Fabulous Silky Terriers

I know. I hear it all the time. "Err...ehhmmm...a bit big for a Yorkie, isn't she?" Well, yes...if she WAS one...and then I explain.

The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in Australia around the late 1890's from the Skye and Cairn Terriers but primarily the Australian Terrier and Yorkshire...so you see, they are in a way cousins. But just as YOU may not look like your cousin Plain Jane/Joe a Silky's only visual connection is their colouring and of course, their beautiful fur.

And speaking of fur, it is silkier than the Yorkie's and since there is enough dog to accomodate it, it just barely may reach their ankles. It may be slightly wavy or rather straight with the males having a magnificent chest/beard display and the females showing a shorter beard, but equally gorgeous chest display.

Here is a really fine photo of the Australian Terrier (which is larger than the Silky by at least 2-3 kilos). One can see the similarity, but the fur is rough and much shorter. A handsome dog!
Australian Terrier

Although the US breeds may be thought to be a toy in the 10 US pound category (+ - 5 kilos), here in middle Europe up to the Skandinavian countries they are certainly bigger than Yorkies. So if you must compare, think more 'slightly smaller' Australian Terrier with even silkier Yorkie fur. And there the line is drawn.

Tosca is normal for her lineage and weighs about 6 kilos (+- 12 pounds) ...AND has her tail. This is European criteria and is slowly being accepted elsewhere. I am anti-cropping any breed, by the way.

What else distinguishes them are the lovely ears, set in a Vee shape relating to their nose...a longish body, but not particularily low set (as in a dachshound!)...a longer muzzle too, compared to a Yorkie, which in all gives them a rather foxy look!

Although many Yorkies are also adorable, they are often over bred, and the true 'toys' can have the characteristic bulging eyes, tongue that perpetually hangs out due to the short muzzle, are nervous, delicate physically and often have digestive problems.

Silkies are a robust breed with strong leg muscles and nature that has never suffered the overbreeding craze that has affected other breeds. The are intelligent, bright and alert. They look elegant, ARE elegant...look like they belong in high society but are just as comfortable having a serious romp and roll in the countryside with the neighbour's mut, hunting rats or snakes or whatever moves, looking anything but glamorous by the end of the day!

Their fur does not shed nor do they 'smell'. I brush my Tosca about every other day as she lays in my lap...more therapy for the soul, by the way!

Silkies will steal your heart with their wonderful nature, valient, courageous ways and uncomplicated care. They may be a little more loyal to one in the household, but not exclusively so and will be just as attentive and caring for the other family members. Strangers will set "off the alarm" but (usually) accept non-family members if their humans do.

Like Yorkies? You will LOVE Silkies! A lion-hearted, big dog in a medium-small frame!

I just HAD to add this photo of Tosca langouring in a sunbeam with her sleepy, come-hither look in her lovely eyes inviting you to the mutual pleasure of a tummy rub.

Tummy rubs are a theraputic technique employed to relax and distract the give-er from the woes of the moment and make the receiv-er EVER so happy.

Its a doggy thing. It's trust, love and give and take and yes, very theraputic. She sacrafices her time several times a day. Good dog. Great therapist.

Anyone for a tummy rub?