What You Should Know Before Adopting an Australian Silky Terrier
Thinking of bringing home an Australian Silky Terrier? You already know they're adorable — but you're smart enough to ask what you're really signing up for first.
Good instinct. Because behind that glossy coat and pocket-sized frame is a dog with the heart of a full-blown terrier.
Here's the promise: by the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what a Silky needs — from grooming to training to health — so there are zero surprises after you fall in love.
Let's dig in.
Small Size, Big Energy
First thing to get straight: a Silky is small, but it is not a lapdog you can leave to nap all day.
They usually stand around **9–10 inches** tall and weigh between **8–11 pounds**. People confuse them with Yorkshire Terriers all the time.
But here's the difference: Silkies have longer, silkier coats — and honestly, a bit more spunk.
Despite the size, these dogs are lively and thrive on activity. Daily walks, games, and mental challenges keep them balanced.
That gorgeous coat comes at a price. Let's talk grooming.
Grooming Isn't Optional
That flowing, glossy coat is the breed's signature — and it demands real commitment.
Their fine hair tangles easily. Brushing a few times a week is the minimum, and daily is even better if you want to skip the knots entirely.
Beyond brushing, the routine includes:
- Regular baths to keep the coat clean and shiny
- Nail trims before they get long and painful
- Weekly ear checks for wax and irritation
- Skipping brushing “because they look fine” — knots hide underneath
Not up for the full upkeep yourself? That's completely fair.
Finding a groomer you trust is one of the best early decisions you can make as a Silky owner.
Now for the part that tests your patience: training.
Training: Patience Required
Silkies are smart. Really smart. But that intelligence comes bundled with a classic terrier stubborn streak.
So what works? **Positive reinforcement** — treats, praise, and play. What doesn't? Long, repetitive drills that bore them into ignoring you.
The golden rules of Silky training
- Keep sessions short and funA few focused minutes beats a long, frustrating slog.
- Stay consistentMixed signals confuse them and slow everything down.
- Socialize earlyIt heads off barking, possessiveness, and fear of strangers before they take root.
Don't expect overnight success. Progress comes in steady steps.
But stick with it, and you'll have a bright, responsive little dog who genuinely enjoys learning.
High Prey Drive: The Instinct You Can't Ignore
Here's something first-time owners underestimate: the chase instinct is hardwired.
Squirrels, cats, birds — a passing critter can flip a switch in your Silky's brain. And when that prey drive kicks in, even well-trained dogs can go temporarily deaf to commands.
These aren't suggestions — they're the difference between a fun walk and a heart-stopping dash into traffic.
Wondering if a Silky fits your household? Let's find out.
Best for Adult Households or Older Kids
Silkies are affectionate, but their small size makes them fragile — and easily overwhelmed.
Rough or unpredictable handling can trigger defensive behavior, which is why toddlers aren't always the ideal match.
Toddlers
With cautionFragile and easily overwhelmed — always supervise closely.
Older kids
GreatWonderful once kids know how to handle a small dog gently.
Adults
IdealLoyal, devoted companions who love being in the thick of things.
Other pets
With careCan be feisty, but socialization helps them settle in.
The takeaway? Silkies shine in calm, respectful homes.
If you have kids, teach them the golden rule: gentle hands, and always with an adult watching.
Barking: It's a Thing
Let's be honest about this one. Silkies are alert, opinionated, and vocal.
That leaf blowing past the window? They'll announce it. Every single time.
“A Silky doesn't just live in your home — it appoints itself head of security.”
In an apartment or close-quarters neighborhood, you'll want to manage barking early. Training, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation all take the edge off.
You won't turn off the watchdog entirely — but you can keep the volume reasonable.
Now the important part every owner needs to know: health.
Health Watch
Like many small breeds, Australian Silky Terriers have a few conditions worth keeping on your radar.
Being aware doesn't mean panicking — it means catching things early.
Luxating Patella
A kneecap that slips out of place — common in small breeds and worth watching.
Hip Dysplasia
A joint issue that can affect mobility as they age.
Dental Disease
Small mouths mean crowded teeth — dental care is essential.
Eye Issues
Cataracts and other eye conditions can develop over time.
Allergies
Skin and food sensitivities show up in some dogs.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes
A hip joint condition seen in some small breeds.
Do these three things well, and you'll dramatically stack the odds in your dog's favor.
A Loyal, Loving Companion
Strip away the grooming and the training, and here's what remains: a dog that wants to be with you.
Silkies are affectionate, deeply loyal, and happiest when they're part of the action — whether that's curled on your lap or tagging along on an adventure.
They adapt beautifully to apartments or houses, as long as they get enough attention, activity, and love.
Pros
Why you'll love a Silky
- Big personality in a portable package
- Deeply loyal and affectionate
- Adapts to apartments or houses
- Smart and eager to bond
Cons
What to be ready for
- High grooming commitment
- Stubborn streak during training
- Vocal — barks at everything
- Strong prey drive needs management
They can be a touch territorial with other pets. But with proper socialization, many Silkies happily share a home with other animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, as long as you’re ready for the grooming and training commitment. They’re smart and loving, but the stubborn streak and vocal nature mean consistency matters. First-timers who are patient and willing to learn do just fine.
Yes. They’re alert little watchdogs and will announce visitors, sounds, and passing wildlife. Early training, exercise, and mental stimulation help keep it manageable, but expect an opinionated dog.
They’re a better match for older, gentle kids than toddlers. Their small size makes them fragile, so rough handling can lead to defensive behavior. Supervised, respectful interactions are key.
More than you’d guess from their size. Daily walks plus play and mental challenges keep them happy. A bored Silky finds its own entertainment — usually the noisy or destructive kind.
Their fine coat tangles easily and needs brushing several times a week, ideally daily. Add regular baths, nail trims, and ear checks. Many owners rely on a trusted groomer to keep the coat in top shape.
Sometimes, but their strong prey drive and territorial streak mean it depends. Early socialization makes a big difference, and many Silkies do fine in multi-pet homes with proper introductions.
They bond closely with their people and don’t love long stretches of solitude. A few hours is usually fine for an adult dog, but long daily absences can lead to barking, anxiety, and boredom behaviors.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.