Silkshire Terrier

The Silky Terrier is a small, elegantly built toy breed that stands between nine and ten inches at the shoulder and typically weighs between eight and eleven pounds. Despite their diminutive size, these dogs possess a refined yet sturdy structure with moderate bone and well-developed musculature throughout their compact frame. The body is characteristically low-set with a level topline, presenting a silhouette that is approximately twenty percent longer than the dog is tall, creating a balanced rectangular appearance. The wedge-shaped head is moderately long with a flat skull between the ears, featuring a shallow stop and a strong muzzle that is slightly shorter than the skull length. Small, dark, almond-shaped eyes express an alert and intelligent demeanor, while V-shaped ears stand erect and are set high on the head. The breed's most distinctive feature is its magnificent single coat, which grows to approximately five to six inches in length and parts naturally down the center of the back from head to tail. The coat texture is fine, glossy, and silky to the touch, flowing smoothly along the body without obscuring the dog's outline or impeding movement. Unlike some similar toy breeds, the Silky Terrier's coat should never reach floor length or appear excessive. The accepted coloration is blue and tan, with puppies born black and tan before gradually transitioning to their adult blue coloring as they mature, typically by eighteen months of age. The blue can range from light silver to deep slate, while the tan markings appear as rich, warm tones on the face, ears, legs, and under the tail. Additional physical characteristics include small, catlike feet with well-arched toes and dark nails, along with a high-set tail that is traditionally docked where permitted. The neck is gracefully arched and flows smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders, contributing to the breed's elegant carriage. Front legs are straight and refined, while hindquarters display good angulation for efficient movement. The Silky Terrier's gait is light-footed and lively, demonstrating strong forward reach and drive while maintaining a level topline throughout motion.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a diminutive toy breed standing seven to eight inches at the shoulder and weighing no more than seven pounds, with the ideal show weight typically falling between four and six pounds. Despite their tiny size, these dogs present a compact, well-proportioned body with a level back and moderate bone structure that conveys sturdiness without coarseness. The head is small and rather flat on top, featuring a moderately short muzzle with a black nose and a perfect scissors bite. Dark, medium-sized eyes sparkle with sharp intelligence and project a keen, alert expression, while small, V-shaped ears are carried erect and set fairly high on the skull, adding to the breed's attentive appearance. The Yorkshire Terrier's crowning glory is its exquisite coat, which is one of the most distinctive features of any dog breed. The single-layered coat is remarkably fine, silky, and perfectly straight, growing to floor length on mature show specimens and parting naturally down the center of the back from the skull to the tail. This luxurious coat requires extensive daily grooming to prevent tangles and maintain its characteristic glossy appearance, leading many pet owners to opt for a shorter, more manageable trim commonly called a puppy cut. The breed standard specifies a steel blue coloration on the body from the back of the skull to the base of the tail, with rich golden tan on the head, chest, and legs. Puppies are born with black and tan markings, and the transformation to the adult blue and gold coloring is a gradual process that may take three to four years to complete. The Yorkshire Terrier carries itself with an air of self-importance and confidence that belies its small stature. The neck is of good reach and slightly arched, leading to well-laid shoulders and straight forelegs. Hindquarters are moderately angulated with stifles well bent, allowing for a free, jaunty gait with both good reach and drive. The tail is traditionally docked to a medium length where permitted and carried slightly higher than the level of the back. Feet are round with black toenails, and the overall impression is of a vigorous, well-balanced toy terrier whose elegant appearance reflects its Victorian heritage as a fashionable companion dog.