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Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is a long and low breed that requires regular grooming. They are sturdy working terriers that are fearless and loyal.
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Breed Facts
Finding a Skye Terrier
Physical Characteristics
- Short legs with large feet
- Twice as long as it is tall
- Ears may be prick or dropped
- Coat: Straight, long topcoat hangs down
- Hair covers forehead and eyes
- Strong build
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 25-35 pounds
- Average lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament
- Loyal, courageous, agile, determined, sensitive and personable. Requires early and ongoing socialization
- Interaction with people: Affectionate with familiar people, reserved with strangers. Good with children when properly socialized
- Training: Intelligent and responds well to consistent and positive training
- Bark: Moderately vocal
- Protection: Good watchdog
Medical Conditions
- Generally healthy
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartments
- Needs daily walk
Grooming
- Average shedder
- Needs weekly grooming
- Coat mattes easily
- Takes several years for the adult coat to develop
Other Facts
- Bred by farmers as working dogs trained to rid land of fox, badger and otter
- One Skye terrier named Bobby was so devoted to his master, John Grey, that after the master died the dog laid on his grave for 14 years, only leaving the site to eat the food that the townspeople brought him
- One of the olderst terrier breeds of Scotland
- Favorite pet of the Scottish affluent
Breed History
- Native to Scotland - unique to the northwestern islands of Scotland
- Origin is linked to a Spanish shipwreck in the 1600s on the shores of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides; Maltese dogs from the ship mated with local Scottish terriers to produce this distinctive breed
- Excellent explorer of cantankerous places such as burrows, dens and cairns
- Depicted in Victorian-era paintings by Sir Edwin Landseer
- Queen Victoria took a liking to this breed in the 1800s and it became popular among the aristocracy
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Skye Terrier Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit STCA Rescue
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