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Silkin |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Australia <> China -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Silkin |
| The Silkin is a cross between a Japanese Spaniel and an Australian Silky Terrier. This cute little dog is cheerful, fun-loving and affectionate. He loves being with his family and is very loyal. He has a silky, medium-to-long coat that can be chocolate, cream, white, black or a mix of colors. The Silkin adapts well to life in an apartment, and will settle for short periods of play and exercise. These dogs weigh between 3.5 and 5 kilos and measure up to 28 centimeters in height. |
History of the Silkin |
| The Silkin is a hybrid of an Australian Silky Terrier and a Japanese Spaniel. |
A little of the Australian Silky Terrier |
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| In the 1890s, the Australian Silky Terrier, originally called the Sydney Silky, was developed in Australia, where breeders crossed Australian Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers. These dogs eventually acquired the particular characteristics of the Silky and were recognized as a breed in 1906 in New South Wales, and in 1909 in Victoria. There were a few differences between these two standards, particularly as regards weight and ear type. Finally, in 1926, a revised standard was adopted. After the Second World War, the breed arrived in the United States, thanks to American servicemen who returned home and took the Australian Silky Terrier with them. The Australian Silky Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959, as a member of the companion dog group. | ||
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| Standard of the Australian Silky Terrier |
A little of the Japanese Spaniel |
| The Japanese Spaniel is thought to have originated in the Chinese imperial court. As these dogs were highly prized, they were often given as gifts to foreign ambassadors. It is widely believed that the Emperor of Japan received a Chin as a gift, marking the beginning of the appearance of these dogs in the country that gave the breed its name. In Japan, these dogs were considered a being apart (chin), different from dogs (inu). Eventually, the Chin was mixed with other breeds, probably small Spaniels, giving it the appearance it has today. The Japanese Spaniel finally became known in other countries in 1853, thanks to Matthew Perry, who brought the concept of international trade to Japan. These dogs quickly became popular and were imported to the United States and Great Britain. Presidents Franklin Pierce and Jefferson Davis were known to have Japanese Spaniels as beloved pets. The American Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Spaniel in 1888. |
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| Standard of the Japanese Spaniel |
Appearance of the Silkin |
| The Silkin is a small dog, averaging between 3.5 and 5 kilos in weight and measuring up to 28 centimeters in height. This hybrid has an abundance of straight, silky fur of medium to long length. These small dogs have different coat colors, such as chocolate, black, white, cream and mixed colors. They have slightly rounded heads and short, flat muzzles. Its eyes are large and rounded, and its nose is small. The Silkin has a compact body with slender legs and small paws. Its ears are often floppy, but some Silkin dogs may have pointed ears. The tail is of medium length and covered with short hair. |
Temperament of the Silkin |
| The Silkin is a cheerful, playful and loyal dog. They are highly intelligent and curious dogs, not afraid to explore every nook and cranny. They're likely to open doors and drawers to explore what's inside. The Silkin is a very affectionate dog, a true lapdog, and doesn't like to be left alone for long periods. He needs company and attention to keep him happy and cheerful. These dogs are generally good with children and with other dogs and animals, but early socialization is important to avoid “small dog syndrome”, which translates into growling, jumping, chewing, barking, etc. The Silkin may have a taste for hunting and chasing small animals, as does the Australian Silky Terrier. |
Needs and activities of the Silkin |
| Although the Silkin doesn't require a great deal of physical activity, it's still an energetic dog, which means it needs daily exercise to expend its energy and stay healthy. A short 15-20 minute walk twice a day, or a fun outing to the park, will keep them happy and fit. Your hybrid will also appreciate a fun game of fetch indoors. These affectionate little dogs are not suited to life outdoors, as they need to be with their families and suffer from separation anxiety. What's more, being such a small, delicate dog makes it vulnerable to predators and larger dogs. |
Maintenance of the Silkin |
| The Silkin's coat is abundant and straight with a silky texture. The length of its coat is medium to long, making it prone to tangling. Prompt daily brushing will prevent tangles and matting. Frequent brushing will also help keep your home free of dog hair. These dogs are generally very clean, so they don't need to be bathed too often - a monthly bath will suffice. It's important to brush the dog before bathing, as the hair will be more difficult to treat and remove once the dog is wet. Similarly, it's highly recommended to brush his teeth several times a week, especially with small dogs, to avoid dental problems and bad breath. The Silkin should have its nails trimmed once or twice a month, and its ears checked weekly to avoid dirt and excess moisture. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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