Silkland Terrier
The Silkland Terrier is a cross between the Silky Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Silkland Terrier. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is a refined yet robust toy breed that stands approximately nine to ten inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between eight and ten pounds. Despite its elegant appearance, this breed possesses true terrier substance with a compact, moderately low-set body that is slightly longer than tall. The overall structure conveys strength and agility rather than fragility, with sufficient bone to suggest the breed's working terrier heritage. The body is well-muscled with a level topline, moderately sprung ribs, and a high-set tail that is customarily docked in countries where the practice remains legal, carried erect but not over the back. The head of the Silky Terrier is strong and wedge-shaped, with a flat skull of moderate width between the ears and a shallow stop. The powerful jaws contain evenly spaced teeth meeting in a scissors bite, and the small, almond-shaped eyes are dark and express keen intelligence and alertness. Small, V-shaped ears stand erect and are set high on the skull, contributing to the breed's perpetually alert expression. The neck is refined yet strong, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders that allow for free movement. The breed's most striking feature is its long, silky coat that typically reaches five to six inches in length and is parted from head to tail along the back. Unlike the similar-looking Yorkshire Terrier, the Silky Terrier's coat maintains a straight, glossy texture without the woolly or wavy tendencies sometimes seen in related breeds. The coat color at maturity is blue and tan, with the blue ranging from silver blue to slate blue. Puppies are born black and tan, with the distinctive blue coloring developing as they mature, typically by eighteen months of age. The tan markings appear on the muzzle, cheeks, around the base of the ears, legs, and feet. The compact, cat-like feet and strong pasterns complete the picture of this elegant yet athletic toy terrier.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament True to its terrier heritage, the Silky Terrier retains strong prey drive and will enthusiastically chase small animals, including cats and pocket pets if not properly socialized. The breed also exhibits typical terrier behaviors such as digging and may become territorial if not given appropriate guidance. While affectionate and playful with family members, the Silky Terrier can be reserved or suspicious around strangers until properly introduced. Early socialization is essential to develop a well-rounded temperament. The breed generally does well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with small dogs, though supervision is recommended with very young children. Despite their small size, Silky Terriers require mental stimulation and physical activity to remain happy and well-behaved companions.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can affect the Silky Terrier, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness if not detected and managed appropriately. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, involving degeneration of the femoral head due to insufficient blood supply, typically appears in young dogs and may require surgical intervention. Liver shunts, or portosystemic shunts, occur when abnormal blood vessels bypass the liver, preventing proper detoxification of the blood. Additionally, the breed may experience allergies and skin conditions including Malassezia dermatitis, a yeast infection that causes itching and skin irritation. Hypothyroidism, though less common, can also occur and is typically managed with daily medication. Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate screening tests, and maintaining a healthy weight contribute to the overall health and longevity of the Silky Terrier.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a small, sturdy terrier with a compact, well-balanced build that belies its considerable strength and stamina. Standing ten to eleven inches tall at the shoulder, with males typically ranging from fifteen to twenty-two pounds and females from thirteen to sixteen pounds, the breed presents a robust yet agile appearance well-suited to its original purpose as a vermin hunter in the Scottish Highlands. The body is slightly shorter than tall, with a deep chest that extends to the elbows, well-sprung ribs, and a level back that conveys strength without coarseness. The breed moves with a free, easy gait that covers ground efficiently. The head of the West Highland White Terrier is in proportion to the body and appears round when viewed from the front, though this impression is largely created by the grooming of the facial furnishings. The skull is slightly domed and broad, with a defined stop and a blunt muzzle that is slightly shorter than the skull, tapering toward the large black nose. The teeth are large for the size of the dog and meet in a scissors bite. Deep-set, almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and set wide apart, conveying a piercing, intelligent expression that reflects the breed's keen awareness. Small, triangular ears stand erect, set wide apart on top of the skull and covered with smooth, velvety hair. The signature white double coat is the breed's most distinctive feature, consisting of a hard, straight outer coat approximately two inches in length combined with a soft, dense undercoat that provides excellent protection from the elements. The harsh outer coat sheds dirt readily and was historically valued for its visibility in the field, allowing hunters to distinguish the white dog from its darker quarry. The coat requires regular grooming including hand-stripping for show dogs or periodic clipping for pets to maintain its proper texture and appearance. The tail is relatively short, approximately five to six inches long, thicker at the base and tapering toward the tip, carried upright but not curving over the back. Compact, round feet with thick pads and black nails complete the picture of this spirited Scottish terrier.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament True to its terrier heritage, the Westie possesses strong prey drive and will enthusiastically pursue small animals including cats, squirrels, and pocket pets if given the opportunity. The breed also enjoys digging, a behavior deeply ingrained from generations of going to ground after burrowing prey. Without proper leadership from owners, the West Highland White Terrier may attempt to assume the dominant role in the household, leading to behavioral issues such as resource guarding, snapping when irritated, or becoming combative with other dogs. Early socialization and clear, consistent boundaries help prevent these problems. The breed typically does well with children who treat it respectfully, though supervision is recommended with very young children. Despite their small size, Westies are surprisingly robust and enjoy active play, making them excellent companions for families who can provide appropriate outlets for their energy and intelligence.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations White Dog Shaker Syndrome can affect West Highland White Terriers and other white-coated breeds, causing generalized tremors that typically respond well to corticosteroid treatment. Globoid cell leukodystrophy, also known as Krabbe disease, is a fatal inherited neurological disorder affecting the Westie population, though genetic testing allows responsible breeders to avoid producing affected puppies. The breed may also experience dental disease, liver disease including copper toxicosis, chronic hepatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Hip dysplasia, while less common in small breeds, can occur. Regular veterinary checkups, appropriate health screenings, and working with breeders who test for hereditary conditions help ensure the healthiest possible companion. Skin issues in particular require vigilant monitoring, as early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Silkland Terrier may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Silky Terrier and West Highland White Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.