9-13 lbs
7-11"
United States
The Silky Pug is a designer dog and is a cross between a Pug and a Silky Terrier. They are small dogs who have a big attitude. They are friendly mischievous little dogs that make great family pets. This breed will get on well with children and other dogs provided they are socialized early. When it comes training they can be a little stubborn so an owner will need to be patient and give lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Common colors may include black, tan, cream, apricot, silver, blue and grey. Silky Pugs have fine and short coats and do shed quite a bit but are not that hard to groom.
The Silky Pug is a designer breed that was developed by crossing a Silky Terrier and a Pug. The feisty Silky Terrier was developed in Australia in the 1890s and was a cross between Yorkshire Terriers, which had been brought over from England, and the larger, working Australian Terrier. Some of the Silky’s ancestors may also include the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier and/or Cairn Terrier. The Silky Terrier was recognized as a distinct breed in New South Wales in 1906, and in Victoria in 1909. There were some differences when it came to the breed standard, mostly regarding the weight and ear type, but in 1926 a compromise was reached and a new breed standard formed. The breed was first known as the Sydney Silky but in 1955, this was changed to the Australian Silky Terrier, which is what they are still referred to in Australia. They were recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1958. After World War II a number of Silky Terriers returned home with American soldiers. The Silky was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1959. They are a member of the Toy Group. Pugs originated in China and were bred to be companions for ruling families. Some had mini palaces and their own guards. Buddhist monks also kept them as pets in Tibetan monasteries. In Europe a Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572 thanks to his bravery in alerting his master - the Prince of Orange - that assassins were heading his way. Marie Antoinette had a Pug named Mops while Josephine Bonaparte, had one named Fortuné that slept in her bed and was said to have bitten Napoleon when he got into bed with her for the first time. The wrinkled little dogs who wheeze, snort and snore also captured the imagination of artists like William Hogarth and Goya, while Queen Victoria was also a fan and bred them. Pugs arrived in the United States during the nineteenth century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
The Silky Pug is a hybrid breed and is a cross between a Pug and a Silky Terrier. They are small dogs weighing up to 14 pounds and with a height of up to 12 inches. Common colors may include black, tan, cream, apricot, silver, blue and grey and they have fine and short to medium coats. Your pet may have eyes that protrude slightly from the Pug side, and deep wrinkles on the face. These dogs are small but sturdy and compact. They are likely to have short black muzzles and small ears that are often erect. They can have curly tails depending on the parent breed they most take after.
When it comes to the Silky Pug, maintenance will depend on which parent breed your pet most takes after. The Pug has a short, double coat and while it does shed a lot, they are fairly easy to groom and keep in shape. The Silky Terrier’s coat is more high maintenance as it is longer and a bit like human hair. It is straight and fine and needs regular brushing and trimming to prevent tangles. The Silky Terrier is regarded as hypoallergenic so your pet may also be. Bathing is only needed occasionally. For good dental health, brush your dog’s teeth daily and as well, on a weekly basis check their ears for any debris. Trim the nails if they get too long.
The Silky Pug is an energetic dog who will need daily excercise to keep fit and healthy. If your dog has the short face of the Pug then they are likely to battle in the heat so try to exercise them when it is cooler. While your pet will love going for walks and visits to the dog park they do not need strenuous exercise. Bear in mind that your pet is likely to have quite a strong prey drive from the Terrier side so keep them on a leash when out in public. These dogs will love playing in a garden but are equally suited to apartment living provided they are taken out every day.
Written by a Jack Russell lover Helen Bamford
Published: 12/13/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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