How to bathe and groom Silky Terriers

The Silky Terrier is a breed that was produced by crossing Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers. Developed in Australia in the 19th century, the Silky is sometimes referred to as the Sidney Terrier. The coat of the Silky is prone to tangles and matting which requires regular care and grooming. Daily care consists of combing the silky coat and trimming long hairs but regular bathing and a full groom will keep the coat of the Silky in brilliant form.
The bathing process of the Silky Terrier has the same basic principles as with most breeds. Have your tools and equipment at hand before starting the bathing process.
-Brush and/or comb
-Dog shampoo and conditioner
-Sponge
-Heavy Towel
-Pet Dryer
-Cotton Balls
-Nail Trimmers
-Scissors
A universal brush is normally the only brush a groomer will need. This brush can be used on tangled or matted coats or a slicker brush can be used for delicate coats. A dog comb will usually suffice for the coat of the Silky Terrier. A mat comb can be utilized if the coat is badly matted. For extreme matting, the coat may need to be trimmed or even fully shaven before bathing. After the coat is thoroughly tamed, the Silky is ready for a professional bath.
The ideal water temperature is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A spray hose connected to a faucet will make this task much simpler. Start with the hindquarters and completely wet the Silky. The excess water should not be left in the tub and should flow down the drain. The Silky is actually getting a “shower” rather than a bath. In case the dog decides to do the “shake”, a plastic apron will be very handy in keeping the groomer from being soaked during this process.
After the Silky is soaked, place shampoo on the sponge and on the Silky, from rear to front. Keep shampoo clear of the eyes even if the shampoo claims to be tearless. Work the shampoo into the coat not forgetting any areas including the bottoms of the feet. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly, letting the water rinse until it runs clear from the coat. If the Silky was heavily soiled, the dog may need two washings. A cream rinse can be used to help tame the fineness of the Silky’s coat.
Squeeze excess water from the coat and use a heavy towel to remove as much water as possible. If you have a cage dryer, this can be used to help the coat dry off what the towel didn’t. A cage dryer will get the coat damp-dry and the blow-dryer will be utilized to fully dry the coat. Working

February 22, 2011 

