Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN England.

MOST SUITED AS Rat-catcher and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is about 23cm (9in) for dogs; bitches are generally a little smaller.

COAT
The coat is long, smooth, shiny and silky, with­out an under-layer. The most common colour is light to dark blue-grey (in various shades) with brown, although steel-blue is the most sought-after colour. Silky Terriers are all born black. Let them get used to cats when they are young or they will chase them when they are older. Visitors are usually announced by barking.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Though in the toy group, the Australian National Kennel Council breed standard specifies that the Australian Silky "should display Terrier characteristics, embodying keen alertness, activity and soundness". The silky terrier does not shed as much as other dogs. Normally they are very loving with children

CHARACTER
This is a lively, cheerful dog which is eager to learn, full of energy, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, docile, and in spite of its small size, is vigi­lant and protective. The Silky Terrier likes to be close to its handler.

TRAINING
The training of the Silky Terrier is happily very straight forward because they learn quite quickly.

CARE REQUIRED
In order to keep the coat in top condition, it is necessary to groom it daily with brush and comb for a quarter of a hour. An occasional bath is acceptable. Check the teeth for tartar. The Silky seldom moults.

EXERCISE
They adapt their exercise requirements to the family circumstances.