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Australian Silky Terrier
Toy breed from Australia
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, spirited toy terrier with a refined but substantial build. It is characterized by its long, straight, glossy blue-and-tan silky coat that is parted down the middle and a lively, alert demeanor. The breed is known for being friendly, intelligent, alert, energetic, and confident. Its energy and trainability are rated moderately high (4 out of 5), and it requires significant grooming (4 out of 5) due to its long, silky coat. Shedding is low (2 out of 5). The breed is moderately suitable for children (3 out of 5) and other dogs (3 out of 5), but well-suited to apartment living (4 out of 5). Adult weight is estimated between 3.5 and 5 kg for both sexes, and adult height is estimated between 23 and 25 cm. Lifespan is not provided in the available data.
Quick facts
Australian Silky Terrier at a glance
Sizetoy
Breed groupToy
OriginAustralia
LifespanPending
Male weight3.5–5 kilogram
Female weight3.5–5 kilogram
Male height23–25 centimetre
Female height23–25 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the late 19th century. According to one source, it was created by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers to produce a small companion dog with a long, silky coat, combining hardiness with refined features and vermin hunting ability. The breed's origins are solely in Australia, and its recognition status varies by registry. No specific dates, health claims, or historical events beyond this general development period are available in the supplied facts. The breed's history is based on this single account, and other details are not confirmed.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
3.5–5 kilogramAdult weight23–25 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesLong, SilkyCoat colorsBlue and tanRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyintelligentalertenergeticconfident
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Australian Silky Terrier-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Australian Silky Terrier puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight3.5–5 kilogramAdult female weight3.5–5 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an Australian Silky Terrier?
Adult weight is estimated between 3.5 and 5 kg for both males and females. Adult height is estimated between 23 and 25 cm. Lifespan is not provided in the available data.
What is the temperament of the Australian Silky Terrier?
The breed is described as friendly, intelligent, alert, energetic, and confident. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits equally.
How much exercise does an Australian Silky Terrier need?
The breed has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating a relatively high energy level. Regular exercise is likely important, but specific exercise requirements are not detailed in the supplied facts.
What are the grooming requirements for an Australian Silky Terrier?
Grooming is rated 4 out of 5, meaning it requires significant effort. The coat is long and silky, and shedding is low (2 out of 5). Regular brushing and maintenance are likely needed to prevent matting.
Is the Australian Silky Terrier suitable for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 3 out of 5, and dog compatibility is also 3 out of 5, indicating moderate suitability. Individual temperament and socialization play a large role, so not every dog will be equally good with children or other dogs.
Can an Australian Silky Terrier live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting the breed is well-suited to apartment living. However, its energy level means it still needs regular exercise.
Where did the Australian Silky Terrier originate?
The breed originated in Australia, developed in the late 19th century by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers, according to one source.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.