Australian Silky Terrier
Lively, intelligent, and affectionate, this small companion thrives on attention and interactive play. Silky, blue-and-tan coats add charm to an alert and spirited personality.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
23–26 cm (male)
23–26 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3.5–4.5 kg (male)
3.5–4.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Australian Silky Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Australian Silky Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Australian Silky Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Australian Silky Terrier is lively, alert, and affectionate, typically forming strong bonds with family members while remaining confident and sometimes territorial around strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick to learn new commands and tricks
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Enjoys interactive games and playful activities
Adjusts moderately to changes in routine
Strengths
- Alert and responsive watchdog
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Low-shedding, silky coat
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
Challenges
- Prone to barking frequently
- Needs daily mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn during training
- Requires regular coat maintenance
- May chase small animals due to prey drive
Protect your Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Silky Terrier are active and energetic, but they can develop luxating patella and tracheal collapse. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Australian Silky Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to consistent, positive training methods, though it may show some stubbornness if not engaged.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
Australian Silky Terriers have moderate to high energy levels and require daily walks along with interactive play to meet both their physical and mental stimulation needs.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Australian Silky Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Australian Silky Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easy to train and adaptable, though may require consistent boundaries and patience
Apartment Living
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit compact living spaces
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys play and activity but does not require intense exercise
Kids
Can be snappy if handled roughly by very young children
Multiple Pets
Gets along with other pets if socialized early, but may chase small animals
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and prone to separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Australian Silky Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Silky Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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