There’s a bit of common dog lore circulating around that tags Silky Terriers as hard to handle, stubborn, and a little bit aristocratic in their behavior. You might have heard stories about how they are ‘difficult dogs’, prone to excessive barking and assertive behavior. While every breed has its uniqueness, putting Silky Terriers in the ‘difficult’ dog category seems a bit unfair. So, let’s take a journey into the world of the svelte and shiny-coated Silky.
You might be intrigued to know that Silky Terriers were bred in the 19th century in Australia by combining two smaller sized Terriers: the Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. The interesting part is that Silky Terriers weren’t bred to be lap dogs or fashion accessories. Contrary to popular belief, they were bred to chase down all sorts of uninvited guests, like snakes and rodents. Yes, these small and seemingly delicate dogs are way more brave and resilient than they appear.
Silky Terriers are curious creatures, and their active minds require continuous engagement. If you leave a Silky Terrier bored and unattended for too long, they will find a way to entertain themselves, and trust me, you might not always like their idea of fun. It might involve shredded shoes or a dug-up garden. So, the trick is to keep their mental energy channelized in the right direction. Provide them with puzzle toys, interactive games, and mentally stimulating training sessions.
But what about the reputation of being stubborn? On the contrary, Silky Terriers are intelligent and love to learn new things. The key is to ensure training is fun, diverse, and rewarding. Include a mixture of puzzles, fetch games, trick training, and physical exercise. Reward them with treats and positive affirmations. If you approach training as a boring chore, your Silky will pick up on that and act accordingly, reflecting an apparent ‘stubborn’ demeanor.
However, Silky Terriers do have a bit of an independent streak which builders bred into them intentionally. After all, they were designed to be tiny hunters, working their magic independently. This doesn’t make them difficult. It just means they have a mind of their own and appreciate being treated with respect and understanding.
Another concern often cited is excessive barking by Silky Terriers. Well, they are Terriers, and terriers are known to be vocal. But, it’s significant to understand why they bark. It could be boredom, anxiety, attention seeking, or alarm sounds. Knowing the cause helps find the right solution, like more exercise, more interaction, less alone time, or training them to quiet down on command.
Similarly, housebreaking a Silky Terrier can be a bit troublesome, but not impossible. Consistent potty training, regular bathroom breaks, and some patience can do the trick. While they might take a little longer to house-train than some other breeds, they eventually get the hang of it.
So, is a Silky Terrier a difficult dog? The answer is a nuanced one. Just like any other breed, Silkies do have their quirks and characteristics, but classifying them under ‘difficult’ is a bit of a stretch. With an understanding approach, consistent and engaging training and a touch of patience, Silkies can make wonderful, loving, and exciting pets.
What truly matters is that these dogs are affectionate, alert, and energetic—making them not just a pet but also a helpful companion. They are loyal and tend to attach deeply to their family, making them absolute cuddle-champions. When treated right, they aren’t just pets; they are partners-in-crime, avid explorers, comforters, and friends that make life a lot more joyful.
In the end, remember that no dog is inherently ‘difficult.’ They are products of their environment and upbringing. If a Silky Terrier is given love, patience, understanding, and positive guidance, they can become one of the best pets you could ever have. So, next time you meet a Silky Terrier, instead of labeling them as ‘difficult,’ embrace them for the brave, intelligent, and loving compadre they are destined to be!
