The Australian Silky Terrier: Is This Petite Pup Cut Out for Guard Duty?
Can you imagine a vigilant guard protected by a roll of toilet paper? Sounds ridiculous, right?
But hold that thought. Maybe we’re onto something. Cookie, a lady Australian Silky Terrier, once defended her family’s home from a possum invasion. She accomplished this feat without sprouting muscles of any kind. How did she respond to the intruders? Did she morph into a martial arts master or a fiercely snarling wolf?
Nope! She simply revved up her sonar-like alertness, underscored by razor-sharp barks. The scruffy invaders had no option but to skedaddle for their lives. And so, the day was saved thanks to Sleeping Beauty who was no longer sleeping, and definitely far from being just beautiful!
Cookie’s proprietors, not surprisingly, attest to her being a guard dog. But is this feat exclusive to their feisty fur baby? Or do all Australian Silky Terriers pack this surprising punch of fearlessness?
Before we proceed, let’s acquaint ourselves with the Australian Silky Terrier, those who are new to the breed. The Aussie Silky, as lovingly referred, is a small breed originally developed for hunting and exterminating rodents. Despite their petite, pretty-boy looks, they are not to be underestimated. Silkies are intelligent, courageous, and boast a sense of alertness that will put a meerkat on the lookout to shame!
Silky by name, Silky by nature
Wrapped in a fine, beautiful blue and tan coat that feels, well, silky to the touch, the Australian Silky Terrier is the epitome of beauty. But beneath their elegant exterior lies a hearty spirit that thrives on action, adventure, and the occasional possum scare.
Yet, labeling them as guard dogs seems a bit of a stretch, doesn’t it?
Rethinking the Guard Dog Concept
Before we establish whether a Silky Terrier can be a good guard dog, we need to acknowledge that being a guard dog isn’t solely about size and strength. In essence, a good guard dog is observant, protective, bold, and able to alert owners when something is amiss.
By this definition, an Australian Silky Terrier does fit the bill in certain respects.
Those familiar with this breed know that they are naturally vigilant and alert to their surroundings. Any suspicious noise or movement does not escape their radar. Consequently, they can create quite an alarm with a bark that belies their small stature. Their knack for alerting their owners at the first sign of difficulty is comparable to an in-built burglar alarm. In that sense, they score a point in the ‘guard dog’ column.
Where’s the Catch?
However, while Silkies can be great for alerting you about unwanted visitors or potential threats, their small size deters them from physically tackling an intruder or keeping one at bay. At 10 inches tall and weighing around 10 pounds, your average Silky may not intimidate anyone with malicious intent.
So are they cut out for guard duty after all?
Here’s the Happy Medium
A more accurate assessment would be to consider Australian Silky Terriers as excellent ‘watchdogs’ rather than ‘guard dogs.’ Their exceptional senses pick out “out-of-place” noises and movements with sneaky accuracy. Their vigilant disposition makes them excellent at alerting owners to potential risks. Although they might not be able to fight off an attacker, their early warning system could prove invaluable in many situations.
However, it’s important to remember that while these mighty little heroes are fantastic with their timeless energy and full-of-beans personality, they have typical doggy needs too. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, good health care, mental stimulation, and, of course, heaps of love and affection are necessary to bring out the best in your Silky.
In the end, if you’re looking for a brutish, intimidating guard dog, an Australian Silky Terrier might not be your first choice. However, If you want an alarm system sporting a silky coat and an infectious charm, get ready to be swept of your feet by these tiny terriers!
It’s interesting to note that often, in the doggy world, guard duties aren’t just for hulks. Sometimes, all it takes is an Australian Silky Terrier with a bark that can wake up the neighborhood to keep trouble at bay. Like they say, size isn’t everything, and Silkies are living proof that a dog’s protective instinct is not proportionate to its size. Go, Cookie!
