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title: "Silky Terrier - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
description: "Lifespan (12-14 years), common diseases, vaccines and vaccination schedule, and prevention tips for the Silky Terrier: the complete health guide."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+5
Health
# The Silky Terrier's health
Australia
The Silky Terrier is overall a rather sturdy small dog, but certain predispositions deserve particular vigilance. As with other small-format terriers, regular veterinary follow-up, weight control and observation of gait, breathing and skin help detect potential problems earlier.
Longevity
## Life expectancy
With good care, a suitable diet and regular activity, the Silky Terrier can generally live from 12 to 14 years. Its decent longevity is explained in part by its small size, even if it depends a lot on the quality of the breeding, prevention and health monitoring throughout life.
Constitution
## Is this a robust breed?
Without being a fragile breed, the Silky Terrier is not the hardiest of small dogs either. Its general condition is often good when coat care, oral and dental hygiene, and monitoring of orthopedic, skin and respiratory predispositions are taken seriously.
Things to watch for
## What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints, the skin, breathing and certain developmental or metabolic disorders reported in the breed. In breeding dogs and young subjects, the quality of the lineage and screening matters a lot to limit the risk of transmission of certain conditions.
- Patellar luxation: common orthopedic condition in small dogs that can cause lameness, locomotor discomfort, and joint wear.
- Tracheal collapse: weakening of the trachea that may lead to coughing, breathing discomfort, and exercise intolerance.
- Diabetes mellitus: metabolic disorder requiring early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate dietary and veterinary management.
- Hydrocephalus: rare but serious neurological condition linked to an excessive accumulation of fluid in the cerebral cavities.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: condition affecting the head of the femur that can cause pain, lameness, and loss of weight-bearing in the young dog.
- Dermatitis: skin irritations can be promoted by skin sensitivity and require rigorous coat maintenance.
- Patent ductus arteriosus: congenital heart defect that must be detected early in case of a murmur or signs of exercise intolerance.
- Testicular ectopia: in some males, a testicle may not descend normally, which warrants a veterinary evaluation.
Climate
## Tolerance to cold and heat
The Silky Terrier tolerates moderate heat better than cold. Its small size and fine coat make it more sensitive to low temperatures, wind and prolonged humidity, which justifies appropriate protection in winter and shortened outings in bad weather.
Weight
## Prone to weight gain
Weight gain is not the breed’s main fault, but a small dog quickly exceeds its ideal weight if rations are poorly adjusted or if activity decreases. Regular monitoring of its silhouette and portions helps protect its joints and maintain good mobility.
Everyday care
## Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor gait regularly, especially in case of limping or skipping a leg.
- Maintain a healthy weight to limit pressure on the joints.
- Have any chronic cough or breathing difficulty checked.
- Maintain the skin, coat, and oral hygiene regularly.
Vaccination
## Silky Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Silky Terrier need? Like all dogs, Silky Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Silky Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
| Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
| PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
| Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
| LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Silky Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Silky Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
[Plan booster shots](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-and-cat-vaccination-schedule?breed=silky-terrier)
Choosing well
## Adopting a healthy Silky Terrier
Careful veterinary follow-up may include examination of the kneecaps, monitoring of breathing, a check of the skin and coat, as well as particular vigilance for signs suggestive of diabetes or neurological disorders. In males, checking testicular descent is also among the points to observe.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
## The best prevention starts with a good breeder
Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for inherited conditions. We'll help you find one.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-silky-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[Australian Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-terrier)
[Yorkshire Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/yorkshire-terrier)
[Biewer Yorkshire
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/biewer-yorkshire)
[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
[Border Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-terrier)
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