 |
Silky Pug |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Australia <> China -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Silky Pug |
| The Silky Pug is a designer dog and is a cross between an Australian Silky Terrier and a Pug. They are small dogs with a big attitude. They're friendly, mischievous little dogs that make excellent pets. This breed gets on well with children and other dogs, provided they are socialized early. When it comes to training, they can be a little stubborn, so the owner will need to be patient and give them plenty of praise and positive reinforcement. Common colors are black, tan, cream, apricot, silver, blue and gray. Silky Pugs have a fine, short coat and shed a little, but they are not difficult to groom. |
History of the Silky Pug |
| The Silky Pug is a designer breed developed by crossing an Australian Silky Terrier and a Pug. |
A little of the Australian Silky Terrier |
||
| The feisty Australian Silky Terrier was created in Australia in the 1890s, from a cross between Yorkshire Terriers, which came from England, and the larger, more active Australian Terrier. Some of the Silky's ancestors may also include the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Skye Terrier and/or the Cairn Terrier. The Australian Silky Terrier was recognized as a distinct breed in New South Wales in 1906, and in Victoria in 1909. There were some differences in the breed standard, mainly concerning weight and ear type, but in 1926 a compromise was reached and a new breed standard established. The breed was first known as the Sydney Silky, but in 1955 this name was changed to the Australian Silky Terrier, which is the name it is still given in Australia. They were recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1958. After the Second World War, a number of Australian Silky Terriers returned home with American soldiers. The Silky was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1959. It belongs to the toy dog group. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Australian Silky Terrier |
A little of the Pug |
| Pugs originated in China and were bred as companions for ruling families. Some had mini-palaces and their own guards. Buddhist monks also kept them as pets in Tibetan monasteries. In Europe, a Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572, thanks to his bravery in warning his master, the Prince of Orange, that assassins were heading his way. Marie-Antoinette had a Pug named Mops, while Josephine Bonaparte had one named Fortuné who slept in her bed and is said to have bitten Napoleon when he first got into bed with her. These wrinkled little dogs that hiss, sniff and snore also captured the imagination of artists such as William Hogarth and Goya, while Queen Victoria was also a fan and bred them. Pugs arrived in the United States in the 19th century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. |
 |
| Standard of the Pug |
Appearance of the Silky Pug |
| The Silky Pug is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Pug and an Australian Silky Terrier. They are small dogs weighing up to 6.5 kilos and measuring up to 30.5 centimeters. The most common colors are black, tan, cream, apricot, silver, blue and gray. Their coat is fine and short to medium. Your dog may have eyes that protrude slightly from the Pug side, and deep wrinkles on the face. These dogs are small but robust and compact. They are likely to have a short black muzzle and small, often erect ears. They may have curly tails, depending on the parent breed they are most inspired by. |
Temperament of the Silky Pug |
| The Silky Pug is probably a friendly, affectionate dog that thrives on human interaction. It's well suited to owners who are prepared to devote a lot of time to their dog. And even if he hisses, sniffs and snores, he'll probably want to sleep with you and spend lots of time snuggling in your lap. They're best suited to families with older children, and early socialization and training will help them become confident dogs with all children and other pets. Although they want to lounge around with their owners, they also need plenty of exercise to be well-behaved, otherwise they're likely to dig or bark a lot. The Silky Pug is suitable for new dog owners and, with a little effort, can be trained relatively easily. The Pug side can be a little stubborn, but will respond with lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Although a small dog, the Silky Pug can be a good watchdog and will alert you if a stranger approaches. |
Needs and activities of the Silky Pug |
| The Silky Pug is an energetic dog that needs daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. If your dog has the short face of a Pug, he may struggle in the heat, so try to exercise him in cooler weather. Your pet will enjoy walks and visits to the dog park, but he doesn't need intense exercise. Bear in mind that your dog is likely to have a fairly strong hunting instinct, due to his Terrier nature, and keep him on a leash when out in public. These dogs love to play in a garden, but are equally suited to life in an apartment, provided they go out every day. |
Maintenance of the Silky Pug |
| Silky Pug care depends on which breed your dog is most inspired by. The Pug has a short, double coat and, although it sheds a lot, is fairly easy to groom and keep in shape. The coat of the Australian Silky Terrier requires more care, as it is longer and somewhat resembles human hair. It is straight and fine and needs to be brushed and trimmed regularly to avoid tangles. Australian Silky Terriers are considered hypoallergenic, so your dog could be too. A bath is only necessary occasionally. For good dental health, brush your dog's teeth daily and check his ears weekly for debris. Trim his nails if they become too long. |
English (United Kingdom)