While you may not realize it, the dog breed you choose as your first can significantly impact your relationship with dogs for the rest of your life. So, do you fancy having a small-sized, amiable, active, and intelligent pet? In that case, the Silky Terrier is certainly worth considering as your potential first dog!
The Silky Terrier is a breed from Australia that was originally developed as a companion and vermin hunter. However, it is not the industrious background or the extreme intelligence associated with this small breed that makes it an attractive first-time pet, but instead, their extraordinarily loyal personalities and a manageable size.
Love is what it takes to convince these furballs to be your best companion—much like any other breed, but with a Silky Terrier, the connection seems almost telepathic. Their devotion to their owners is their outstanding trait. And they have a unique way of showing it too! Whether it’s following you around like a shadow, waiting patiently for you to return home, or somehow magically knowing exactly when you need them to cuddle up next to you, a Silky Terrier is a perfect companion that brings cheer to the dullest days.
However, there’s more to choosing your first pet than just the love you will receive. It is vital to consider several factors like your lifestyle, the dog’s behaviour and temperament, health considerations, and maintenance requirements. Well, let’s unravel these factors one-by-one!
Silky Terriers—the name suggests a breed that is plush, smooth and shiny, requiring perhaps a battalion of grooming tools. Surprisingly, despite the name, the Silky Terrier’s luscious, straight coat is actually low maintenance and non-shedding. Their hair grows long and straight, similar to human hair, meaning a quick morning brush is often enough to keep your Silky looking ‘so fresh and so clean’.
When it comes to their behaviour and temperament, Silky Terriers are on the active side of the energy scale. They’re small but vivacious, full of energy, and always ready for an adventure. On the inside, they’re lion-hearted, confident, and quick learners. For a first-time dog owner, having a dog who learns quickly can be a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Moreover, Silky Terriers are well-known for their exceptional health. They aren’t prone to many genetic diseases, and usually live long, healthy lives. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy diet should keep your Silky in top-notch condition.
It’s not all smooth sailing, though. Although Silky Terriers make an amiable companion and are great family dogs, they may not be the best choice if you have very young children. The liveliness of the Silky, combined with their small size, requires them to be handled gently. Young children often lack the understanding to be gentle, and may inadvertently harm the small dog.
Similarly, if you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, you may find the high energy of a Silky Terrier overwhelming. They are sprightly, spirited, and always eager for some physical activity. Daily exercise in some form is integral to keep these little dynamos healthy and happy.
In essence, just like choosing the perfect pair of shoes, selecting the ideal breed for your first dog is the right blend of style (size, coat, breed) and comfort (temperament, behaviour, lifestyle match). While the Silky Terrier may be small in size, it is big on personality, loyalty and love.
So, is a Silky Terrier a good first dog? The answer is a resounding yes, provided you are ready to invest your time, provide gentle care, and have plenty of love to give back. In return, you’ll enjoy the companionship of a delightful, loyal, and intelligent companion who surprisingly requires less grooming than the name suggests!
As you embark on this new journey, remember that every dog breed has its own unique traits and quirks. Embrace them, for they make your pet special. And, whether it’s a Silky Terrier or another breed, a dog’s love, loyalty and companionship remains irreplaceable.
