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)