Silky Terrier Guide: Temperament, Size, Grooming and Health
Silky Terrier history and background
The Silky Terrier originates in Australia, where it is counted among the native terrier breeds alongside the Australian Terrier. It was developed in the early 1800s, with breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont crossed with local blue and tan broken-coated terriers. AKC places it in the Toy Group and lists Australia as its origin. VCA describes the breed as a cousin of the Australian Terrier, developed to help clear properties of pests such as mice, rats and even snakes. The breed is called the Australian Silky Terrier in its native land.
How big does a Silky Terrier get, and how much should it weigh?
Both UKC and AKC give a height of 9 to 10 inches. AKC publishes a weight of around 10 pounds, while UKC says only that weight should be proportionate to height and correct substance. UKC describes the Silky as a true toy terrier that is compact, slightly low set and lightly built.
Silky Terrier temperament and personality
AKC uses the words friendly, quick and keenly alert, and UKC describes an inquisitive, joyful nature that suits a companion. VCA says Silkies are true terriers that can be scamps, may bark a welcome or warning, and often have no concept of their size, so they may challenge a larger animal. AKC rates the breed high for protective tendency and family affection, and moderate for compatibility with children and other dogs.
Activity and training
VCA calls Silkies bright, intelligent dogs, though training takes a patient person who can work around terrier distractions. AKC gives the breed a moderate energy rating and a high trainability rating.
Silky Terrier grooming: does a Silky Terrier shed?
VCA suggests frequent brushing of a dampened coat to avoid tangles, along with occasional trimming of stray ends and routine nail and teeth care. As for whether a Silky Terrier sheds, VCA says minimal shedding occurs with proper coat care, and AKC rates shedding low. UKC describes the coat as fine, flat and glossy with a silky feel.
Silky Terrier life expectancy and health
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 13-15 years for the Silky Terrier. VCA notes that patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes can be problems in toy breeds, that tracheal collapse can occur, so harnesses are better than collars, and that epilepsy exists in the breed. A veterinarian can advise on screening for any individual dog.
Silky Terrier adoption and rescue dogs
Lily's Second Chance lists Silky Terrier rescue dogs cared for by other organizations, so check with the listing organization about an individual dog's history and needs.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Silky Terrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1959
- Height (AKC published)
- 9-10 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- around 10 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 13-15 years
- AKC size category
- XSmall
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
- Shedding: 2 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- No recommended health tests
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Silky Terrier | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 8, 2026
- Silky Terrier | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 8, 2026
- Silky Terrier - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
