Silky Terrier breed guide

More a terrier than a lapdog, the Silky Terrier is intelligent, bold and energetic and needs human partners who can channel that energy into daily exercise and training for sports and work.

AKC says Silky Terriers adapt to any living situation but need owners with time, since they do not like to be ignored and prefer fetch or walks with the family and charmed owners may let them get away with undesirable behavior.

Silky Terriers live 13 to 15 years. AKC says breeders test for patellar luxation and eye disease, as the breed may be prone to them.

Brush the Silky Terrier's coat at least twice a week with a pin brush or soft bristle brush and use a long-toothed metal comb to work through tangles that are starting. Left alone, tangles and mats are uncomfortable and can cause skin problems.

The Silky needs more exercise than most Toy Group breeds. The breed does well in the show ring and Silky Terriers have succeeded in sports.

A casual observer may be forgiven for mistaking a Silky for a Yorkshire or Australian terrier, since Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers were the main components Australian breeders used to create the Silky Terrier in the early 20th century.

Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and Skye terriers, three of several British terriers English settlers brought to Australia, may also factor in, depending on who tells the story and Silky Terriers are larger than Yorkshire Terriers and smaller than Australian Terriers.