Australian Silky Terrier Overview
The Australian Silky Terrier is a distinctly Australian breed developed in Sydney during the late 1800s, combining elements of the Yorkshire Terrier and Australian Terrier to create a uniquely Australian companion. These charming, elegant small dogs feature a distinctive silky blue-and-tan coat and spirited, affectionate personalities. Despite their delicate appearance, they are sturdy, confident dogs with strong terrier instincts and significant personality.
Silky Terriers are hypoallergenic and shed minimally, making them excellent for allergy sufferers. Their fine coat requires regular grooming to maintain its characteristic silky texture and prevent matting. These dogs are well-suited to Australian climates and have thrived in Australian homes for generations. They adapt well to apartments, small homes, and various living situations, making them popular in urban settings.
These dogs are affectionate with their families but retain strong prey drive toward small animals. They are intelligent and trainable but maintain their independent terrier spirit. They are suitable for active families, retirees, and first-time owners committed to training and socialisation. Australian Silky Terriers make delightful companions for those appreciating their spirited, affectionate nature.
Australian Silky Terrier Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Australian Silky Terrier temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Spirited, affectionate, and intelligent, Australian Silky Terriers are lively companions with distinct personalities. They are loyal to their families and form strong bonds but can be aloof with strangers. These dogs are playful, curious, and confident despite their small size. They retain terrier independence and sometimes stubbornness but are generally eager to please.
With kids: Fair; suitable for older children (6+); risky with toddlers due to fragility.
With pets: Poor with small animals due to prey drive; variable with other dogs; early socialisation important.
Key traits
Spirited, affectionate, intelligent, confident, independent
Barking
Moderate; alert barkers prone to excessive vocalisations; training helps manage.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Australian Silky Terrier scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Australian Silky Terrier Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Ideal; small size and moderate exercise suit apartments
✅
House with yard
Good; small yard more than sufficient
✅
First-time owner
Intelligent, trainable, affectionate; suitable with grooming commitment
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; ideal for rental properties
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good; fine coat and small size suit hot climates
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Suitable; coat provides insulation; adaptable year-round
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Ideal; affectionate, moderate exercise, good companion
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Can manage with adequate morning/evening exercise, but moderate separation anxiety
✅
Rural/acreage
Suitable but not necessary; equally content in various settings
⚠️
Active lifestyle
Moderate exercise needs; not ideal for very active owners; better for moderate activity
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Australian Silky Terrier Size & Appearance
Size
Toy
Weight M
3.6–4.5 kg
Weight F
3.6–4.5 kg
Height
23–26 cm
Coat
Fine, silky, medium-length, non-shedding
Colours
Blue and tan (blue-grey body with tan points)
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
Yes ✓
Australian Silky Terrier Health & Lifespan
15 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Knee joint dislocation
Est. treatment: $1000–$2000
Blood sugar regulation disorder
Est. treatment: $200–$500/month
High prevalence in small breeds
Est. treatment: $300–$1000
Spinal disc problems causing pain
Est. treatment: $1500–$3000
Hip joint degeneration in small breeds
Est. treatment: $1200–$2000
Degenerative eye disease
Est. treatment: $800–$1500
Pet Insurance for Australian Silky Terrier
Avg Annual Insurance: $600
Monthly Estimate: $25–$40/month; readily available; no breed restrictions.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Australian Silky Terrier
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Australian Silky Terrier Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$800 - $2,500 |
| Food |
$1,200 |
| Vet |
$450 |
| Grooming |
$300 |
| Insurance |
$600 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$1,844 |
| Monthly |
$87 |
| LIFETIME (15 yrs) |
$27,660 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$27,660
Estimated lifetime cost (15 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Australian Silky Terrier Grooming Guide
Frequency
2–3 times weekly brushing, monthly baths and grooming
Brushing
Slicker brush, metal comb
Professional Cost
$50–$70
Coat
Fine, silky, medium-length, non-shedding
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Australian Silky Terrier Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
40 minutes
Type
Walks, play, hunting small pests
Energy
★★★★☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Australian Silky Terrier
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★☆/5
Intelligent and responsive but retain independent terrier nature. Respond well to positive reinforcement; can be stubborn. Early socialisation important to manage prey drive. Eager to please but wilful.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Australian Silky Terrier Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,200
0.25–0.5 cup quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Small breed; prone to hypoglycaemia. Maintain stable feeding schedule. Dental health critical; brush teeth regularly.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Australian Silky Terrier Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au) — Australian breed
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Australian Silky Terrier in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Australian Silky Terrier Rescue Australia (limited)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Australian Silky Terrier — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Silky Terriers hypoallergenic?
Yes, they have a fine silky coat with minimal shedding. Excellent for allergy sufferers, though not 100% allergen-free.
How much grooming do Australian Silky Terriers need?
Significant. 2–3 times weekly brushing; monthly professional grooming ($50–$70). Fine coat mats easily if neglected.
Can they live in apartments?
Yes, excellent. Small size and moderate exercise needs suit apartment living.
What's the annual cost to own an Australian Silky Terrier in Australia?
Approximately $1500–$2100/year including food ($60–$80/month), grooming ($50–$70/visit, 8–10 visits/year), insurance ($25–$40/month), and veterinary care.
How much exercise do Australian Silky Terriers need?
40–60 minutes daily including walks and play. Moderate-energy breed; suitable for fairly active owners.
Do they get along with other pets?
Poor with small animals due to prey drive. Variable with other dogs; early socialisation important.
How long do Australian Silky Terriers live?
13–16 years, often reaching 14–15 years with good care.
Are they good for first-time owners?
Yes, with commitment to training and grooming. Intelligent, trainable, and affectionate; grooming responsibility is significant.
What health issues should I be aware of?
Patellar luxation, dental disease, intervertebral disc disease, and progressive retinal atrophy. Dental care critical; buy from health-tested parents.
How is the Australian Silky Terrier different from the Yorkshire Terrier?
Silky Terriers are distinctly Australian; developed in Sydney. They are slightly larger, more robust, and have different temperament than Yorkies, though they look similar.
