Australian Silky Terrier

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The Australian Silky Terrier: elegance in silk

Discover the charm of the Australian Silky Terrier, also known as the Sydney Silky or Australian Silky, hailing from the vast landscapes of Australia. Standing at a graceful height ranging between 23 and 26 cm, this breed’s captivating evolution positions it as a true gem among terriers.

Origin and Heritage

The Australian Silky Terrier emerges from a clever blend of the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. A silky-coated female from this cross found her way to England, where she was paired with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Acquiring some descendants, Mr. McArthur Little further refined the breed by crossing them with the Skye Terrier, creating a terrier with a fine, silky coat. His journey extended to Sydney, Australia, where he continued refining his breeding experiments. The breed underwent various names until a unified standard was established in 1955, recommended by the Australian Kennel Control Council. Four years later, the breed attained official recognition as the Australian Silky Terrier.

Who was Mr. McArthur Little?

Mr. McArthur Little was an English breeder who played an important role in the development of the Australian Silky Terrier. He was a passionate terrier lover and emigrated to Australia to improve the breeding of the breed. His influence on the breeding of the Australian Silky Terrier can still be felt today.

Distinctive Traits and Characteristics

The Australian Silky Terrier embodies the quintessential terrier spirit – lively, alert, and spirited. While naturally vigilant and watchful, it maintains a non-aggressive disposition. With its substantial and self-assured character, it perfectly encapsulates the terrier ideal.

What sets this breed apart is its distinctive silky coat, requiring regular grooming but not shedding. Despite its low-maintenance nature, the Australian Silky Terrier maintains an sophisticated appearance, adding an elegant touch to its overall demeanor.

Historical Roots and Breeding Journey

The roots of the Australian Silky Terrier delve deep into the history of terrier breeding. Meticulous crossbreeding of the Yorkshire Terrier and the robust Australian Terrier resulted in a breed reminiscent of its forebears. Unlike many terriers bred for specific purposes, the Silky was cultivated solely for the pleasure of future owners.

The breed gained prominence in 1904 when the first Australian Terrier Club was renamed the “Victorian Silky and Yorkshire Terrier Club.” This marked the beginning of a captivating journey that culminated in the official recognition of the Australian Silky Terrier. Today, this breed epitomizes elegance in silk and embodies the joy and love of a devoted companion.

Appearance
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, compact breed with a silky, long coat.
They have a characteristic blue and fiery red coat that shimmers in the sun and is easy to groom.
The Silky Terrier’s ears are small and erect, which contributes to their alert expression.
Temperament
Despite their small size, Australian Silky Terriers are energetic dogs that love to play and be active.
They are intelligent, curious and willing to learn, which makes them excellent companion dogs.
However, due to their terrier background, they can sometimes be stubborn and require consistent training.
Grooming and maintenance
The silky coat of the Australian Silky Terrier requires regular brushing to avoid matting.
They also need to be bathed and trimmed regularly to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Because of their energy, they need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced.

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