Apartment fit
Silky Terriers are physically excellent apartment dogs, but they need quiet training, daily activity, and grooming. Their terrier alertness should not be ignored.
ToySmall
Australia
AustraliaSilky Terrier
Weight
8-11 lb
Height
9-10 in
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Coat
Silky Long
The Silky Terrier is a small Australian toy terrier with a blue-and-tan silky coat, lively watchdog nature, and real terrier confidence.
Small Australian toy terrierBlue-and-tan silky coatLow shedding but frequent grooming neededAlert, bold, and more terrier-like than many toy breeds
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Australian Silky TerrierAustralian Silky
AlertLivelyCuriousBoldAffectionateIntelligent
Weight
8-11 lb
Height
9-10 in
Lifespan
13-15 yrs
Coat
Silky Long
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
4/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Silky Terrier, also called the Australian Silky Terrier, is a small Australian breed developed from toy and terrier ancestry. It is in the Toy Group in the AKC, but it should still look and behave like a true terrier: alert, active, inquisitive, and bold.
The coat is one of the breed's defining features. It is straight, glossy, fine, and silky, with blue and tan coloring. The body is slightly longer than tall, and the dog should be small but not fragile. A Silky can suit apartments, but barking, digging, and prey interest need training.
Coat care is more demanding than the dog's size suggests. Regular brushing, bathing, and part maintenance help prevent tangles. Owners should also watch dental health, patellas, trachea, eyes, and weight. The best fit is someone who wants a small, bright terrier, not a passive lapdog.
Temperament & Personality
AlertLivelyCuriousBoldAffectionateIntelligent
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a alert, lively, curious companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Silky
Coat length
Long
Shedding
Low
Colors
Blue and tan, Silver blue and tan, Gray blue and tan
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly5/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs4/5
Trainability4/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- A home-friendly apartment match
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- apartment dwellers wanting an active small dog
- owners who enjoy grooming a silky coat
- people who like terrier confidence
- families with gentle handling
Not ideal for
- owners wanting a silent lapdog
- homes with rough young children
- people unwilling to brush a long coat
- families with unmanaged small pets
Common challenges
- alert barking
- coat tangles
- terrier chase behavior
- dental care
- small-dog fragility
Barking & behavior
The Silky is keenly alert and active. It may bark at visitors or outside movement, and it can be bold with larger dogs if not managed.
Training style
Use reward-based training with clear limits. Teach quiet cues, leash manners, handling, leave-it, and polite dog greetings because the Silky is a bold terrier in a toy-sized body.
Grooming & shedding
Brush and comb the silky coat several times a week and bathe as needed to keep the coat clean and flowing. Check the part, ears, feet, and friction areas for tangles.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Silky Terriers need 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity, including walks, play, training, and sniffing. They are small, but they are not low-drive decorative dogs.
Grooming
Brush and comb the silky coat several times a week and bathe as needed to keep the coat clean and flowing. Check the part, ears, feet, and friction areas for tangles.
Training
Use reward-based training with clear limits. Teach quiet cues, leash manners, handling, leave-it, and polite dog greetings because the Silky is a bold terrier in a toy-sized body.
Nutrition
Feed measured small-breed portions and watch treat calories. Discuss dental care, patellas, tracheal issues, and eye health with your veterinarian.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
4/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Patellar luxationDental diseaseTracheal collapseEye diseaseLegg-Calve-Perthes disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Silky Terrier a good apartment dog?
Yes, the Silky Terrier can fit apartments well, but barking and terrier activity need daily management.
Does the Silky Terrier bark a lot?
Many Silkies are alert barkers. Quiet cues and limiting window rehearsals are important in shared housing.
Is the Silky Terrier good for first-time owners?
It can suit first-time owners who want an active small dog and are ready for grooming and terrier training.
How much exercise does the Silky Terrier need?
Most adults need 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity from walks, play, and training.
Is the Silky Terrier good with kids and other dogs?
Silkies can be good with respectful older children and compatible dogs. Their small size and terrier boldness require supervision.
Does the Silky Terrier shed a lot?
Shedding is usually low, but the long silky coat needs regular brushing and bathing.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Silky Terrier?
The biggest challenge is balancing toy size with terrier personality: barking, grooming, and boldness all need structure.
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