Medium
Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier, also known as the Australian Silky Terrier, is a toy-sized Sydney breed developed from Yorkshire Terriers crossed with Australian Terriers. Their fine, glossy, straight coat resembles human hair in texture — grown to part along the spine and fall to approximately body length, it does not mat as readily as silkier long coats but still requires consistent brushing. The Silky bridges the gap between a toy companion and a true terrier in both appearance and temperament.
Coat Type
Fine, Straight, Glossy, Single Coat (resembles human hair)
Groom Every
Every 4-6 weeks
Styles Available
4 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Silky Show Coat
The hair parted along the spine and allowed to fall to body length on both sides. No trimming except for paws, ears, and sanitary area. The breed-standard presentation.
2
Puppy Cut
The coat trimmed to a uniform shorter length for easy maintenance. Popular for pet owners who want the breed without intensive brushing.
3
Tidy Trim
The coat maintained at the natural spine-parted length with light trimming of stray hairs around the feet, ear tips, and sanitary area. A balanced approach between show coat and puppy cut.
4
Summer Short
The coat shortened significantly for warm weather. Maintains the Silky Terrier's characteristic straight, flat texture at a shorter length.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Silky Terrier coat behaves like human hair — it benefits from a conditioning rinse at every bath to maintain the fine, glossy texture and prevent split ends from developing in the delicate single coat.
- Brush 3-4 times per week with a soft pin brush using a gentle, flowing stroke in the direction of coat growth — the fine, straight coat breaks easily when brushed against the grain or when pulled through a mat.
- Keep the topknot tied back or trimmed to prevent hair from irritating the eyes; the Silky's hair grows continuously like a Yorkshire Terrier and will reach the eyes without regular trimming or tying.
- The paws carry significant toe hair and inter-digital furnishings — trim between the pads and around the feet every 4-6 weeks to prevent debris accumulation and maintain the compact foot shape.
- Check behind the ears and in the armpits weekly — despite the single coat's naturally lower mat-tendency, friction in these areas creates tangles that require immediate attention to prevent becoming true mats.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangling Spray
ToolThe industry-leading leave-in conditioner and detangler used by show groomers worldwide. Provides exceptional slip to work out mats and tangles on long silky coats without breakage. Safe for daily use on long-coated dogs and cats — an essential finishing step before brushing Persians, Yorkies, and Afghans.
$20 - $35
Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
BrushPremium pin brush with rounded stainless steel pins that gently glide through long flowing coats without scratching the skin. The preferred daily brush for Maltese, Yorkies, Silky Terriers, and long-haired cats. Builds coat and reduces static far better than economy pin brushes.
$25 - $40
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Deep Dives
Silky Terrier Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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