Australian Silky Terrier Age Calculator: Dog Years to Human Years

Australian Silky Terrier age in human years

Dog years	Human years	Life stage
1	15	Adolescent
2	24	Adult
6	40	Adult
10	56	Senior begins
13	68	Senior
15	76	Geriatric

Figures based on The Royal Kennel Club's published small-breed guidance, as tabulated by Purina UK. For an exact figure, try the Dog Years calculator.

The Australian Silky Terrier is classified by The Royal Kennel Club within the smaller ageing band, typically weighing 3.5–4.5 kg as an adult, with a median life expectancy of around 13.3 years, according to a 2024 analysis of UK veterinary records by Dogs Trust. Developed in Australia by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with native Australian Terriers, originally to hunt vermin, the Australian Silky Terrier is alert, friendly, and retains plenty of true terrier feistiness despite its small size.

What this means for your Australian Silky Terrier

Patellar luxation (loose kneecaps) and dental crowding are both relatively common in small toy-terrier breeds, so regular vet checks of the knees and teeth matter throughout its life. The breed's fine, silky coat also needs regular brushing to prevent matting.

Tracheal collapse, where the windpipe weakens and narrows, can affect small breeds like the Australian Silky Terrier — a persistent honking cough is worth mentioning to your vet, particularly as your dog gets older.

When is an Australian Silky Terrier considered a senior?

Under The Royal Kennel Club's size-adjusted guidance, small breeds like the Australian Silky Terrier are generally considered senior from around 10 dog years old.

Related reading: Is the ×7 Rule Real? · Dog Life Stages Explained · Signs Your Dog Is Entering Its Senior Years

Compare: vs Yorkshire Terrier · vs Australian Terrier · vs Jack Russell Terrier