At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long single silky coat
A small, slightly long-bodied terrier with a wedge-shaped head, upright ears and a straight, fine, glossy coat that falls flat along a parting down the back. The hair should not reach the ground, and the feet and lower legs stay fairly clear of long hair. The crown carries a soft topknot.142
Personality what they are like
A bright, lively little terrier that stays on the lookout and reacts quickly. It is warm and loyal with its family, a bit more independent than many toy breeds, and happy to announce visitors with a bark.142
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active but not tireless: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to about 30 minutes of exercise a day, and it enjoys play and short outings.52
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The silky coat needs daily brushing to keep it smooth and free of tangles; it is a medium-length coat that does shed.52
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to a flat or apartment as long as it gets daily walks and attention.5
Company who they like around
Bred as a companion that enjoys being with people and getting attention; it may be vocal with strangers.52
The story where it all began
The breed came from crossing Australian Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers in the late 1800s, and early breeding around Sydney gave it the name Sydney Silky. For a while the three related terriers were not clearly separated, but crossing was discouraged after 1932 and the name Australian Silky Terrier became official in 1955. Returning American servicemen helped make it known in the USA after the Second World War.215
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its first name was the Sydney Silky, after the city where early breeders kept it.5
- 2
In North America it is simply called the Silky Terrier, while most other countries use Australian Silky Terrier.2
- 3
Puppies are born dark and the blue colour should be settled by about 18 months of age.6
- 4
Although shown as a toy dog, it was originally kept to catch rodents and still has the terrier knack for it.5
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 236, Group 3 Terriers, Section 4 Toy Terriers; standard dated 08.10.2012.1
- AKC
- Recognised as the Silky Terrier in 1959; Toy Group. Standard approved 10 October 1989.2
- ANKC
- Recognised in 1958, Toy Group.2
- UKC
- Recognised in 1965, Terrier Group.6
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Listed in the Toy Group as Australian Silky Terrier.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Australian Silky Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Australian Silky Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Australian Silky Terrier at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion and house training. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.7
What should an Australian Silky Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited for small breeds is a great choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human treats away and consult your vet for a balanced diet.8
How often should I bathe an Australian Silky Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.9 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Australian Silky Terrier need brushing?
The silky coat needs daily brushing to stay smooth and tangle-free. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, but daily is ideal for this breed. Regular brushing also helps reduce shedding.52 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Australian Silky Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.9 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an Australian Silky Terrier need?
This lively terrier needs about 30 minutes of exercise daily, including walks and playtime. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy. They adapt well to apartment life as long as they get attention and outings.52 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Australian Silky Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents dental and ear issues.9 Furry Diary plan
How long does an Australian Silky Terrier live?
Australian Silky Terriers typically live 12 to 13 years, bringing many joyful years to your home. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving environment, they can enjoy a long, happy life.52
Is an Australian Silky Terrier good with children and other pets?
They are warm and loyal with their family but can be a bit independent and may bark at strangers. Their temperament with children and other pets varies, so it's best to ask a good breeder for guidance based on your household.142
Can an Australian Silky Terrier be left alone?
This breed enjoys being with people and may not like long periods alone. How well they handle solitude depends on the individual dog; ask a good breeder or vet for advice tailored to your situation.52
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 236 Australian Silky Terrier fci.beused for recognition, origin, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Australian Silky Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition dates, lifespan, temperament
- AKC: Silky Terrier akc.orgused for origin, group
- AKC Official Standard of the Silky Terrier images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colours, temperament
- The Royal Kennel Club: Australian Silky Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, home size, history
- UKC Silky Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, colours, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.