GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 23cm (9”) approximately.
Colour: Rich blue or grey-blue. Tan on the muzzle, ears, and legs. Topknot is silver blue or fawn. Under 18 months the coat is usually darker.
Coat: Adult length is 13-15cm (5”-6”). Shorter hair on the muzzle and legs.
Gait: Legs moving straight forward with feet straight.
This toy terrier is a lowset lightly built dog but strong enough to be an able ratter. The pointed erect ears and dark eyes must be alert and expressive.
The back is strong, straight and slightly longer than the height at the shoulder and the forelegs must be straight. The customarily docked tail should be carried erect.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Although capable of displaying terrier characteristics of liveliness and hardiness, Australian Silky Terriers are amenable little toy dogs. Being highly
Intelligent, they learn quickly and thrive on praise. They make excellent pets for both children and the elderly. Being a small dog, grooming does not take too much time, however it should be done regularly. If being exhibited at dog shows, it is normal to trim the ears, muzzle and tail fringe. Silkies are relatively odourless and have the advantage of not shedding coat seasonally.
HISTORY
Originally known as the Sydney Silky, in 1955 the name was changed to the Australian Silky Terrier. It is believed the breed evolved from a combination of the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. At the 1907 Sydney Royal Easter Show there were 31 Silky Terriers entered and from that time on, the popularity of this breed has remained fairly constant.