The Australian Silky Terrier is friendly to all the family, but will usually attach itself to one member and be friendly with the rest. It will tolerate strangers, but no more than that. It will love children if raised with them, but it doesn't enjoy being fussed over or being treated like an animated toy and prefers to be treated as an equal.

The Silky is classified as a toy dog because of its size, but it is far removed from the usual lap dog. It has the true smart and forceful character of a terrier and it has all the advantages of a small dog in suburban life, not being too big for the children, the car or the garden.

Bred as a house dog, it is just as much at home in the country protecting the homestead from snakes and rats with all the tenacity and zest of its terrier forebears. The Silky is a mixture of temperament traits, taking after the Australians who bred it.

Needs to be introduced to other pets at an early age. Remember this is a terrier breed.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Similar to most long-coated dogs, the Silky loves being groomed, provided this procedure is started at an early age. The amount of grooming required is dependent on the actual length of coat your Silky has inherited.

A Silky does not require a great deal of exercise, but being full of tremendous energy, it will love running in the fields or going for long walks on the end of a lead. Its bed is its kingdom, be it a cardboard box or a fancy basket. All small dogs should be allowed to sleep inside, so set the bed in a place that will be suitable to you and your Silky.

Please take note:
The Silky is not suited to being an outdoor dog.

IDEAL OWNERS

Those who want a family companion, and are willing to have a dog living indoors.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Australian Silky Terrier is the dog for you and you want a dog that likes to spend most of its time indoors, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Maxine Chappell	SA	Contact
Helmut & Helma DRESSLER	QLD	Contact
Kerry and Richard Clarke and McNamara	QLD	Contact
James Camac	VIC	Contact
Pat Scales	NSW	Contact
Helmut Dressler	QLD	Contact
Robyn McGann	NSW	Contact
Paul Zechovsky	VIC	Contact
B K & G Keegan	NSW	Contact
Paul Zechovsky	VIC	Contact
AILEEN O'BRIEN	QLD	Contact
Mary Simes	SA	Contact
John Gordon	NSW	Contact
Anky Berry	VIC	Contact
Mary Simes	SA	Contact
Janelle Waddington	TAS	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Dogs New South Wales PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.dogsnsw.org.au (Details current as of 22/11/11)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tasdogs.com/ (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)