Silky yorkies is just another term for Yorkshire Terriers. Unlike some terms such as “teacup,” however, silky yorkies is a legitimate description. Silky refers to the dog's coat type. Yorkies who meet the AKC (American Kennel Club) breed standard will have a long silky coat which seems to cascade over the dog.
Some Yorkshire Terriers are referred to as silky yorkies because not all of them have this standard coat. Because of overbreeding and irresponsible breeders, many yorkies bare little resemblance to those appearing on dog shows. The main different is in the coat. Those who are not silky terriers have what is known as soft coats.
With soft coats, the fur is usually less shining. In some yorkies, it could even be described as dull. The soft coats also do not flow over the dog's body, instead in some examples it can appear almost clumpy and raggedy, especially if not regularly groomed. Soft coated yorkies generally appear smaller than silky yorkies because the silky coats give the dogs a fuller appearance.
Besides differences in appearance, the two coat types also have different grooming requirements. The silky coat does require regular brushing and bathing to continue looking healthy. Occasionally, the coat can get mildly tangled but these small sections can be worked out easily with the owner's fingers. Soft coats also require regular grooming. However, their coats can quickly become severely matted. Owners must brush their dogs daily and some even have to consider choosing a different cut to help minimize these tangles.
Silky yorkies and soft-coated yorkies have another important difference as well. Although both coat types can be registered with the AKC if their parents were registered, only silky yorkies can be shown in dog shows. The reason, of course, is that the soft-coated varieties do not meet the AKC breed standard. The same problem often arises with yorkies of different colors, such as parti yorkies. While any color yorkie can be registered, only those with a tan and blue silky coat can be shown.
This distinction between coat types is really only important if you want a show dog. Soft-coated yorkies may excellent pets just like silky yorkies do. In fact, they may be a better choice because they should cost less. Even though they do require more grooming, you won't spend considerably more time or money on either variety.
If you do have your heart set on a show quality yorkie, then realize you won't be able to determine its coat type while it is still a puppy. The only way to really tell is by examining the parents. Basic genetics tells you that if both parents have silky coats, then their puppies probably will to. Of course, if one or both of the parents have a soft coat, then what you end up bringing home may not be silky yorkies
