Vivacious, intelligent and somewhat mischievous, the Australian Silky Terrier dates back to the 19th century when it was known simply as a Rough or Broken-Coated Terrier.
The breed is the result of crosses between various larger British terriers including Paisley/ Clydesdale (now extinct), Dandie Dinmont and Skye Terriers, and later with the Yorkshire Terrier, which contributed to the silky coat and small size of the Australian Silky Terrier that we see today.
Due to the prominence of the breed in Sydney, it was originally also known as the “Sydney Silky”. However, Victorian and Tasmanian breeders also laid claim to the origins of the breed so, in 1956, the official name, Australian Silky Terrier, was adopted.
BRAVE AND ASSERTIVE
Full of energy, the Australian Silky Terrier isn’t your typical lap dog…