Australian Silky Terrier

The Australian silky terrier, called the Silky Terrier in some registries, is a small toy-sized terrier developed in Australia from Yorkshire terriers and Australian terriers. It carries a fine, straight blue-and-tan coat that parts along the back, with a more terrier-like head and attitude than its polished outline might suggest. Silky terriers were bred as lively household companions that could still chase vermin, so they often combine alert watchdog behavior with the confidence and prey drive of a working terrier.

Keeping a Silky means caring for both coat and character. The long hair tangles if it is not combed and bathed on a schedule, though many pet owners keep a shorter trim for easier maintenance. Training should start early, because this small dog may bark, dig, and challenge larger animals if allowed to rehearse bad habits. Daily walks and play are usually enough, but it should not be treated as an ornament. Dental care, patella checks, and careful handling around small children are common practical concerns for owners and breeders.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow