier home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Australian Silky Terrier is generally a healthy, long-lived breed, with many individuals reaching 12–15 years or more when well cared for. As with most toy breeds, particular attention should be paid to dental health, since small mouths are prone to tartar build-up and gum disease, and to keeping the dog at a sensible weight to avoid undue strain on its small joints.
Responsible breeders screen for the conditions known to occur in the breed, and prospective owners should ask about health testing of the parents, particularly relating to the knee and eyes. Buying from a reputable breeder, keeping up with routine veterinary checks, maintaining good dental care and preventing obesity together give the Silky the best chance of a long, comfortable life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Patellar luxation — slipping of the kneecap, common in toy breeds, which can cause lameness and may require surgery.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease — degeneration of the hip joint head seen in small breeds, causing pain and lameness.
- Dental disease — tartar build-up and gum disease, to which small mouths are particularly prone.
- Progressive retinal atrophy — an inherited degeneration of the retina leading to gradual sight loss.
- Tracheal collapse — weakening of the windpipe causing a characteristic cough, occasionally seen in toy breeds.
- Patent ductus arteriosus — a congenital heart defect reported in the breed.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Australian Silky Terrier; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Australian Silky Terrier puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Australian Silky Terrier
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Compact, affectionate companion
- Lively and confident character
Things to consider
- Silky coat needs regular grooming
- Tends to bark and has terrier feistiness
Compare the Australian Silky Terrier
See how the Australian Silky Terrier measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Australian Silky Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier?
Though both are small toy breeds with long, fine coats and similar blue-and-tan colouring, they are distinct breeds. The Silky Terrier is slightly larger and sturdier, standing around 23 to 26 cm and weighing 3.5 to 5.5 kg, and carries a bold, busy terrier character. Each has its own breed standard, history and characteristic look, so they should not be confused.
How big does an Australian Silky Terrier get?
It is a small toy breed, standing only around 23 to 26 cm at the shoulder and weighing a slight 3.5 to 5.5 kg. Despite its dainty appearance, it is not a fragile lapdog but a lively, alert and self-assured little terrier, happiest when busy and involved in the household's daily life.
How much grooming does an Australian Silky Terrier need?
The long, fine, silky coat is the breed's chief grooming demand. It is prone to tangling and needs brushing and combing several times a week to stay knot-free. Many pet owners keep the coat trimmed shorter for easier care. The coat sheds relatively little. Occasional bathing keeps it glossy, and routine nail, ear and dental care completes the routine.
Do Australian Silky Terriers bark a lot?
They can. The breed is notably alert and tends to bark, making a keen little watchdog that announces visitors and unusual sounds. Owners should be prepared to manage this through early, consistent guidance, as the Silky's alertness can tip into excessive vocalising without it. This is worth considering for those in flats or close-quarters living.
Are Australian Silky Terriers good with children and other pets?
The Silky generally enjoys human company and can get along with respectful older children and other pets when properly socialised. Its terrier instincts mean small furries such as rodents should be introduced with care. Early socialisation helps temper the breed's natural boldness into good manners around people and animals alike.
How much exercise does an Australian Silky Terrier need?
More than its size suggests. It is active and energetic, typically needing around an hour a day of walks plus play and mental stimulation. It enjoys exploring, sniffing and games, and a securely fenced garden suits its busy nature. Its modest exercise requirement makes it adaptable to town and flat living, provided daily activity is genuinely provided.
Are Australian Silky Terriers healthy and long-lived?
Generally yes, with many individuals reaching 12 to 15 years or more when well cared for. As with most toy breeds, pay particular attention to dental health, since small mouths are prone to tartar and gum disease, and keep the dog at a sensible weight. Ask breeders about health testing of the parents, particularly relating to the knees and eyes.
Are Australian Silky Terriers good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Australian Silky Terriers tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Australian Silky Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Australian Silky Terrier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Australian Silky Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Australian Silky Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Australian Silky Terriers are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Australian Silky Terriers bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Australian Silky Terriers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Australian Silky Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Australian Silky Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Australian Silky Terrier breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds/australian-silky-terrier/
- PDSA — Pet care and dog health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and care advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RSPCA — Dog welfare guidance: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.