Caring for Your Aussie Silk Terrier: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

Introduction

The Australian Silky Terrier, also known as the Sydney Silky or Aussie Silk Terrier, is a small dog breed that originated in Australia. This charming and affectionate breed has been a favorite among dog enthusiasts for its distinctive silky coat, lively personality, and loyal nature. If you're considering bringing an Aussie Silk Terrier into your family, it's essential to understand their specific needs, habits, and characteristics.

General Care

Aussie Silk Terriers are a medium-sized breed with a weight range of 8-11 pounds (3.5-5 kg) and stand about 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) tall. They have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many dog owners.

Space and Exercise Requirements

While Aussie Silk Terriers don't require excessive space to roam, they do need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Daily walks of at least 30 minutes are recommended, with some playtime in the yard or park to keep them engaged and active.

Feeding Requirements

These little dogs have a relatively high energy level for their size and require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Feed your Aussie Silk Terrier puppy 3-4 meals per day until they're about six months old, then gradually switch to twice-a-day feeding as an adult dog. Consider using high-quality dog food that suits their age, size, and activity level.

Socialization

Aussie Silk Terriers thrive when socialized from an early age, so it's crucial to expose them to various environments, people, and other pets. This includes regular visits to friends' homes, dog parks, or pet-friendly shops. Ensure their owner introduces new experiences gradually to prevent overwhelming the breed.

Aussie Silk Terrier Issues

While generally a healthy breed, Australian Silky Terriers may be prone to certain health issues:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes: A condition affecting the hip joint where blood supply is disrupted, leading to progressive degeneration of bone tissue.
• Dental Problems: Puppies are known for overbites and underbites that can grow into significant issues if not rectified early on. Consistent dental care should start from day one!
• Legg-Calve-Perthes and joint issues
• Paralysis: If your puppy ever develops a paralysis in either of its front or back legs, rush them to the vet right away.
• Common allergies and sensitivities (which could result from what food they consume).

Training Tips for Australian Silky Terriers

While Aussie Silk Terrier training requires some creativity, using positive reinforcement is highly effective.

• Early Training: Start potty training early to save your home from damage. Create a dedicated schedule with routine feeding times as well.
• Set clear limits and establish consistent behaviors - consistency breeds obedience! Provide adequate resources, i.e., enough food/water for proper recovery periods before exercise activities! Use rewarding words like ‘good job!’ consistently during positive reinforcement exercises.

Feeding an Aussie Silk Terrier

Aussie Silky puppies need a balanced diet to ensure proper growth and development. As they grow into adulthood, their feeding needs may change.

Puppy Stage

During the first six months of their life, Australian Silky terriers should be fed three to four times per day with well-balanced puppy food that's nutrient-rich in protein content.

Adult Life:

For adult Australian Silkies weighing no more than ten pounds at home or 12 and over at dog parks.