A Silky looks like a lap dog and behaves like a terrier. The standard asks for a keen, alert air, a quick, friendly and responsive manner, and faults shyness or nervousness.
A small frame, an easy fit
The standard gives a shoulder height of 9 to 10 inches with a body about a fifth longer than the dog's height, lightly built with fine bone. The AKC weight chart shows 10 pounds. Economy offers about 16 square feet inside plus 48 outside, more than enough. A pair from one home pays $52 plus $44.
Glossy, straight, parted down the back
The coat is single, straight, glossy and silky, falling below the body outline without approaching floor length. It is parted from the head down over the back to the tail root, and the topknot is profuse on the head. A single coat like this tangles at the ears and under the legs after a few days outside. The bath chart effective January 1, 2024 shows $35 in the Extra Long column at 15 pounds or less; please ask to confirm. Brush before drop-off and tell us if your dog wears a bow or topknot clip.
Quick, friendly, a bit busy
Silkys love to watch and to chase. In the large fenced play areas a Silky will patrol, and walks are included. Pack one toy that is not the favorite and leave a harness or snug flat collar on at drop-off. The staff carry the bag and walk your dog in.
Warm days, cool mornings
A small dog with a single coat feels cold fast, and the runs are heated in winter with a Kuranda bed and blanket. In summer the NOAA Vacaville station (1991-2020 normals) records about 100 days a year at 90 degrees or more, so the air-conditioned inside half is where your Silky will want to nap in the afternoon.
Costs
Four nights in Economy is 4 x $52 = $208 on the 2026 rates. At 14 nights or more the rate is $47. Day care visits are $38 a day, with an hourly rate of $7 up to $38.