A glossy-coated toy terrier with true terrier grit.
Origin
Australia
Height
9–10 in (23–26 cm)
Weight
8–11 lb (3.5–5 kg)
Lifespan
13–15 years
Coat
Fine, glossy, silky single coat
Energy
High
Overview
The Silky Terrier is a small, refined terrier with a fine, glossy blue-and-tan coat, developed in Australia from Yorkshire and Australian Terrier stock. Elegant in appearance, it retains a bold, energetic, true-terrier temperament.
Alert, spirited, and affectionate, the Silky bonds closely with its family and makes a keen little watchdog. It is more substantial and terrier-like than a purely toy breed, thriving on activity, companionship, and mental engagement.
History
Developed in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers, the Silky was bred as a refined companion that kept working-terrier spirit and a striking silky coat.
Where it comes from
Australia
Highlighted in the Silky Terrier's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Silky is lively, devoted, and self-assured, watchful with strangers and bonded to family. It is intelligent and feisty with a prey drive, responding to positive training and needing daily activity and companionship.
Health to watch
Kneecap slipping occurs in small breeds; lean weight and screening reduce strain and severity.
This hip joint disorder occurs in small breeds and can require surgery; early lameness warrants a vet check.
The small mouth makes dental issues common, and eye disorders occur; care and exams help.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The fine, silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and keep its glossy sheen.
This energetic terrier needs daily activity and play to stay balanced and content.
Brush teeth and schedule cleanings to prevent the dental disease this small breed is prone to.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.