Tag: Terriers

Called a terrier yet classified as a toy breed, the Silky Terrier is a joyful, active dog that loves to snuggle as much as play. This little breed truly is the best of both terrier and toy worlds. A beautiful coat and a lively personality, this dog is a pleasure to have in any living environment. Find out more about this versatile breed in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Silky Terrier.

History & Background: First called the Sydney Silky, this breed hails from Australia and is the product of interbreeding the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier. The goal of this breeding was to improve upon the Australian Terrier’s blue and tan coat. The Silky and Australian Terrier were recognized as the same breed for a long time and the Silky is very often mistaken for a Yorkie. After much breeding, the Silky Terriers were identified as a breed of their own, standards were set and the breed was officially called the Australian Silky Terrier.

After WWII, American servicemen brought home Silky Terriers and then hundreds of Silkies were imported from Australia after gaining popularity in the states. The AKC recognized this breed in 1959. This dog is primarily used as a companion dog, but still exhibits the terrier tendencies for hunting small animals, such as rodents.

Height: 9-10 inches

Weight: average 10 pounds

Coat: Just like the name gives away, the Silky Terrier sports a single, glossy and silky coat. The length of the coat falls below the body outline but isn’t so long that it touches the ground. A Silky has so much hair on the head that it seems to form a topknot. These dogs are groomed so that the hair around the face is parted down the middle and continues this way toward the full length of the body ending at the base of the tail. Despite the profuse amount of hair, the tail is covered, but not plumed and the ears are completely devoid of longer hair. The feet and legs of the Silky should have short hair and shouldn’t be covered up by the body coat. Read more

Tenacious. Historic. Loveable. And just darn cute. Best Bully Sticks brings you the Rat Terrier this week in our Breed Spotlight! This dog is 100% American, with a can-do American attitude. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about this feisty little pup!

History & Background: If you haven’t guessed yet, this terrier’s name is derived from its earliest occupation, hunting “varmits,” which is sometimes referred to as “ratting.”  This dog is distinctly an American breed that English immigrants created by mixing breeds like the English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, and Whippet. A staple “farm dog” during the Dust Bowl era, this dog hunted small game that included squirrels, rabbits and other small creatures.  One of these tenacious little dogs is said to once have killed 2,500 rats in an infested barn in 7 hours.

This dog was a very cherished dog on farms across the United States. The Rat Terrier’s more famous owners include Shirley MacLaine, Eleanor Powell, John Sandford & William Faulkner. A Rat Terrier was even mentioned in Harper Lee’s famous 1960 work, To Kill A Mockingbird. Needless to say, over the years the loving companionship this of this dog may have won out over its utility.

Height: 10-13 inches (toy), 13-18 inches (standard)

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Coat: This dog has a short, close coat that is very soft and shiny. Some Rat Terriers might have a bit of a wave in their fur on their back. Read more