Skye Terrier

Legend has it that in the 17th century, a Spanish ship carrying among other things Maltese dogs crashed near the Island of Skye, in the Scottish Hebrides. The habitants recovered the dogs and bred them with their native ones. The result: a little dog with a great sense of loyalty.

In fact, it is said that the Scottish more legendary dog was a Skye Terrier. Bobby even has a statue in Edinburgh because when his owner died, he spent most of his next 14 years besides his grave. People of the town moved by his commitment tried to give him a home, but he always managed to escape and return to the graveyard. At his tomb, it can be read “Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all".

But it wasn´t Bobby the one responsible for the great popularity of this breed in 19th century, it was Queen Victoria that launched the trend of having a Skye Terrier amongst the aristocracy.

In 1864, the Skye Terrier stared in a dog show under that name and thirteen years later, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The popularity of the Skye Terrier has been decreasing and in 2005 in the UK only 30 puppies were registered.

Being at first used to track small game like otters, badgers and weasels, the Skye has very sharp instinct, yet, nowadays, he is mostly used for companionship.  

The Skye Terrier is a little dog with 23 to 25 cm of height and 8,5 to 10,5 kg of weight. This working dog is twice as long as it is taller, but still combines strength and agility.

This stylish dog has an elegant coat with long and straight hair that covers up his entire body. Even the eyes are hiding behind a long flock of hair that protects the Skye Terrier from the hard bushes and the dust he makes when digging. The Skye Terrier may be blue or even black, dark or light grey, silver platinum, fawn or cream. 

This short-legged Terrier has a strong body with sturdy bones and conveys a dignified appearance.

The black nose and eyes are in the middle of the ears that can be pricked or dropped. Its tail is pendent and shouldn’t be curled. 

Dont´t be mistaken by the cute appearance of this little Terrier. He is in fact a very strong tempered dog, wary of strangers and other pets and not indicated for children. But if you’re looking for an affectionate dog able to maintain a strong connection with his owner, then you´ve found him.

The Skye Terrier, as all the instincts of a terrier, however he is a little more serious then the rest of them. He is fearless, bold, playful and likes to have one owner to whom he gets deeply attached.

This little fury friend needs to be socialized at early age and it´s best if he is only pet in the house. The Skye Terrier likes quiet environments and doens´t stand to be teased. He is not very found of cuddles from strangers also. He is your pet and it is only to you that he is dedicated.

Training a Skye Terrier is not that difficult. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but they are intelligent dogs. They make excellent watchdogs, since they like to bark in alert.

The Skye Terrier is good for apartment living, and doesn´t need a yard, although they are fairly active indoors. Daily walks are sufficient exercise for this terrier. Less frequently, let him run freely outside so he can satisfy his hunting needs and explore.

They are suited for country and city living. 

This is a healthy breed that can live up to 13 years. The Skye Terrier is prone to allergies. Spine problems, degenerative disc disease and eye issues may occur.

The grooming must be thorough and frequent to prevent matting and to keep the coat clean.