Skye Terrier

Photo by Pleple2000

Skye Terrier - Breed Profile:

Origin: Scotland
Colors: Black, blue, dark or light grey, silver platinum, fawn or cream
Size: Small
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Little
Grooming: Extensive
Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train
Combativeness: Can be a bit dog-aggressive
Dominance: High
Noise: Likes to bark

Physical characteristics

The Skye Terrier is an elegant, low, long dog with sturdy boning and good muscles. The body is twice as long as it is high. The head is long, with a slight stop and powerful jaws. The muzzle is moderately full. The well-feathered ears can be erect or hanging. The medium size eyes are dark brown. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The long tail is well-feathered. The gait is free, active and effortless.
Skye Terriers weigh up to 25 pounds. The height averages 10 inches.

Temperament

Fiercely loyal to those it knows and loves. Sensitive, protective, and slightly wilful. Courageous and bold. Somewhat more serious than most other terriers yet affectionate and playful. This breed is not generally recommended for first time dog owners as it requires a calm, consistent, firm, and confident human leadership. Extensive early socialization with people is necessary to avoid over suspicious behaviour toward strangers. Inborn chasers and hunters, this breed should not be trusted with small non-canine animals. Thrives on love and attention and, to be truly happy, needs it much more than many other dogs. Physical and mental exercise, however, should always go first.

Coat and grooming

The double coat consists of short, soft, woolly undercoat and harsh, straight outer hair. The coat hangs straight down on each side. The hair on the head may be somewhat shorter but it is very profuse and covers the forehead and the eyes, forming a moderate beard and apron. The ears and the tail are well-feathered. Skye Terriers come in black, blue, dark or light grey, silver platinum, fawn or cream colours. Black markings should be present on the ears, muzzle and the tip of the tail. Small white spots on the chest are permissible.
Long coats need frequent grooming, otherwise the hair will mat. Some owner prefer to clip the dog's coat to minimize brushing routine.

Health

A very healthy and robust breed free of inherited diseases. The lifespan is 10 to 12 years.

Other interesting facts

One of the oldest terriers, the breed originated on the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. Bred to destroy vermin, their acute sense of smell and strong muscular bodies were a perfect combination to locate the fox, badger, and otter.