The Silky Terrier
 Silkyence |
The Silkys ancestors were bred to kill rats and snakes. The Silky is better suited to apartment or city living than the Australian Terrier, but it is larger and sportier than the Yorkshire Terrier.
In 1906 a standard was developed for the Silky in Sydney, and a separate standard for the new breed in Victoria. The Sydney standard stated that the dog should be between 6-12 pounds. The Victoria standard contained two classes; one for dogs under six pounds, and the other for dogs between 6-12 pounds.
During World War II, American and Canadian soldiers were stationed in Australia-they were charmed by the Silky Terrier and brought some of them back to the United States and began interest in the breed.
The American Standard states that a Silky should be from 9-10 inches tall, their coat is straight, glossy and silky in texture. Their colors can be blue and tan.
Health concerns in the breed:
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a disorder of the hip joint conformation. It is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds between the ages of four months and a year. LCPD results when the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted resulting in avascular necrosis, or the death of the bone cells. Followed by a period of revascularization, the femoral head is subject to remodeling and/or collapse creating an irregular fit in the acetabulum (hip socket) and causing stiffness and pain.
Other concerns are allergies and Luxating Patella which is when the kneecap slides to the side (usually the inside) and the joint is unstable.
