silky terrier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, specialist (dog breeding/hobbies)
Quick answer
What does “silky terrier” mean?
A small breed of toy dog with a long, silky, blue-and-tan coat, originally developed in Australia from Australian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier crosses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small breed of toy dog with a long, silky, blue-and-tan coat, originally developed in Australia from Australian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier crosses.
Can also refer more generally to things that resemble this breed in appearance or qualities (e.g., a soft, sleek texture or small size), though this is rare and usually contextual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The breed is recognized and named identically in both varieties. In the US, it is sometimes more formally called the 'Australian Silky Terrier' in kennel club contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of a refined, affectionate, and alert small pet in both cultures.
Frequency
Low general frequency, but equally used in dog-specific contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “silky terrier” in a Sentence
[own/have/breed] a silky terrierThe silky terrier [barked/played/slept].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “silky terrier” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has that silky-terrier energy, small but feisty.
American English
- He’s got a real silky-terrier personality—tiny but fearless.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pet industry marketing (e.g., 'We specialise in silky terrier grooming products').
Academic
Rare, potentially in veterinary science or zoology papers on dog breeds.
Everyday
Used in conversations about pets, dog breeds, or in descriptions of someone's dog.
Technical
Used in kennel club classifications, dog show commentary, and breeding documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “silky terrier”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “silky terrier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “silky terrier”
- Incorrect: 'silk terrier' (standard is 'silky').
- Incorrect: using it as a proper noun without articles ('I have Silky Terrier'). Correct: 'I have a silky terrier.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct breeds. The silky terrier is slightly larger, has a different head shape, and was developed in Australia from crosses including the Yorkshire Terrier.
They can be, if socialised early, but due to their small size and terrier spirit, supervision with young children is advised to prevent accidental injury.
They are active dogs requiring regular daily walks and play sessions, despite their small stature.
No, breed names are not capitalised unless they include a proper noun (e.g., 'Australian' in 'Australian Silky Terrier').
A small breed of toy dog with a long, silky, blue-and-tan coat, originally developed in Australia from Australian Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier crosses.
Silky terrier is usually informal, specialist (dog breeding/hobbies) in register.
Silky terrier: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪlki ˈtɛrɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪlki ˈtɛriər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'silky' for its soft, smooth coat and 'terrier' for its spirited, energetic character.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY AS SOFTNESS (the 'silky' part implies refinement and smooth quality); ENERGY AS SMALL PACKAGE (the 'terrier' part implies spiritedness in a small form).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of the silky terrier?