The Silky Terrier is a true "toy terrier". He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His inquisitive nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion. The keenly alert air of the terrier is characteristic. The manner is quick, friendly, and responsive. Approximate size of a Silky is 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder height. They are of a fine bone but maintain muscle and strength of a much larger dog. They do not think they are small but a large dog in a small "suit." The Silky may not be the breed for every home. You must be willing to add another intelligent being to your family as a Silky can be much like having a 2-3 year-old child loose in the home. They do not like being neglected or forgotten and if left alone for too long a time they will find entertainment that may not be to your liking! A Silky isn't hyper but they do have tons of energy and love to play fetch, go for long walks and in general, be involved in whatever the family is doing! They are loving but independent in nature. They are not generally what are considered 'lap dogs'. Small children do not do well with a Silky due to terrier nature. Food in the hands of small children is fair game for a Silky as well as chasing their feet when they run. Silkys are mistaken for Yorkies sometime, but they are much more like their cousin the Australian Terrier. Take a look at the comparison of the three by clicking below.
Silky Terrier Club of America
I have so often had people tell me that Jackson is a Silky Terrier and sometimes I think he may be. Or Yorkie/Silky. Or just a badly bred Yorkie. Who knows! He's 12lbs. Yorkies used to be on the larger side before humans bred them down smaller. Both the Silky and the Yorkie came from the same terriers... I think a Skye Terrier (?) and something else. Silky's have more of the Australian Terrier in them though than Yorkies... I believe. I know carmeninnj breeds Silky's so she may know better!
First 2 pictures below are a Silky, last two as Yorkies.