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Pet Insurance for Australian Silky Terriers

Find out all about Australian Silky Terriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,000–$3,500

Height

23cm - 25cm

Weight

4kg - 5.5kg

Personality

Alert, friendly, inquisitive

Coat length

Medium to long, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Low to moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 -15 years

Australian Silky Terrier

Overview

The Australian Silky Terrier, often affectionately referred to as the ‘Silky,’ is a delightful toy breed that combines elegance with a lively and inquisitive personality. Originating from Australia, but closely related to England's Yorkshire Terrier, Silky Terriers are known for their striking appearance, characterised by a beautiful silky coat that can drape gracefully over their compact bodies. They make excellent companions for individuals, the elderly, the disabled, and families with young children.  

Despite their small stature, Silky Terriers possess boundless energy and an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. However, the rodent-chasing instinct is being progressively bred out of them. They are always ready for adventure and playtime, making them excellent pets for active households. The Silky Terrier's magnificent coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Common diseases and conditions of Australian Silky Terriers

  • Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort. Early detection and surgical intervention can help alleviate this issue.
  • Legg-Perthes Disease (hip joint malformation): Legg-Perthes disease is a hip joint malformation that primarily affects smaller dog breeds like Australian Silky Terriers. It can lead to hip pain and lameness. Surgical treatment may be necessary to improve the dog's quality of life.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can affect Australian Silky Terriers. It results in improper blood sugar regulation and may require insulin therapy and dietary management.
  • Skin allergies: Skin allergies can be triggered by various factors, including environmental allergens and food sensitivities. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and skin irritation. Dietary adjustments and medication can help manage skin allergies.

Breed-specific issues:

Silkies do need a lot of coat maintenance and brushing to keep their magnificent coats tangle free. They can be clipped to have short hair to avoid coat entanglement issues if they regularly play on grass. They also benefit from regular bathing. Their independent streak can make them prone to stubbornness, so positive reinforcement training methods work best. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an Australian Silky Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Australian Silky Terrier, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Australian Silky Terriers

Do Australian Silky Terriers make good family pets?

Yes, Australian Silky Terriers make excellent family pets. They are affectionate, loyal, inquisitive, and great with children of all ages. Their toy size and lack of shedding also makes them suitable for indoor living.

Do Australian Silky Terriers bark a lot?

Yes, they rate highly on the ‘yappy’ scale. Australian Silky Terriers are known to consistently alert their owners about perceived threats or changes to their environment. Proper training and encouragement not to bark can help manage their yapping tendencies.

Do Silky Terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

Silky Terriers are known for their strong bonds with their owners, and as such, they can be prone to separation anxiety. These affectionate dogs thrive on human companionship and can become anxious or distressed when left alone for extended periods. To prevent separation anxiety, it's essential to gradually acclimate them to being alone, provide mental stimulation, and consider options like a dog sitter or daycare if you have a busy schedule.

Do Silky Terriers make good lap dogs for the elderly?

Yes, Silky Terriers often make excellent lap dogs. Their small size and affectionate nature make them well-suited for cuddling and lounging on their owner's lap. They enjoy being close to their humans and can provide comfort and warmth during relaxing moments. However, it's important to balance their lapdog tendencies with regular exercise and play to ensure they stay physically and mentally stimulated.

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Australian Silky Terrier

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