Silkzer

8-15 lbs
9-14"
United States
Miniature Schnauzer
Silky Terrier
The Silkzer is a hybridization of the purebred Silky Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer.  The Silkzer is a small dog and despite its Terrier roots, is not feisty but makes for an excellent companion and lap dog.  The Silkzer has a lifespan of 12 and 15 years and is adaptable to all climates and living situations.  One of their best Terrier qualities is their high tolerance for solitude.  Though owners should never leave their dogs alone for extended periods of time, the Silkzer tolerates being left alone and will not cause mischief or develop anxiety.  However, this breed also needs plenty of play time with its owners to keep its mind stimulated.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Miniature Schnauzer and Silky Terrier

Silkzer Health

Average Size
Male Silkzer size stats
Height: 9-14 inches Weight: 8-15 lbs
Female Silkzer size stats
Height: 9-14 inches Weight: 8-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Portosystemic Shunt
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Atopy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Radiography

Silkzer Breed History

The Silkzer is a designer breed with both Silky Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer bloodlines.  Hybrid breeding practices, though popular, are not well-documented and the Silkzer's history is unknown.  Owners and those who wish to adopt a Silkzer should always inquire about the puppy's parents and learn as much as they can about the parent breeds. The Silky Terrier is an Australian breed that rose from the hybridization of the Yorkshire Terrier and native Australian Terriers during the late 1800s.  The breeding program was aimed at producing a dog with silky traits that weighed more than the Yorkie.  Only dogs with the silky traits were selected for breeding until predictable traits manifested.  The Silky Terrier was originally bred as an attractive ratting dog but has since become a favorite companion.  The Silky moved to the United States in the 20th Century, and the American Kennel Club first registration was in 1959. The Miniature Schnauzer is a Terrier of German descent that was bred for German farms for vermin control and guarding.  The Miniature Schnauzer rose from crossbreeding the Standard Schnauzer with smaller German breeds, such as the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher, and Poodle.  The goal of the breeding program was to produce a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer.  The Miniature Schnauzer enjoyed popularity in Germany and moderate popularity in the United States when the first breed was first registered in 1926 with the American Kennel Club.  However, following World War II, the Miniature Schnauzer rose to high popularity, and today, the breed is ranked in the top 20.

Silkzer Breed Appearance

The Silkzer is a small dog weighing no more than 15 pounds and no longer than 14 inches.  They have a double coat with medium hair.  The hair may be slightly longer and is usually soft and wavy, though the coat may also be silky and long.  Coat textures depend mostly on which parent the hybrid most resembles.  The Silkzer is not usually a solid color and may be black, brown, tan, red, cream, or blue.  They have sturdy bodies and short tails that are usually bobbed.  The Silkzer's ears are triangular and stand on ends.  The Silkzer's round, brown eyes are set in a medium-sized head, and the muzzle can range from short to long, depending on which parent breed's traits are more dominant.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Silkzer eyes
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Silkzer coat
Black
gray Silkzer coat
Gray
silver Silkzer coat
Silver
brown Silkzer coat
Brown
white Silkzer coat
White
fawn Silkzer coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Silkzer wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Silkzer Breed Maintenance

The Silkzer has medium to long hair and its double coat requires daily brushing to maintain a silky smooth and well-kept appearance.  The Silkzer does not shed much and may have hypoallergenic qualities.  However, daily brushing will help remove any dead or loose hair as well as dirt and debris that becomes trapped.  The Silkzer is not known to have a doggy odor so any foul smells should be investigated because they may indicate a skin infection or dental issues.  The Silkzer has sensitive skin and should only be bathed when necessary to prevent stripping the natural oils from the skin.  Frequent grooming will distribute the natural oils and keep the skin and coat healthy.  The Silkzer is not known to have dental issues, but once weekly teeth brushing is still suggested to help prevent dental problems, especially later in life.
Brushes for Silkzer
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Silkzer requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Silkzer Temperament

The Silkzer is lively and outgoing, thanks to the Terrier bloodlines from both parents.  They are full of energy and love their families.  When it comes to children, the Silkzer is better suited to older kids who will not tease or accidentally hurt it while playing.  They have an actively engaged mind and love the attention their owners give them.  The Silkzer's parental bloodlines add a heightened prey mind that may make living with other small pets difficult but with this hybrid can learn to live in harmony with early and proper socialization.  However, they are not as energetic as some of the Terrier bloodlines and adapt well to living with both cats and dogs.  The Silkzer is eager to please its people and trains very fast as well.

Silkzer Activity Requirements

The Silkzer, despite being of Terrier heritage, does not require so much daily exercise or intense activity.  They are a moderately active breed and are satisfied to follow their owners around the house or make a quick run across the living room.  The Silkzer is, due to its size and activity requirements, perfectly adaptable to small space living and does well in an apartment.  They will need to engage their minds in activities and affectionate attention from their owners to keep them happy.  The Silkzer has a high tolerance for warm climates and does moderately well in colder climates, but they may live anywhere considering they prefer the security of indoor living.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
15 minutes
activity minutes

Silkzer Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Silkzer Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Silkzer size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.5 lbs
Female Silkzer size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Silkzer size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
Female Silkzer size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Silkzer size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
Female Silkzer size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs

Silkzer Owner Experiences

Kirby
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Kirby, a 1 yr. old male suspected to be an Austrailian Silky Terrier w/ a pinch of Affenpinscher a few weeks ago from Bluetails Pet Rescue. We were told he doesn't like men. He barks constantly at my husband & strangers that come to the house. Not sure if that's a sign of abuse from a man in his past or raised w/ only women. He clings to me (Mom) & my 10 yr. old son is his favorite of the 2 boys I have (other 9 yrs.) He is very loving, doesn't require a lot of exercise, but loves to play with his toys occasionally. He is very terrified of slight noises & barks/ shakes w/ in 5 ft. of my husband. I hope he will grow acclimated to him as time goes on. He is precious & so loved!
4 years, 2 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd