Silky Terrier

In the late 1800s, Yorkshire Terriers were imported into Australia in order to cross them with the larger Australian Terrier as a way to improve their coats. By 1906, the Silky Terrier was breeding true to type, and they were recognized as a distinct breed first in New South Wales in 1906, and later in Victoria in 1909. The breed standard written in each of these areas had some differences, particularly in relation to weights and ear conformations. It was in 1926 that a more comprehensive breed standard was developed and in 1932 the Kennel Control Council of Victoria introduced legislation to prevent further cross-breeding between Yorkshire Terriers, Australian Terriers, and the Silky Terrier, then known as the Sydney Silky. These little dogs were brought to the United States with Americans returning from World War II, and the Sydney Silky Terrier Club was established in 1955, and in 1955 the name was officially changed to the Australian Silky Terrier, causing the American chapter to also change their name to the Silky Terrier Club of America. Shortly afterward, in 1959, the modern breed standard was finalized, narrowing acceptable weights from six to twelve pounds down to eight to ten pounds and the breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club. This breed, along with being an enjoyable and entertaining animal, is also known for their ability to kill both rats and snakes, and an eight-year-old dog named Fizo was awarded an Australian Purple Cross of Bravery in 1996 for diving off of a balcony to protect the tiny dog’s nine-year-old owner from five-foot long venomous brown snake, with no regard for his own safety.