Silky terriers are close relatives to the yorkie. In fact, silky terriers were bred from a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier. Silky terriers look similar to yorkies but have a different temperamant and slight physical differences. 
The most noticeable difference at first glance is the silky’s hair, which is finer and thinner than the yorkshire terrier. The silky terrier’s body build is also different in three ways, which may be obvious to an experienced yorkie fan but not to the untrained eye. First of all, the silky terrier’s body is longer in proportion to the entire body than the yorkie. Second difference: silky terriers have a longer nose while the yorkshire terrier nose is shorter and flatter. Third difference: The silky terrier’s body sits higher than the yorkie’s, giving the silky a leaner appearance. The yorkshire terrier’s body is short and squaty, and really cute! The silky terrier’s body is, like I said, longer and placed higher, although the placement of the torso is considered moderately low set when compared to dogs in general.
The silky terrier is a registered breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The silky’s temperament is keen and alert. They are quick, friendly, and responsive dogs, according to the breed standard of the AKC.
The silky terrier developed in the 1900′s in Australia. The goal in breeding the silky terrier was originally to improve the coat of the Australian terrier with the full black and tan coat of the Yorkshire terrier, although the two together created litters with a few new looking terriers, what we know as the Silky terrier today. The silky terrier is a toy terrier just as the yorkshire terrier. Silky terriers are wonderful pets and they are inquisitive, good natured dogs with a joy for life.
We believe that our male (previously thought a yorkie) is a silky terrier. Although he was wrongly advertised, we love him just as much as our yorkie. He is sweet and gentle but also is very playful and sometimes won’t stopped running and jumping around! One of my favorite memories of this little guy is one day I heard splashing. I went to look at what was going on, and their was Bubby, our tiny silky terrier puppy in his very large water bowl (it was bigger than him) marching around, splashing water around in pure pleasure. When Bubby calms down after a long playtime he snuggles up to us. Very often Bubby will set his head on our leg, stomach, thigh- anywhere that he can cuddle up to. He is very loving. Our yorkie, Bella, is more independent and usually won’t nap on our laps.
December 11th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I have a Silky Terrier, but more in color to a Yorkie. At four months (Silver) was already silver in body color with a light, blondish – brown top notch. He is spanky like a Silky Terrier. You talk about playful! I sometimes regret getting such a spanky dog at the age of 50. Yet, his loving temperment makes up for the sore back and legs from chasing him around the house, removing objects out of his mouth. He is crate trained, collar- walking train outside, yet I now want to train him to go inside (what a switch). I live in the Eastern Shore and the icy, snowey weather is making it difficult for him to do his business outside. Help!
December 11th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Two parts to the answer to your question:
1) Walks
Our dogs are trained for inside and outside. They go on a walk in the morning and in the evening. They are wild if they don’t get these walks! And they are not as well behaved. I would get him on a regular walking schedule- dogs are easy to train with proper consistency. He will know what to expect and when he can go outside if he wishes.
2) Then get some pads- our favorite are the pooch pads bc they have urine pheromones, are washable through 300 uses, and aren’t too bad looking. Put the pooch pads in convenient areas for the dog where you won’t have to move them around if you have company for example. We actually have one where company can see, but we wash it regularly and its to the side- and the same color as our carpet (tan colored). Dogs are creatures of habit, and he won’t be very happy but instead confused if the location of the pooch pad changes. You want to make the transition as easy and painless as possible for the dog and the owner!
One problem you may run into- be sure to congratulate him for going on the pooch pads, especially if all four legs are on the pad. Our silky terrier would put just two front legs on, ending up not really urinating on the pad!!! It was so funny. If yours is anything like ours he will be VERY responsive to praise. Silky terriers just want to please! (Yorkies on the other hand just want to be pleased)
April 21st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
i would insist on disagreeing with Amanda my lovely Yorkie has always been there for every one in the family and has never wanted anything back! i may not be much of a dog expert but im sure that yorkies and dogs in general want to be there for you.
April 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I apologize if I gave the impression that I do not think yorkies want to be there for their owners. Yorkies are very kind, gentle and loving. When comparing descriptions of breed temperament among yorkies vs. silkies there are many reputable references describing yorkies as independent and silkies are described as more interactive. Also, yorkies are notorious for being more difficult to train, thus my comment that silkies are more likely to want to please.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I love Teacup Yorkies and also Yorkshire Terriers I think they are the Most adorable pets to have how can you resist that cute little face
June 18th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I too was sold a Yorkshire female by a breeder but as she aged i wondered why she looked so different than our Standard Yorkshire, Gordo. I always felt she was a Silky from all the info i found on the internet and after reading your website I agree, she is a Silky. I don’t lover her any less and they had 2 batches of “cookies”. Their puppies have come out looking silky haired with Yorkshire bodies. Just adorable!
August 17th, 2009 at 12:58 am
I chose a Silky because there is less over-breeding (and therefore fewer problems) with this breed than the Yorkie. However our Silky has more of an (adorable) Yorkie face than her own breed. She is VERY eager to please and she is now-after months of training- a certified therapy dog and makes bed visits at a children’s hospital. She loves her job and seems to know which child wants to see tricks and which child wants to cuddle. Off-job and at home we call her our Silky Terrorist as she has so much energy. I love this breed.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Bobbie,
having a certified training dog is an amazing feat. Something I have been thinking of doing with Isaballa. Not so sure if either of our dogs would be good at it… they are young and a little hyper still.
What types of training did you do with your Silky Terrier before you did the Therapy training?
What type of demeanor does your Silky have? Naturally calm, extroversion or friendly, etc.?
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
Does anybody know any Australian teacup yorkie breeders?
Thanks
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:41 pm
We rescued what was described as a Silver Silky Yorkie. A great loving dog but I do not see much Yorkie in him. His ears are not erect and his tail was docked. His coloration is light silver on the body with a hint of black and around the head it is silver blond. About 4 years old now and full of energy but is not destructive. He just wants to be with me all the time.
April 17th, 2010 at 3:37 am
dear,
can you tell me what’s the most inexpensive way to get a teacup yorkie?
thanks,
rita
June 14th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Rescues do not have any more health problems or vet bills than any other dog and are usually much better dogs than purebreds.
June 14th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Yes I agree, Mixed breed most definitely do have fewer health problems than purebreeds.
July 29th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
where do i buy washable pooch pads
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:04 am
I am curious, why do some people believe that rescued dogs are in ill health? Some have run away from home, and are not microchipped, cannot be found by their owners, some have been taken out of homes where they have been abused, and others were puppies that were not wanted to have been bred.
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:54 pm
My silky terrier is so fulllllll of energy… he’s such a hyper dog but I love him. Sometimes I don’t how we lived without him all these yrs. Slight problem he eats everyyyything & anything. Toilet paper, cotton, gum, wires, panties, shoes, garbage bags, etc … I’ve tried to get him to stop but it doesn’t work… help! What can i do?
August 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Kelly,
I hope it has not been implied that rescued dogs are “less” than other dogs. We only mean to share the reality of rescue centers.
Rescuing a yorkie is a wonderful, beautiful thing. I am a huge advocate for rescuing dogs.
Many searching for yorkie rescue centers inquire here on our site about “free” yorkies. Whenever I see the two as synonymous (Free & Rescue Center) I educate about the truth.
Nothing is free.
That said, Rescuing a yorkie is a great deed.
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:53 am
You may want to puppy proof your home
August 4th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Im getting my teacup yorkie in two weeks.
:D
I want some ideas for names, im going to name it when i get my pup, but whats the best way to get name ideas?
(its a little girl and i see it almost every week)
November 29th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
My son-9 yrs old & I have a 3yr old Yorkie Terrier named Ginger Mocha.
She is awesome; we love her.They are a joy.
Both Yorkies & Silky Terriers
are great Indoor/Outdoor pets-mostly indoor.
Chewing-First year was the worst for chewing items, but now she is trained or used to items–not to chew on them except her own toys.
Our Christmas Tree is setup fine with her–except gift boxes. The scent on gift boxes she wants to chew. Other than that were good
You have to show ownership—say no,no to things and then they learn
not to chew on other items & ignore them. The more you make of an
issue the terriers make it a terrier. So be patient, and dont make it a big deal—they go on and enjoy the family.
November 30th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Thank you, fellow Yorkie Owner! This information is very useful– good advice to our readers.
January 12th, 2011 at 5:11 am
`I have, what`I have been told is a Yorkie silky. she was my daughb5ers dog, she rescued her. When my husband and I separated she decided I should take her. I honestly didn’t waant the responsibility but let me tell you she probably saved my life. you couldn’t separate us now for all the tea in China. what a lovable dog and quite a personality, i love my silky
January 27th, 2011 at 12:13 am
We rescued a Silky male at approximately 11 months old. He was so timid, and hated men. He had been severely neglected and probably rough handled. He is my shadow, and he adores my young son. He plays with the neighborhood kids as if he were one of them! He eventually came to love my brother and dad, but continues to dislike men. He loves women and children. He is very obedient, and will walk without a leash, never leaving my side, ever! When people ask what kind of dog he is, we say “silky haired terrorist”, as he is a superb guard dog. He sure is a cuddler too. I believe he knows we rescued him, and he is so grateful. He is a gem of a dog! This has been my first small dog, as I usually have had golden retrievers, but I must say Lester is just as intelligent, and so much easier to care for.
February 15th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
I purchased a supposed to be tiny yorkie, her papers even say shes a yorkier terrier. Now that she is a year old I noticed a few changes in her, She is not overly nerveous, she weighs 12 lbs, she is 21 inches long from tip of nose to curled tail, her legs are 7.5 inches long,her colors now are golen,silver and black,her coat is slightly smooth/rough but not as long as a yorkies hair should be, hers isnt as fine and thin like a yorkie either. Did my breeder sell me a supposible tiny yorkie or did she sell me a SILKY TERRIER like I think she is???? If anyone has a comment to help please let me know..Thanks
March 22nd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
I have two Silky’s….. my husband and I had one before these two. We LOVE them!! Smart (no, brilliant), never sheds, easy to train, playful, loveable, and always wanting to please. Having two Silky puppies has been a joy. Never buy a dog from a pet store. Find a good breeder. Silky’s are hefty compared to the fragile Yorkie’s so if you hike, walk, and are active like we are, Silky’s can keep up.
March 31st, 2011 at 6:59 am
I think we have the Silky as well. the weight range for a Yorkie as I have read goes up to 7 lbs and the Silky to 9. Ours is a twin to the pic above and weighs 8.5 lbs , is very long and lean larger ears, taller and hair like a newborn baby. so fine, soft and “Silky”. She is registered as a Yorkie as are the parents. The dad is smaller and the mom is like our Cydne. I have no problems with this , just it is fascinating how it cold be.
Several books descriptions put her as a Silky so I wonder what one should do? Try to change things about the lineage or just leave it alone. She is 20 months old on 4/2. This dog has stolen our heart. Our Toy poodle will be 16 in Sept., and we thought she was smart. Well she has a masters and Cydne has a doctorate. Amazing creature!
April 9th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I have a silky named Vergil. I got him as a gift for Christmas. I also have an 11 year old 110 lb Akita/Shepard. Although the size difference shocked me, I couldn’t believe how smart Vergil is. He is verbal but not barky. His coat color is that of a yorkie but silkier. He is seven months old now and follows me and Bahr(the big one) around everywhere. He already walks with out a leash and loves to swim in the tub. My biggest worry was the amount of food he does not eat. He weighs almost seven lbs but doesn’t look it. I couldn’t have asked for a better breed in a small dog. He potties on pads when he is in the house but tries to hold it till he gets outside. I use regular bed pads for adults because the little wee wee pads don’t absorb much and he usually misses cause they are too small. I want another one.
June 13th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
My father in law “adopted” a silky that he named Baby Girl that he found in the lost and found section of the newspaper. Someone had lost this little dog and never claimed her so he took her in. He kept her for four months but was very sick and was diagnosed with cancer and never took her outside for walks and she apparently was never trained to use the bathroom outside by her original owner. I took her in when he could no longer care for her, I have had her for four months now and she is an absolute joy, so loving, hyper and at times mischevious but she wants our undivided attention. The vet says she is about two years old. I have had several obstacles. We have to keep our doors locked at all times because if the door is opened and you are not holding her she runs out and runs off. My biggest problem is that she refuses to stop using the bathroom inside the house. When I take her out she always goes outside but she does it alot inside, too. She is disobedient and I have tried the pads inside the house and she just chews them up! I cannot let her outside without being on a leash because she runs away. I had tied her on a long leash outside on a nice day for a while and she got out of her harness and I almost never found her. I love her dearly but does anyone have advise for me? I don’t know what to do with her and my carpet in the house is being ruined. HELP!
June 21st, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Consider bringing her to a training class, or you may want to hire a trainer especially for your silky terrier. If your pet is consistently urinating indoors, something most certainly needs to be done, and fast. I also recommend watching Caesar’s the Dog Whisperer TV show. He is very good with dogs and you might get a few helpful tips. Good luck!
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