Silky Terrier

Breed Description

In Pembrokeshire, on the River Seale, the village squire Captain John Owen Edwards, who lived in the Silihem estate, developed a breed of short-legged white terriers, primarily using white terriers of the Jack Russell type, as well as similar dogs such as West Highland Whites, Dandie Dinmonts, and Bull Terriers. Edwards aimed to create a breed that could work alongside his otter hounds and follow otters into their burrows, as well as work with badgers, foxes, and ferrets. He was ruthless in his selection of stock: dogs that did not meet his standards were shot without a hint of mercy. Among the key evaluation criteria were the fearlessness and endurance of the four-legged hunters. Initially, buying a puppy from Captain Edwards’ kennel was a special honor. His small fearless dogs were highly valued by local hunters.

The first breed club was founded in 1908, and the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in 1911. Silihems became very popular as show dogs and companions in the 1930s and 40s; however, in recent years their population has declined, possibly due to the need for careful grooming and coat trimming.

The first club celebrated its centenary by holding a championship that appropriately took place at the Silihem estate, where visitors were treated to a demonstration of Silihems working on the River Seale with otter hounds-a wonderful spectacle and a recreated fragment of the breed’s history.

Despite all their virtues, the snowy white versions of Scottish Terriers are quite a rare breed. Even in the UK, they are considered relatively rare, although they are very popular. During the Iron Curtain era, Silihems were not represented in the USSR. They only appeared in the successor to the Soviet Union in the mid to late 1990s. At Zooinica, you can find the best selection of kennels in Russia, where you can choose a puppy for a price starting from 50,000 rubles. Show-class Silihems are somewhat more expensive, and there are few such offers in our country.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards the growing popularity of rare dog breeds. This includes Silihem Terriers, whose numbers increase every year.

Excellent physical condition, elegant appearance, activity, and small size allow the white dogs to be kept in any living conditions, taken on trips, and in some cases, they are even recommended as therapy animals for severe neurological conditions.

Appearance

The standard breed description outlines the ideal appearance of the animal. This is how its owners wish to see it and strive for in their efforts. However, each individual has unique traits that sometimes set it apart from the ideal.

Nonetheless, Siliham Terriers share a small size, a dense double coat of white color, bushy eyebrows and beard, as well as a joyfully raised short straight tail. Their temperament is unique – this can be said about many other dogs. But Siliham is not one of those cases. Their therapeutic effect on elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their beneficial influence on children with neurological issues, has already been appreciated across the ocean and is successfully applied in medical practice outside of Russia.

Weighing around 9.5 to 10.5 kg, they are often taken along on trips, especially since their height at the withers usually does not exceed 23 to 25 cm in adult dogs. Typically, a Siliham serves faithfully to its owner for 13 to 15 years, but with caring owners, a pet with a snowy white coat may live even beyond the specified lifespan. At Zoonyka, you’ll find the best selection of breeders in Russia specializing not only in Siliham Terriers but also in similar breeds: Scottish Terriers, West Highland Terriers, and other terriers from England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull is slightly dome-shaped, sufficiently wide between the ears. It is proportional to the size of the dog and has a rectangular silhouette, just like the body, when viewed from the side. It is somewhat shorter than the muzzle when comparing the size from the back of the head to the transition from the forehead to the muzzle.

Морда

The face is quite cute, despite the dog's purpose. The bridge of the nose is straight, without a bump, and fairly wide. The beard and bushy eyebrows look very charming-these features make the breed very photogenic. The nose's tip can only be a contrasting black color.

Уши

Medium-sized, fully covered with short fur, with dense cartilages and slightly rounded at the tip. Despite their thickness, they are folded and held to the side of the cheeks-this distinguishes them from the ears of the Irish Terrier, whose ears "face" forward.

Глаза

The irises of Silky Terriers are normally the darkest color, almost black. They are round and set wide apart from each other, not too large, closer to average size. Eyelids are preferably dark in color, although dogs without this feature are also acceptable.

Зубы

Complete set. The powerful jaws appear very large. The fangs are white, sharp, and tightly pressed together, without gaps. A scissor bite is considered ideal, but a correct bite is not seen as a disadvantage. Any absence for any reason is recognized as a defect.

Корпус

Not large, elongated, but not like a dachshund, rather of medium length. The back is strong, straight, and quite broad. There are no bumps or hollows along the top line when viewed from the side. The chest is wide but not puffed up, allowing the dog to fit into a burrow while hunting.

Конечности

Short but very resilient and well-suited for quick chases in hilly terrain. Front legs: strong and as straight as possible, with a well-dropped chest. Shoulders are also very strong: the shoulder point is in line with the elbow point, which should be close to the chest. Hind legs: particularly powerful for a dog of this size. The thighs are deep and muscular, with well-bent knees. The hocks are strong, well-bent, and parallel to each other.

Хвост

Currently, docking is not mandatory. Docked tails are of medium size, with a rounded edge, aligned with the top of the back, fairly thick at the base, held high but not thrown over the back. Undocked tails are not curled like a bagel and are not tucked between the hind legs - this is the standard.

Шерсть

Like all terriers, it has protective qualities during work, shielding the dog's body and limbs from cuts caused by plants with sharp leaves (for example, sedge), and protecting it from adverse conditions and cold. It has slightly wavy fur, a dense undercoat, a shaggy beard, and thick eyebrows.

Окрас

Currently, a dog with a white coat or white with lemon, brown, blue, or badger-like markings on the head and ears is considered ideal. A lot of black coloring and a dense tick pattern are undesirable. Originally, the breed was developed for contrast against the terrain during hunting, so that the owner wouldn't confuse the dog with wild animals.

Character

Considering that albino terriers from Siliham require a significant amount of physical exercise, training also has a profoundly positive effect on their character. Many dog owners in urban settings have noticed that after walks, their dogs are much calmer and friendlier compared to Silihams that are walked infrequently.

The minimum walking time for an adult Siliham terrier is 1 to 1.5 hours per day. It’s best to choose walking times when there are no aggressive dogs at the walking area or those that your dog does not get along with. During park walks, it is advisable to use a collar with a geo-tag in case the dog runs away. Additionally, every owner is obligated to keep public spaces clean by picking up after their dog. Pets are not allowed in stores, cinemas, and clinics.

Although this breed is not considered the most energetic among terriers, walks with Silihams should be filled with games or short sprints. Generally, this is enough to keep them fit, but in some cases, you can also explore agility training and try to teach your dog unusual commands. This can be engaging for owners of any age.

The thick white coat of Siliham terriers deserves thorough care. It has water-repellent properties, and while they are not very prone to shedding during molting, their fur can become matted if not brushed regularly. Regular plucking is also recommended to maintain the breed-specific qualities of the dog’s coat. If you acclimate your dog to this procedure while still a puppy, you can easily perform it without being distracted from watching movies. Some owners knit belts and socks from this fur, which are known for their unique warmth and therapeutic properties.

It is not recommended to trim the eyebrows. When looking at advertisements for Siliham terrier puppies, you often come across pictures with hair tied in a bun; this is also better avoided. The tuft serves a functional purpose. The delicate cornea is often exposed to inflammation due to debris entering the dog’s eyes. During flowering, eyes also suffer from pollen from flowers. One function of the dog’s thick eyebrows and tuft is to prevent harmful particles from reaching their eyes. Therefore, dogs that are groomed in this way experience eye diseases and inflammation more frequently and in more severe forms.

Owners typically trim their Siliham’s nails about three times a month. The back nails wear down naturally faster than those on the front paws. Meanwhile, dogs that spend more time outdoors have less trouble during summer, as outdoor surfaces like asphalt work as natural nail files, so their nails are trimmed less often. A yearly dental cleaning by a professional yields good results. During the rest of the year, it’s sufficient to make sure there’s no plaque on their teeth. About twice a week, using a special toothbrush with a little toothpaste helps remove food residues from the tooth surfaces. If you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, ask for hygiene recommendations for the puppy’s mouth.Basic training begins at 6 to 7 weeks. It’s essential to teach your puppy not only basic commands but also those that minimize anxious barking, especially for those living in apartments. If the owner lacks time, they can attend training courses at canine centers or even invite a trainer to their home. This service is widely available; just check puppy sale advertisements, as they often include offers for training help and walks for your pet.

Care and Maintenance

Taking into account that Siliham terriers, especially albino ones, require a lot of physical exercise, training also greatly influences their temperament. Many dog owners living in urban environments have noticed that their dogs are much calmer and friendlier after walks compared to those Silihams that go out only occasionally.

The minimum walking time for an adult Siliham terrier is 1 to 1.5 hours per day. It is best to choose a time for walks when there are no aggressive dogs in the dog park or those with whom your dog does not get along. During park walks, it’s advisable to put a collar with a geo-tag on your dog in case it gets lost. Furthermore, every owner is responsible for keeping public areas clean and cleaning up after their pets. Dogs are not allowed in stores, cinemas, and clinics.

Although this breed is not considered one of the most energetic terriers, walks with Silihams should be filled with games or short runs. Generally, this is usually enough to keep them in shape, but in some cases, you can additionally explore agility training and try to teach your dog unusual commands on your own. This can be engaging for owners of any age.

The thick white coat of Siliham terriers deserves careful attention. It has water-repellent properties. While they are not very prone to shedding during molting, their fur can become matted if not brushed regularly. Regular plucking is also recommended to maintain the breed’s coat characteristics. By getting your dog accustomed to this procedure as a puppy, you can easily perform it without being distracted from watching a movie. Some owners even knit belts and socks from this fur, which are known for their warmth and therapeutic properties.

It is not recommended to trim the eyebrows. While looking at advertisements for Siliham terrier puppies, you often come across photos with tied-up bangs-this should also be avoided. The tuft has a functional purpose. The delicate cornea can frequently become inflamed due to debris that gets in the dog’s eyes. During flowering seasons, eyes also suffer from pollen. One function of the thick eyebrows and tuft is to prevent harmful particles from entering the eyes. Therefore, dogs that are groomed in this way tend to experience more frequent eye diseases and inflammation, often in more severe forms.

Owners trim Siliham’s nails about three times a month. The back claws wear down naturally faster than those on the front paws. Dogs that spend more time outdoors are luckier during the summer because their owners do this less often. Asphalt and pavement work as natural nail files, so the nails of outdoor dogs are trimmed less frequently. Professional dental cleaning once a year yields good results. For the rest of the year, it’s enough to monitor plaque build-up on their teeth. About twice a week, using a special toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste removes food residue from the tooth surface. If you decide to purchase a puppy from a kennel, ask the breeder for hygiene recommendations regarding dental care for the pet.Basic training begins at 6 to 7 weeks. It’s important to teach your puppy not only basic commands but also ones that help minimize anxious barking, especially for those living in apartments. If short on time, an owner can attend training courses at canine centers or even hire a trainer at home. This service is widely available; simply look through puppy sale ads, as they often contain offers for training assistance and dog walking.

Training and Education

Training and raising a Sealyham Terrier at home requires patience, consistency, and a professional approach.

When starting training, first focus on the basics-potty training and commands like “sit,” “lie down,” and “stand.” The command “heel” should be mastered by the puppy before you have the opportunity to walk on a leash. Gradual and consistent training of these skills will help create a foundation for more advanced training.

Sealyham Terriers, like many other breeds, respond well to positive reinforcement. Quick praise, treats, and reward-based games help reinforce desired behavior and speed up learning.

Early socialization with changes in the environment, and exposure to other dogs and people play an important role in developing positive character traits in Sealyham Terriers. Choosing a puppy from a kennel without understanding the basic aspects of this process can be risky.

In complex situations where the owner lacks experience in dog care, it may be worth consulting a professional dog trainer. A professional has the experience, knowledge, and methods that can help you and your pet achieve the desired results.

One of the most important stages of successfully training and raising a Sealyham Terrier is consistency. Sticking to the same training practices, rules, and consequences (or withholding rewards) will help shape your pet’s desired behavior. Rough methods, physical punishment, and shouting are not acceptable forms of discipline.Sealyham Terriers are intelligent and energetic dogs that need not only physical activity but also mental stimulation. Varied games, exercises, and toys can help meet their mental and physical needs.Thorough training and education of a Sealyham Terrier can lead to the establishment of strong bonds of loyalty and trust between you and your pet. Working on building a trusting relationship with your dog is an important part of raising them.Training and raising a Sealyham Terrier is a process that takes time and effort but brings immense joy and strengthens the relationship between owner and pet. Professional dog trainers can help you develop a personalized training plan that takes into account your pet’s individual characteristics. Find your puppy through verified sources.

How to Choose a Puppy

When choosing a Silken Terrier puppy, it’s essential to pay careful attention to the choice of kennel and the breeder’s reputation. The process of purchasing a puppy should be thoroughly considered and based on reliable information about the kennel and the breeder. Be aware that advertisements for puppies often contain offers from unscrupulous sellers. Zoonika offers the best selection of kennels in Russia with extensive experience in breeding Silken Terriers. Here are a few recommendations on this matter.

Start your search with recommendations from experienced Silken Terrier owners or breed specialists. A reputable kennel will strive for high standards of dog care, quality breeding practices, and documenting responsibilities between parties in a sales agreement.

Visit the kennel in person to assess the conditions in which the dogs are kept and their overall health. Healthy and happy dogs are a sign of the breeder’s care.

It’s important to establish contact with the breeder and discuss their breeding methods, objectives, and plans for selling puppies. A good breeder will be willing to answer your questions and provide documentation confirming the health of the parents and puppies.

Conduct research through open sources and online reviews to learn about the breeder’s reputation. Additional feedback from other puppy owners from that breeder can provide valuable insights into their professionalism and care for the breed. At Zoonika, it’s simple, quick, and safe, with a quality guarantee.

Health and Diseases

Silkies are generally not considered a breed with weakened immune systems and are often recognized as a healthy variety of terriers. However, they are still prone to certain hereditary diseases. To avoid complications during your pet’s growth, before purchasing a puppy from a breeder, ask them to provide the litter’s medical history and results from any genetic testing. Negative results from these tests increase your dog’s chances of a long and healthy life.

Below are common diseases associated with Silkhounds.

This breed is known for allergies, although they are usually relatively mild and can be managed fairly easily. Vision problems are detected through ophthalmologic screening of the potential parents of the puppy, as Silkhounds are prone to a number of eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, and progressive retinal atrophy. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) leads to pressure from the discs on the spinal cord and can result in paralysis. Owners should watch for signs such as difficulty jumping and walking in Silkies. In severe cases, this may lead to dragging of the hind legs. Zooinika is the best place to reach a wide audience.