Australian Silky Terrier

[Troy]

The Australian Silky Terrier

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=26 )

Group: Group 1 (Toys)

General Appearance: The dog is compact, moderately low set, of medium length with a refined structure but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. The parted, straight silky hair presents a well-groomed appearance.

Characteristics: It should display Terrier characteristics, embodying keen alertness, activity and soundness.

Temperament: (See under Characteristics)

Head And Skull: Of moderate length, slightly shorter from the tip of the nose to between the eyes than from the same position to the occiput. The head must be strong and of Terrier character, being moderately broad between the ears; the skull flat and without fullness between the eyes, with fine silky top-knot, not falling over the eyes, (a long fall of hair on the foreface or cheeks is very objectionable.) Nose black.

Eyes: Shall be small oval never round or prominent, dark as possible in colour with a keen intelligent expression.

Ears: Should be small, V-shaped with fine leather, set high on the skull, pricked, and entirely free from long hair.

Mouth: Strong jaws, teeth even and not cramped, the upper incisors fitting closely over the lower (scissor bite). Lips tight and clean.

Neck: Medium length, refined and slightly crested, fitting gracefully into the shoulders. Well covered with long silky hair.

Forequarters: Shoulders fine and well laid back, fitting with well angulated upper arms snugly to the ribs. Elbows turned neither in nor out. The forelegs have refined, round bone and are straight and set well under the body with no weakness in the pasterns.

Body: Should be moderately long in proportion to the height of the dog. Level topline at all times (both standing and moving), well sprung ribs extending back to strong loins. Chest of moderate depth and breadth. A topline showing a roach or dip is a serious fault.

Hindquarters: The thighs must be well developed and the stifles should be well turned and the hocks well bent. When viewed from the behind the hocks should be well let down and parallel with each other.

Feet: Small, well padded, cat-like with closely knit toes, the toenails must be black or very dark.

Tail: Docked: Set on high and carried erect, but not over-gay. Should be free of feathering.

Undocked: The first three vertebrae to be carried erect, the balance to be carried erect or slightly curved, but not over-gay. Must not be curled. The length to give an overall balanced appearance. In accordance with the docked description the undocked tail to be free of feathering.

Gait/Movement: The movement should be free and true without slackness at shoulders or elbows, there should be no turning in nor out of the feet or pasterns. The hindquarters should have strong propelling power with ample flexibility at stifles and hocks. Viewed from behind the movement should be neither too close nor too wide.

Coat: Must be flat, fine and glossy and of a silky texture. The length of coat must not be so long as to impede the dog's action and should allows daylight to be seen under the dog. The front and rear feet to be free from long hair.

Colour: All shades of blue and tan are acceptable ,the richer these jcolours and more clearly defined the better. Silver and white not acceptable. Blue on the tail to be very dark. Silver blue or fawn top-knot desirable. Distribution of blue and tan as follows: tan around the base of the ears, muzzle and on the sides of the cheeks; blue from the base of the skull to tip of tail, running down the forelegs to near the knees and down the thighs to the hocks; tan line showing down the stifles and from the knees and hocks to the toes and around the vent. The blue body colour should be free from tan or bronzing. Tan markings must be free from smuttiness. Black colouring is permissible in puppies, blue colour must be established by 18 months of age.

Sizes: Height:

Dogs - 23 to 26 cms (9 to 10 ins) at the withers

Bitches can be slightly less

Weight:

Weight in proportion to height.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Australian Silky Terrier

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
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• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Australian Silky Terrier

Australian Silky Terrier Breeders

Australian Silky Terrier Puppies For Sale

[raz]

Anyone? Surely we have breeders/owners of this fab little breed here on dol. Looking forward to reading about the development of the Aussie.

[dunnwarren]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have bred and shown Australian Silky Terriers since 1980

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The first breed standard was drawn up early in the 1900s' they were originally bred to kill rodents and watch over stock. It was originally called the "Sydney Silky"but in 1956 it was officially recognised as the Australian Silky Terrier.

3. How common is it in Australia?

They are very popular around Australia as they make a great little watch dog and companion for families.

4. What is the average lifespan?

They have a life span of about 14 to 16 years although can live a lot longer.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They are very brave, assertive and full of energy. They are full of fun and mischief and adapt well to most situations. They love to be part of the family while forming a strong bond with one certain person.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Just to chase a ball and run around the back yard keeps them happy and fit. They love to chase anything that moves ie. birds etc.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

The silky is easy to train and eager to please so it's great for a first time dog owner.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Any breed of dog needs human company but providing the silky has toys to play with it is quite happy to occupy itself.

9. How much grooming is required?

A good groom once or twice a week will keep the coat free of matts. A bath once a month is all that is required.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Silkys' make great pets for children but must be supervised at all times especially as a puppy to avoid getting hurt by boisterous toddlers.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

In past years there were instances of patella luxation but due to selective breeding we rarely see these problems in the modern silky.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

There are no health tests done on Silky terriers.

Edited October 11, 2009 by dunnwarren