Appearance of the Silkland Terrier
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The Silkland Terrier is a hybrid of the Australian Silky Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier, and as such can inherit appearance traits from either or both of its parent breeds. Breeders and owners of the Silkland Terrier hybrid describe it as measuring 23 to 28 centimeters at the shoulders and weighing 7 to 9 kilos. It has a thick, silky coat of variable length, the most common colors being black, brown, white and cream. Its eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped, and its ears are small, V-shaped, set high and carried erect. Its nose is black and its bite is scissor-like. The tail is set high and short, carrot-shaped and carried high. |
Temperament of the Silkland Terrier
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Your Silkland Terrier is a hybrid mix of Australian Silky Terrier and West Highland White Terrier, and may inherit all the temperament and personality traits of one or both parent breeds. Breeders and owners describe its temperament and personality as alert, affectionate, friendly, energetic, intelligent, gentle, playful and lively. It is considered a good match for new owners and, if properly socialized from an early age, will get on well with children, the family cat, dogs and, albeit cautiously, even strangers. He barks from time to time but, rest assured, no stranger, friend or family member will approach him without his very vocal alarm capabilities getting the better of him. This characteristic makes him an excellent little watchdog. He has a strong propensity for hunting and a moderate tendency to wander, hence the importance of keeping him on a leash when outside the house, fenced yard or other secure enclosure. His parents have given him a high level of energy, which needs to be managed on a daily basis. He's easy to train, as he's eager to please. |
Needs and activities of the Silkland Terrier
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Your Silkland Terrier is a fairly energetic little member of the family. He will need 1 to 2 hours a day of appropriate exercise to manage this energy. He'll love those daily walks, even if they don't have to be long as he's small, as well as playtime in a dog park or fenced yard. He'll also be keen to take part in interactive games like fetch, Frisbee, indoor or outdoor hunt and seek, and obedience and agility training. Its small size makes it perfect for apartment or condominium living, provided there's a commitment to exercise. It can also live well in a family home, with or without a fenced yard, in a rural or urban environment. It's best suited to a temperate climate, where it's neither very hot nor very cold, but it can live anywhere as long as you provide it with appropriate protection and take precautions to protect it from extreme temperatures. It has a strong urge to hunt and a moderate tendency to wander. It is therefore essential to keep it on a leash when it is outside the house, fenced garden or any other enclosed, safe area, unless you feel like chasing it around the neighborhood or woods in search of a small animal or an interesting scent that has caught its attention. |
Maintenance of the Silkland Terrier
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Your Silkland Terrier hybrid falls into the high-maintenance category and sheds constantly, although its coat is considered hypoallergenic. His coat is thick and, depending on the dominant parent in the biological mix, can be more or less long. It should be brushed several times a week to remove loose hairs, debris, knots and tangles, and to distribute the natural vital oils in its coat to keep it healthy and beautiful. His ears should be checked weekly and cleaned if necessary with a cotton ball and a dog-approved ear cleaner. Check his nails every week too. They will probably need trimming every month, unless he can maintain them through normal physical activity. We recommend brushing his teeth two or three times a week at home to prevent the development of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss over time. He's considered to be in the low drool and dog odor category. He's an active little dog, and you'll need to manage all that energy on a daily basis. |