 |
Silkzer |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Australia <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Silkzer |
| The Silkzer is a hybrid of the Australian Silky Terrier and the purebred Miniature Schnauzer. The Silkzer is a small dog and, despite its Terrier roots, is not fiery but makes an excellent companion and companion dog. The Silkzer has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years and adapts to all climates and living situations. One of its best qualities as a Terrier is its high tolerance of solitude. Although owners should never leave their dogs alone for long periods, the Silkzer tolerates being left alone and will not get into mischief or develop anxiety. However, this breed also needs plenty of playtime with its owners to keep its mind stimulated. |
History of the Silkzer |
| The Silkzer is a designer breed with Australian Silky Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer bloodlines. Hybrid breeding practices, while popular, are not well documented, and the history of the Silkzer is unknown. Owners and those wishing to adopt a Silkzer should always find out about the puppy's parents and learn as much as possible about the parent breeds. |
A little of the Australian Silky Terrier |
||
| The Australian Silky Terrier is an Australian breed resulting from the hybridization of Yorkshire Terriers and native Australian Terriers in the late 1800s. The breeding program aimed to produce a dog with silky characteristics that weighed more than the Yorkshire. Only dogs with silky characteristics were selected for breeding until predictable characteristics manifested themselves. The Australian Silky Terrier was originally bred as an attractive retriever, but has since become a favorite companion. The Silky settled in the United States in the 20th century, and the American Kennel Club made its first registration in 1959. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Australian Silky Terrier |
A little of the Miniature Schnauzer |
| The Miniature Schnauzer is a Terrier of German origin, bred on German farms for vermin control and guarding. The Miniature Schnauzer was created by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with smaller German breeds, such as the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher and Poodle. The aim of the breeding program was to produce a smaller version of the standard Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer enjoyed great popularity in Germany and moderate popularity in the United States when the first breed was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1926. However, after the Second World War, the Miniature Schnauzer became very popular, and today the breed is ranked in the top 20. |
 |
| Standard of the Miniature Schnauzer |
Appearance of the Silkzer |
| The Silkzer is a small dog weighing no more than 7 kilos and measuring no more than 36 centimeters. It has a double coat of medium hair. The coat can be slightly longer and is usually soft and wavy, but it can also be silky and long. Coat texture depends mainly on which parent the hybrid most closely resembles. The Silkzer is not usually a solid color and can be black, brown, tan, red, cream or blue. It has a robust body and a short tail that is usually curled. The Silkzer's ears are triangular and stand up at the tips. The Silkzer's round, brown eyes are set in a medium-sized head, and the muzzle can be short or long, depending on the breed's dominant characteristics. |
Temperament of the Silkzer |
| Silkzers are lively and outgoing, thanks to the Terrier bloodlines of both their parents. They're full of energy and love their family. As far as children are concerned, Silkzers are best suited to older children who won't tease or accidentally hurt them while playing. They have an active mind and love the attention of their owners. The Silkzer's parental lines add an exacerbated prey drive that can make it difficult to cohabit with other small pets, but this hybrid can learn to live in harmony with early and appropriate socialization. However, it is not as energetic as some of the Terrier lines and adapts well to living with cats and dogs. The Silkzer is eager to please its owners and also trains very quickly. |
Needs and activities of the Silkzer |
| The Silkzer, though descended from a line of Terriers, doesn't need much daily exercise or strenuous activity. It's a moderately active breed, content to follow its master around the house or run through the living room. Because of its size and activity requirements, the Silkzer adapts perfectly to life in a small space and does well in an apartment. He'll need activity and affectionate attention from his owners to keep him happy. The Silkzer has a high tolerance for warm climates and does moderately well in colder climates, but it can live anywhere, preferring the security of indoor living. |
Maintenance of the Silkzer |
| The Silkzer has a medium to long coat, and its double coat requires daily brushing to maintain a silky, well-groomed appearance. Silkzer doesn't shed much and can have hypoallergenic qualities. However, daily brushing will remove dead or loose hairs, as well as dirt and debris that get stuck. Silkzer is not known for its doggy smell. Any foul odor should be investigated, as it may indicate a skin infection or dental problems. Silkzers have sensitive skin and should only be bathed when necessary to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Frequent grooming helps to distribute the natural oils and keep the skin and coat healthy. The Silkzer is not known to have dental problems, but brushing once a week is always recommended to help prevent dental problems, especially later in life. |
English (United Kingdom) 
Comments