Skilky Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, short-legged dog of sturdy build with remarkable bone and substance for its size. Standing approximately ten inches at the withers with a back length of about eleven inches from withers to tail set, this breed presents a nearly square profile. Males typically weigh nineteen to twenty-two pounds while females weigh eighteen to twenty-one pounds. The breed was developed to go to ground after vermin, requiring a body compact enough to enter dens yet substantial enough to dispatch prey. The principal objective in structure is symmetry and balance without exaggeration, with equal consideration given to height, weight, length of back, and length of head. The Scottish Terrier possesses a distinctive broken coat consisting of a hard, wiry outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat that together provide excellent weather resistance. The coat is trimmed and blended into the longer furnishings on the beard, legs, and lower body to create the breed's characteristic silhouette. Acceptable colors include black, wheaten ranging from pale gold to deep red, and brindle of any shade. Many black and brindle dogs display normal sprinklings of white or silver hairs throughout their coats, and slight white markings are permitted on the chest and chin only. The head is long in proportion to the overall size of the dog, with skull and muzzle of approximately equal length giving the appearance of two parallel planes. The slightly domed skull is covered with short, hard hair, while the muzzle is well-filled under the eye and tapers only slightly to the nose. The breed's very special keen, piercing expression is described as varminty and is created by small, bright, almond-shaped eyes set deep under the brow. Ears are small, pricked, and set well up on the skull with pointed tips covered in velvety hair. The characteristic erect ears and tail, combined with the bold, confident bearing, give the Scottish Terrier an appearance of power in a small package.

The Silky Terrier is a true toy terrier that presents a refined yet sturdy appearance, standing nine to ten inches at the shoulder and weighing between eight and eleven pounds. Despite their small stature, these dogs are built for action with a body that is moderately low-set and slightly longer than it is tall, providing them with the agility and balance needed for their original working role. The breed exhibits a level topline, well-sprung ribs, and a deep chest that provides ample room for heart and lungs to support an active lifestyle. The legs are fine-boned but not lacking in substance, with small cat-like feet and dark nails that complement the breed's elegant profile. The crowning glory of the Silky Terrier is its single coat of fine, silky, glossy hair that lies flat and follows the body contours without reaching the floor like its cousin the Yorkshire Terrier. The coat parts naturally down the center of the back and frames a wedge-shaped head featuring a flat skull of moderate width between the ears. Erect, V-shaped ears set high on the head contribute to the breed's alert expression, while small, almond-shaped eyes of dark color convey keen intelligence and curiosity. The acceptable coat color pattern consists of blue and tan, with the blue ranging from silver blue to slate blue, distributed on the body from behind the ears and around the base of the tail. The Silky Terrier moves with a free, light-footed, vigorous gait that reflects its terrier heritage and energetic nature, covering ground efficiently without wasted motion. The tail is customarily docked and carried erect at twelve to two o'clock position, adding to the breed's spirited and confident appearance. The head displays a strong, wedge-shaped muzzle of moderate length with a shallow stop, and the nose is always black regardless of coat shade. This breed's silhouette projects an image of substance combined with elegance, embodying the balance between a working terrier's toughness and a companion dog's refinement.