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Introduction
The official standard refers to the Australian Silky Terrier as being a refined, compact dog whilst still embodying the alertness, activity and soundness of all true terriers. They must also possess sufficient substance and ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. The standard also states that the Australian Silky Terrier must possess a straight, fine, glossy, silky-textured blue or grey-blue and tan coat approximately 5 to 6 inches long.

The Silky's movement should be free and true, with no turning in or out of the fore or hindquarters. The hindquarters should have strong propelling power with ample flexibility at the stifles and hocks. The feet should be small, well-padded, catlike with closely knit toes. A Silky with all these attributes is not only a fine and useful little companion but will be a credit to his breeder.

Characteristics
Along with a couple of other very small terriers the Silky is classified as a toy dog because of its size, but it is far removed from the usual lap dog; it has the true smart and forceful character of a terrier. It has all the advantages of a small dog in suburban life, not being too big for the children, the car or the garden and will not break ornaments with one sweep of the tail or cost a fortune to feed.

Yet, obviously bred as a household dog it is just as at home in the country protecting the homestead from snakes and rats with all the tenacity and zest of its terrier forebears.

The Silky is a mixture of temperaments taking after the Australians who bred it; it is friendly but independent and well able to look after itself when in strife.

Like most long coated dogs, the Silky loves being groomed provided this procedure is started at a very early age. The amount of grooming required is dependent on the actual length of coat your Silky has inherited.

The Silky, because of its size, does not require much exercise, but being full of stamina and tremendous energy it will love running in the fields or going for long walks on the end of a lead.

It is friendly to all the family but in true doggy fashion it will usually attach itself to one member and be friendly with the rest. It will tolerate strangers but no more than that. It will love children if raised with them but it doesn't enjoy being fussed over or being treated like an animated toy as it prefers to be treated as an equal.

Its bed is its kingdom, be it a cardboard box or a fancy basket. All small dogs should be allowed to sleep inside so set its bed in a place that will be suitable to you and Your Silky.

History and Development
The Silky is often said to be a planned mating between an Australian Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier but seeing that no stud records were kept in the early days this can only be supposition. The Australian Terrier itself was only a new breed at the time of the Silky's emergence and its origins are by no means established. It is accepted that the root stock of the Australian Terrier is the old broken coated or Rough Coated Terrier. Broken Coated Terriers (black and tan) were exhibited at the 2nd Royal Melbourne Show in 1872 in two classes - over 7 lbs. and under 7 lbs. In 1884 the "under 7 lbs." dog was exhibited under the classification of Broken Coated Toy Terrier. In 1888 the classification became Broken Coated Blue Terriers with blue and tan becoming the accepted colour. Around the year 1900 the Australian Terrier Club was formed but folded a couple of years later leading to the formation of the Victorian Silky and Yorkshire Terrier Club. In 1904 this new club drew up a standard for the breed. Soon after, breeders in Sydney commenced the Sydney Silky Club with a separate standard for what was to be known as the Sydney Silky. Even today Australian Silky Terrier breeders will receive requests for Sydney Silkies from all over the world.

It was not until 1959 that the Silky was recognised as being a breed and was given the name Australian Silky Terrier and with the one official standard banner drawn up.

Selection
Whether the choice be a puppy or an older dog there are simple rules to follow when a selection is to be made. Unfortunately, as with any business, there are "get rich quick" operators. This is where a Breed Club can be beneficial. They are available to assist any person interested in obtaining information on this delightful breed.

Some important points to remember when selecting your new puppy or older dog are:

1. Ensure the puppy/dog is in good health with a glossy, soft coat and a bright eye. Check on vaccinations and any worming program. Ideally a puppy should not be sold until at least 8 weeks of age and should have received its temporary vaccination at 6 weeks of age. This will afford the puppy protection until a permanent vaccine is given at 12 to 14 weeks of age. A reputable breeder will ensure that the puppy/dog will be on a regular worming program and details of this should be given to the prospective owner.

2. A prospective purchaser has the right to see the parents and view the living conditions of puppy and parents alike. Any reluctance on the part of the breeder/or agent should be viewed with suspicion.

3. An after sales service is important with any purchase and dogs are no exception. Reputable breeders will always provide assistance before and after a purchase is made.

4. Pedigree, Registration papers, vaccination certificates and worming details should always be given when the puppy is sold and should be included in the price of the puppy.

5. Avoid pet dealers unless they can provide details of acquisition to allow you to contact the breeder.

Conclusion
For any further information of this delightful little breed the Australian Silky Terrier Club in your State will be only be too pleased to assist.

Australian Silky Terrier Club of Victoria
c/o Secretary: Mrs. M. Warren, 5 Watson Close, Hoppers Crossing, 3029. Victoria. Australia. 
Phone: 61-03-9748 6753

Australian Silky Terrier Club of Northern N.S.W.
Denise Morley, 44 Aroona Street, Edgeworth, New South Wales, 2285 AUSTRALIA 
Phone 02 49582201 Fax 02 49588862


The Australian Dog Breeds Association
Secretary: Ann Wherry: Phone 0245 76 5079
General Breed Information: Bernadette Merchant 
Phone 0245 650232 Fax: 0245 650280 
Mobile: 015 067053

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