Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is under the Toy class of dogs. They are a mixture of Australian and Yorkshire terriers. Small enough to carry around with you, these adorable little dogs are not for everyone.
The Silky Terrier is high energy and very vocal. If these cuties are not kept busy, they can be destructive and very noisy. They should be well socialized when they are puppies. A Silky that is not well socialized can be snappy and mean to just about anyone and anything. They are not well suited for families with small children.
As in any terrier breed, they are not to be trusted off leash. They love the chase and become excited with anything that moves. The Silky is also a climber and a digger and should not be left outdoors in the yard unsupervised as they are inventive, clever little dogs that can make a quick escape if they see something enticing across the fence. These little dogs will not hesitate to let you know, with their high pitched barks, that a stranger is at the door, or that they are bored. They will need to be trained at an early age that barking is ok for certain things, but not all of the time. They are also a difficult breed to housebreak as they are very stubborn.
Quick and light on their feet, these dogs love a good walk. They need this exercise everyday so they don’t get bored and destructive. Grooming is a daily routine due to their long flowing hair. If not groomed on a daily basis, they will quickly get matted causing potential health issues.
The Silky Terrier does well with other pets, again, as long as they are well socialized when they are puppies. They tend to not get along with their own sex and will not hesitate to start a fight.
These little dogs are very opinionated but easily trained. Training should be kept consistent. They do well in obedience as long as you keep the training going as in any dog. They need to be reminded that you are the pack leader. These little terriers will become protective of their food.
If you are bold enough to take on one of these cuties, make sure you get involved in an obedience class. They do well in agility and are perfect for a ground dog club. As in all terriers they love to hunt, chase and dig. The ground dog club is just that, they are made with a series of tunnels wherein at the end of the tunnel there is a ‘prize’ usually a stuffed toy that is scented. This is great exercise for the Silky as it keeps their minds and spirits active, they are hunting as their breed requires and a happy terrier is a good terrier.