Silky Terrier
Toy Small Hypoallergenic
The Silky Terrier, a small breed hailing from Australia, sits at #105 on the AKC popularity chart. Developed in Australia in the late 19th century by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers to create a silky-coated companion that retained terrier spirit.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier traces its lineage to Australia, where Developed in Australia in the late 19th century by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers to create a silky-coated companion that retained terrier spirit.. Currently ranked #105 by the American Kennel Club, the breed remains a popular choice worldwide.
Their flat, glossy, silky coat parts naturally down the spine and hangs perfectly straight, finer in texture than the Yorkshire Terrier's coat and requiring meticulous daily care.. Alert, friendly, and keenly intelligent, Silky Terriers are true terriers at heart: curious, bold, and always ready for adventure. They are more robust and active than most toy breeds.
A relatively uncommon breed valued by owners who appreciate a true terrier personality in a small, elegant package. They make spirited companions for active owners..
Lifespan Overview
The Silky Terrier typically lives 13–15 years. Learn more about Silky Terrier lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $800–$1500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Silky Terriers weigh 8–10 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Silky Terriers pack the tenacity of a working terrier into a glamorous, silky-coated package. They are tougher, bolder, and more energetic than their elegant appearance suggests.: trainability 3/5, energy 4/5. Full temperament guide →
History
Developed in Australia in the late 19th century by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers to create a silky-coated companion that retained terrier spirit.. Originally called the Sydney Silky Terrier, there was considerable debate between Sydney and Melbourne fanciers about breed standards until a unified standard was adopted in 1926..
A relatively uncommon breed valued by owners who appreciate a true terrier personality in a small, elegant package. They make spirited companions for active owners..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Common | Moderate |
| Tracheal Collapse | Occasional | Moderate |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease | Occasional | Severe |
| Diabetes Mellitus | Occasional | Severe |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Occasional | Moderate |
Is the Silky Terrier Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Silky Terrier is a small-sized breed belonging to the Toy group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Silky Terrier has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 5/5, the Silky Terrier adapts well to smaller living spaces. They can thrive in apartments or condos as long as their basic exercise needs are met and they receive enough mental stimulation throughout the day.
Children and family: The Silky Terrier rates 3/5 with children - acceptable but not exceptional. They do well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Close supervision with toddlers and young children is important, and teaching both the child and dog appropriate boundaries is essential.
Grooming commitment: With grooming needs rated 4/5, the Silky Terrier requires significant coat maintenance. Expect to invest time in daily or near-daily brushing, regular professional grooming sessions every 4–8 weeks, and ongoing attention to prevent matting and skin issues. Budget $42–74/month for grooming. This breed is considered hypoallergenic, producing less dander than average, which may be suitable for allergy sufferers - though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Silky Terrier home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 13–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $800–$1500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $3,538. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $83, broken down as follows: food ($35–57/mo), grooming ($42–74/mo), insurance ($30–82/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($400–769/yr) and supplies ($216–404/yr). As a small breed, the Silky Terrier is relatively economical on food and supplies, though veterinary and dental costs remain consistent regardless of size.
Over a full 13–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $30–82/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Silky Terrier owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Silky Terrier fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Silky Terrier belongs to the Toy group, which historically means these dogs were developed primarily for companionship. Toy breeds are affectionate, sociable, and well-suited to indoor living. Despite their small size, many have bold personalities and require proper socialization and training to prevent small-dog syndrome.
With a family friendliness score of 3/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 1/5, the Silky Terrier presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (3/5) and barking tendency (4/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Silky Terrier is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Silky Terrier may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Silky Terrier's low shedding (1/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Combined with their hypoallergenic qualities, this breed is one of the better options for those who prefer minimal pet hair or have mild allergies.
Silky Terrier Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Silky Terrier requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Silky Terrier if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, can provide consistent training and appropriate supervision with visitors, live in any housing situation including apartments, and enjoy or do not mind regular grooming routines. The Silky Terrier's toy heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, cannot tolerate frequent vocalization are unwilling to invest time and money in regular grooming, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a small breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Silky Terrier seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Silky Terrier owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Silky Terriers before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.