Skye Terrier

Skyes are devoted to their owners, but they can be serious, sensitive, and cautious around strangers. They are happiest with gentle children, and love their daily exercise. The Skye's unusual coat must be carefully brushed out several times a week to avoid uncomfortable mats.

Skye Terrier breed facts

The Skye Terrier was a fashionable pet of all degrees after been accepted in court, by the Kings & Queens of England.

Information you should know before owning a Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is cautious with strangers, and often assumes a stern and stand-offish appearance.

The breed is loyal to its owner and forms a strong bond in one to one relationships.

The Skye Terrier displays stamina, courage, strength, and agility.

The Skye Terrier's long beautiful coat may be what attracts you to this breed; make sure you have time to groom the coat weekly to prevent it from matting.

Skye Terriers are easy to exercise and will adjust to city apartment or country home with ease.
 

The majority of terriers have attained something of their present-day form within the last century, but the Skye Terrier of nearly four centuries ago was like the specimens of today.

Thus we find the Skye Terrier of today. His flowing coat is the same as the one that proved such a grand protection in the days when his only occupation was to challenge vicious animals that otherwise might have crippled him at a single bite. Perhaps this long coat has been a handicap, for all followers of this game old working terrier have witnessed him surpassed in popularity by one after another of the newer breeds. Still they are reluctant to change him in any manner.

The breed takes its name from the chief of those northwestern islands of Scotland that, as far back as he can be traced, formed his native home, and in which he was found in greatest perfection. He is the only terrier distinctively belonging to the northwestern islands that is not common to the whole of Scotland. Those who have the best practical knowledge of the Skye maintain that he is without rival in his own peculiar domain, and that wherever there are rocks, dens, burrow, cairns, or coverts to explore, or waters to take to, his services should be called.

The Skye was the most widely known of all the terriers down to the end of the 19th century. Queen Victoria's early interest and Sir Edwin Landseer's paintings featuring the breed helped attract attention. He was kept in all the English-speaking countries. Since then he has slipped quietly into the background, yet his admirers in England and Scotland - where he has maintained his greatest foothold - are happy to point to the time when "a duchess would almost be ashamed to be seen in the park unaccompanied by her long-coated Skye."

The Skye Terrier was first registered with the AKC in 1887 and was one of the most important breeds at American bench shows before the turn of the century. The rivalry among the leading kennels was exceptionally keen. Although the frontiers of his activities have been somewhat curtailed, the true value of the Skye Terrier is evinced by the tenacious grasp which he has on those who have come in contact with him. Thus, entries may sometimes be small at bench shows today, but seldom does one find a major show without some specimens of this old terrier breed.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	Yes
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Medium
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	1 hour a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Long
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Every day
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Small garden

	General Appearance Long, low and profusely coated, twice as long as high. Moves with seemingly effortless gait. Strong in quarters, body and jaw.
	Characteristics Elegant and dignified.
	Temperament A ‘one-man’ dog, distrustful of strangers, never vicious.
	Eyes Brown, preferably dark brown, medium in size, close-set and full of expression.
	Mouth Jaws strong and level with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Long and slightly crested.
	Forequarters Shoulders broad, close to body, chest deep, legs short and muscular.
	Body Long and low, back level. Ribcage oval, deep and long. Short loin. Sides appear flattish due to straight-falling coat.
	Hindquarters Strong, full, well developed and well angulated. Legs short, muscular and straight when viewed from behind. No dewclaws.
	Feet Forefeet larger than hind, pointing truly forward. Pads thick, nails strong.
	Tail When hanging, upper part pendulous and lower half thrown back in a curve. When raised, a prolongation of incline of back, not rising higher or curling up. Gracefully feathered.
	Gait / Movement Long, low and profusely coated, twice as long as high. Moves with seemingly effortless gait. Strong in quarters, body and jaw.
	Coat Double. Undercoat short, close, soft and woolly. Outer coat long, hard, straight, flat and free from curl. Hair on head shorter, softer, veiling forehead and eyes. Mingling with side locks, surrounding ears like a fringe and allowing their shape to appear.
	Colour Black, dark or light grey, fawn, cream, all with black points. Any self-colour allowing shading of same colour and lighter undercoat, so long as nose and ears are black. A small white spot on chest permissible.
	Size Ideal height 25-26 cms (10 ins), length from tip of nose to tip of tail 105 cms (411/2 ins). Bitches slightly smaller in same proportions.