The long silky grey and white or blue and tan coat is an identifying feature, hanging straight and parted along the back, and described as "flat, fine and glossy".

This is a dog that was historically used for hunting and killing rodents and snakes, so its body should have enough substance to fit this role.

[1] Although most other Australian breeds were working dogs, the Silky Terrier was bred primarily to be an urban pet and companion, although it is also known for killing snakes in Australia.

[4] During and after World War II American servicemen who had been stationed in Australia brought back to the United States a few Silky Terriers.

Newspaper photographs of the breed in 1954 caused an upsurge of popularity and hundreds of Silkies were imported from Australia to the United States.

The breed standard describe the ideal Australian Silky Terrier temperament as keenly alert and active.

[8] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years from a sample of 45 deaths for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.