Origin

The Skye Terrier is among one of the oldest terriers known today. In the early 1600's a Spanish ship wrecked off the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. The ship had Maltese dogs onboard who survived and mated with the local terriers resulting in the Skye Terrier breed. The dogs were used to hunt down vermin, fox and badger who would prey on the farmer's livestock. In the 19th century Queen Victoria took a liking to the breed and the Skye Terrier became very popular for awhile, especially among the nobility. A Skye named "Greyfriar’s Bobby" was said to have guarded the grave of Constable John Grey, who was his master, for 14 years. Towns people came and fed him until he died at age 16. A statue was placed in Edinburgh in the dog's honor. The Skye was first exhibited in England in 1864.

Description

 

The Skye Terrier is a long, low to the ground dog, with the length being twice as long as the height. The head is long tapering to the muzzle with a slight stop. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a level or scissors bite. The eyes are brown, darker is preferred in the show ring. The symmetrical ears are either erect or dropped (dropped are rare). The tail is long hanging with abundant feathering, pendent and never curled. The long, large feet are hare-like, pointing straight forward. The double coat has a soft, woolly undercoat and a flat, straight, hard outer coat that is about 5 1/2 inches long (14 cm.) that hangs down on each side, parted in the middle from head to tail.

Size	Medium
Colour	The solid colored coat comes in black, blue, gray-blue, dark or light gray, silver platinum, fawn or cream. There may be black points on the ears, muzzle and tip of the tail. There is sometimes a small amount of white on the chest. Puppy coats often change in color by the time they are adults.
Coat Length	Long
Weight/Height Range	Dogs and bitches should measure between  24 - 26cms and weigh around 11.5 - 18kgs.
Ailments	Skye Terrier can be prone to Hypothyroid and Lens Luxation.

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Personality

 

The Skye is very good-natured, loyal, polite, loving and affectionate. Brave, bold and spirited. Playful and happy, they love attention. Can become a bit willful with a meek or passive owner. Socialise well with different people, noises and sights. This breed likes to chase, take caution with other small non-canine pets. The Skye Terrier is good for apartment life. It is relatively active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

 

Intelligence	This breed is a little difficult to train, they respond well to a consistent and calm manner.
Energy	Medium
Suitability for Children	Low
Tendency to Bark	High
Overall Exercise Requirement	The Skye Terrier need a daily walk.  Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Suitability as a Guard Dog	High
Ease of Transportation	Medium
Level of Aggression	High
Other Animal Compatibility	Low

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Grooming

 

If the coat is kept long they need to be brushed frequently or they will mat. Some owners choose to clip the coat shorter for easier care. It may take several years for the full adult coat to come in

Grooming Requirements	Twice a week
Amount of Hair Shed	Moderate

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