Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a Vulnerable Native Breed with fewer than 100 KC registrations each year. Once owned by Queen Victoria herself, today, we’re going to take a look into this long, low, and hardy Terrier!

Skye Terrier Breed Standards:
Kennel Club Member?: Yes
Skye Terrier Lifespan: 12-14 years
Skye Terrier Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
Height: Male 10 inches Female 9.5 inches
Weight: 16-20 kilograms
Hypoallergenic: No

One of Britains native breeds, the Isle of Skye Terrier, partially helped in the development of all Terrier breeds from Scotland. Unfortunately, this dog has now found itself on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list as of 2004. In 2019, there were only 53 Skye Terrier puppies registered with the KC.

To combat its ever-declining numbers the Skye Terrier Club created a DNA bank in 2006. Skye Terrier enthusiasts are hopeful the more they expand the breed’s gene pool and DNA base, the less chance the breed will fall victim to extinction.

Characteristics

Find out the pros and cons of the Skye Terrier dog breed below:

Positives:

• Easy to train
• Suitable for apartments
• Great watchdog
• Low exercise needs

Negatives:

• High wanderlust potential
• Skye Terriers aren’t very cat or dog friendly
• Stubborn streak
• High prey drive

The Skye Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed typically remembered by its long fringe of fur. The Kennel Club describes the breed as ‘elegant and defined’. Eyes are typically dark brown and coat colours are found in Black, Grey, Cream, and Fawn, with black noses and ears.

Temperament

Skye Terriers are confident, feisty, active and robust dogs who are deeply loyal to their owners. So much so, if they’re left alone for long periods of time, they’ll develop separation anxiety. This breed has a stubborn streak and on occasion will have a mind of its own!

As a member of the Terrier family, courage and fearlessness are embedded into its personality. Skye Terriers are now used as companions but still share traits related to their working background. They can be a handful at times but are still suitable for determined first-time owners and seniors.

This breed is distrustful of strangers but shouldn’t react aggressively. He won’t like being touched by somebody he doesn’t know! The breed is an exceptional watchdog as they’re always on the alert. Socialize the Skye Terrier puppy with people to prevent its suspicious nature from resulting in aggression.

Family homes with children above the age of 6 are better suited for the Skye Terrier. This breed may feel overwhelmed by smaller children constantly invading their space. Skye Terriers are feisty and will snap if they’re being teased. As an active breed, they’ll be a great playmate and loveable companion for older children.

Skye Terriers aren’t super dog friendly. They’re not the sort to run into the dog park making friends here there and everywhere! This breed is a little dominant and won’t back down if challenged. They can live alongside other dogs but aren’t a cat-friendly breed.

Recommended: Interested in the Terrier family? Check out this guide on the Scottish Terrier.

History

The Skye Terrier dates back to the 14th century and originates from the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Their name is derived from the Island of Skye but it isn’t possible to trace their exact roots.

Some believe the breed came to Scotland as survivors of a shipwreck with the Spanish Armada. These dogs were then bred with local canines thus producing the Skye Terrier although today’s modern breed is heavier coated. But many think the breed’s creation is attributed to the dogs brought over by Vikings.

Initially, this canine was bred to hunt vermin, patrolling the land of farmers. By the 1600s Skye Terriers. who were already working farm dogs, became popular with island farmers as fox and badger hunters. It’s also a popular sport amongst British aristocracy so it’s no wonder why they were greatly loved by the upper class.

In the 19th century, Queen Victoria took a fancy to the breed and became a proud owner to a Skye Terrier named Islay. This of course increased its popularity amongst the circles of the Victorian elite. A statue of the dog is found outside the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Australia.

Due to their Vulnerable Native breed status, potential owners interested in Skye Terrier puppies will have to join a waiting list. Despite once being popular in the UK and USA, even receiving their AKC recognition in 1887, their numbers just haven’t increased.

Exercise & Grooming

Skye Terriers require up to 1 hour of exercise each day. If their activity needs are met, this breed can live happily in an apartment. Due to its strong prey drive, Skye Terriers should only be allowed off-leash in enclosed spaces.

Owners must take great care when exercising their Skye Terrier puppy. As an achondroplastic breed, excessive exercise will damage their growing joints. This will affect their growth plates leading to further health issues.

Mental stimulation is important for the intelligent Skye Terrier. They love to explore so take them to new environments where they can discover new smells! Dog sports is also a form of mental stimulation and Skye Terriers excel in obedience, agility and earth dog events.

A brush twice a week with a pin or soft bristle brush is all this coat needs. It should be left in its natural state with no trimming or clipping of the fur. Skye Terriers should be hand-stripped several times a year to keep their coat healthy.

Baths will be needed twice a month as their coats quick up dirt and debris quickly. Don’t be rough when shampooing as this can cause the coat to mat. Their ears need a weekly clean and nails trimmed fortnightly. Brush teeth weekly to prevent dental disease.

Health

Check out the breed-related health conditions of the Skye Terrier dog below:

• Puppy Limp: This condition is also know as Skye Limp and is caused by overexercising a Skye Terrier puppy. The limp is caused by premature closure of the growth plates.
• Hepatitis: This health issue is linked to copper storage dysfunction which in its early stages will cause enlargement of the liver. Unfortunately, a hepatitis gene mutation has remade its appearance in Skye Terriers since it was first noticed in 1988. Researchers are working closely with the Kennel Club to swab as many Skye’s as possible to eradicate the disease.
• Renal Dysplasia: Abnormal development of one or both of the kidneys. It’s a hereditary condition present at birth.
• Cancers: Skye Terriers may be affected by cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma and Mammary cancer.
• Hypothyroidism: An endocrine disorder affecting a dog’s metabolic state. Symptoms include hair loss, dull coat, weight gain, and lethargy.

Training

Strong-willed and stubborn, yet sensitive, the Skye Terrier won’t take well to harsh correction. Positive training methods and rewards will quickly grab this eager to please Terriers attention! Thanks to its intelligence, they’ll quickly grasp commands.

For a Terrier, respect training is deeply important. They’re a dominant family and must understand whose boss, otherwise they’ll take that position themselves! Never let them break the boundaries without correction as these smart canines will quickly learn their bad behaviours are accepted.

Although this breed is more open to training than their other Terrier counterparts, they may need some extra help along the way. Group puppy classes are a great place for Skye Terrier puppies. Here they can learn new commands whilst learning to socialize with other people and dogs.

Unsocialized Skye Terriers can quickly develop Small Dog Syndrome. This behavioural condition is also caused by mollycoddling a small dog. It could land them in a lot of trouble with a dog much bigger in size. A Skye Terrier will need extensive socialization with people, dogs and sounds to grow into a well-rounded dog.

Skye Terrier Interesting Facts

• Greyfriars Bobby (4th May 1855-14th January 1872) is a famous Skye Terrier from Edinburgh. He shot to fame after it was revealed he spent 14 years sitting by his owners grave until the day of his death. A number of books and movies have since been created telling the story of this loyal dog’s undying love for his owner! A monument was also constructed in his honour at Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh.
• At one point in history, the name Skye Terrier was used to describe a variety of dogs. They also had a number of other names which include the Clydesdale Terrier, the Paisley Terrier, the Fancy Skye Terrier, the Glasgow Terrier, and the Silky Skye Terrier.
• Sir Edwin Landseer, popular for his lion sculptures in Trafalgar Square, regularly painted the Skye Terrier. He helped boost the breed’s popularity in the Victorian era.
• Did you know Skye Terriers are found with both prick and drop ears. The prick-eared variety became a more popular choice after Queen Victoria displayed her Skye terrier, Islay.
• Skye Terriers are an achondroplastic breed. This means they have a large body but smaller legs. It’s important they aren’t over-exercised as a puppy because this will be damaging to their growing limbs.

Recommended: All done reading? Then have a look at the Japanese Shiba Inu!