At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long single silky coat
A small, slightly long-bodied terrier with a wedge-shaped head, upright ears and a straight, fine, glossy coat that falls flat along a parting down the back. The hair should not reach the ground, and the feet and lower legs stay fairly clear of long hair. The crown carries a soft topknot.142
Personality what they are like
A bright, lively little terrier that stays on the lookout and reacts quickly. It is warm and loyal with its family, a bit more independent than many toy breeds, and happy to announce visitors with a bark.142
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active but not tireless: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to about 30 minutes of exercise a day, and it enjoys play and short outings.52
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The silky coat needs daily brushing to keep it smooth and free of tangles; it is a medium-length coat that does shed.52
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to a flat or apartment as long as it gets daily walks and attention.5
Company who they like around
Bred as a companion that enjoys being with people and getting attention; it may be vocal with strangers.52
The story where it all began
The breed came from crossing Australian Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers in the late 1800s, and early breeding around Sydney gave it the name Sydney Silky. For a while the three related terriers were not clearly separated, but crossing was discouraged after 1932 and the name Australian Silky Terrier became official in 1955. Returning American servicemen helped make it known in the USA after the Second World War.215
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its first name was the Sydney Silky, after the city where early breeders kept it.5
- 2
In North America it is simply called the Silky Terrier, while most other countries use Australian Silky Terrier.2
- 3
Puppies are born dark and the blue colour should be settled by about 18 months of age.6
- 4
Although shown as a toy dog, it was originally kept to catch rodents and still has the terrier knack for it.5
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 236, Group 3 Terriers, Section 4 Toy Terriers; standard dated 08.10.2012.1
- AKC
- Recognised as the Silky Terrier in 1959; Toy Group. Standard approved 10 October 1989.2
- ANKC
- Recognised in 1958, Toy Group.2
- UKC
- Recognised in 1965, Terrier Group.6
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Listed in the Toy Group as Australian Silky Terrier.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Australian Silky Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 236 Australian Silky Terrier fci.beused for recognition, origin, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Australian Silky Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition dates, lifespan, temperament
- AKC: Silky Terrier akc.orgused for origin, group
- AKC Official Standard of the Silky Terrier images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colours, temperament
- The Royal Kennel Club: Australian Silky Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, home size, history
- UKC Silky Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, colours, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.