The Silky Terrier is a breed that was produced by crossing Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers. Developed in Australia in the 19th century, the Silky is sometimes referred to as the Sidney Terrier. The coat of the Silky is prone to tangles and matting which requires regular care and grooming. Daily care consists of combing the silky coat and trimming long hairs but regular bathing and a full groom will keep the coat of the Silky in brilliant form.
The bathing process of the Silky Terrier has the same basic principles as with most breeds. Have your tools and equipment at hand before starting the bathing process.
•Brush and/or comb
•Dog shampoo and conditioner
•Sponge
•Heavy Towel
•Pet Dryer
•Cotton Balls
•Nail Trimmers
•Scissors
A universal brush is normally the only brush a groomer will need. This brush can be used on tangled or matted coats or a slicker brush can be used for delicate coats. A dog comb will usually suffice for the coat of the Silky Terrier. A mat comb can be utilized if the coat is badly matted. For extreme matting, the coat may need to be trimmed or even fully shaven before bathing. After the coat is thoroughly tamed, the Silky is ready for a professional bath.
The ideal water temperature is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A spray hose connected to a faucet will make this task much simpler. Start with the hindquarters and completely wet the Silky. The excess water should not be left in the tub and should flow down the drain. The Silky is actually getting a "shower" rather than a bath. In case the dog decides to do the "shake", a plastic apron will be very handy in keeping the groomer from being soaked during this process.
After the Silky is soaked, place shampoo on the sponge and on the Silky, from rear to front. Keep shampoo clear of the eyes even if the shampoo claims to be tearless. Work the shampoo into the coat not forgetting any areas including the bottoms of the feet. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly, letting the water rinse until it runs clear from the coat. If the Silky was heavily soiled, the dog may need two washings. A cream rinse can be used to help tame the fineness of the Silky's coat.
Squeeze excess water from the coat and use a heavy towel to remove as much water as possible. If you have a cage dryer, this can be used to help the coat dry off what the towel didn't. A cage dryer will get the coat damp-dry and the blow-dryer will be utilized to fully dry the coat. Working from the rear to the head, allow the blow-dryer to separate the hairs. Dry one area at a time and using a brush will help keep the hairs from tangles. The standard look is brushing the hair down the middle on the top of the head and on down the back allowing the hair to flow down the sides of the face and body. The finished look will drape the body and flow freely.
Once the coat is groomed, the Silky is ready for the cleaning of the ears. This is a simple process of using a cotton ball and water. Some groomers will use mineral oil and/or ear powder. The only concern when cleaning the ears is to be gentle, do not go into the ear canal and do not use Q-tips. If the ears are overgrown with long hairs, these can be easily trimmed away with short scissors. Hemostat scissors are the most common type utilized for this area because of their bent shape at the ends and the groomer is less likely to poke the dog.
A common practice among breeders and dog handlers is to pluck the long hairs on the inside, outside and backs of the ears. Many times these long, overgrown hairs are dead and are easily removed. Unless you are planning to have your Silky in dog shows, this process can be bypassed or is best left to a professional. Long, overgrown hairs around the ears and eyes are best trimmed with scissors by novice groomers.
Nail trimming can be intimidating and should be approached with caution. Inside the toenail is a "quick" that can hurt if cut and even bleed. If you are doing this for the first time, trim a little at a time until you reach the quick without cutting into it. Today's technology has made other tools available for nail trimming that are much safer than clippers and can be purchased for the novice groomer. Nail trimming and ear cleaning can be done before bathing but I prefer to do it after the dog is clean and the coat is manageable.
The coat of the Silky Terrier is flat and fine with a glossy (silky) texture, thus the name. The desired length of the hair from behind the ears to the tail is six inches. Many owners prefer long hair on the head which is usually parted down the middle and sometimes placed in small bows. Topknots and bows are usually reserved for the Yorkshire Terrier but this is up to the owner. The hair on the face and ears should be kept short as well as the coat on the legs at the hock joints to the feet. The eyes should be fully exposed and the ears should look erect and tidy. In between groomings, take extra time to keep the coat combed and trimmed.