Description
The Skye Terrier is an elegant, long and low terrier. Its length should be twice its height at the withers. It has a powerful muzzle, a black nose, dark brown eyes, and either upright or falling-down ears (although, falling-down ears are rare). Its tail is pendent and never curled. Its undercoat is soft but its 6 inch outer coat is long, hard, straight, free of any rippling and parts down the middle of the back. The colors of its coat are either gray-blue, dove or cream, always with black ears. A small amount of white is permitted on the chest. The hair also shields and protects the eyes and forehead. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The hare-like feet are long and large, pointing straight forward.
Temperament
The Skye is very good-natured, polite and affectionate. Courageous, spunky and bold. Loving and playful, yet more serious than many terriers. They need a lot of attention to be happy. Loyal, protective, and a bit willful. This breed requires extensive early socialization with people or he may grow up to be overly suspicious of strangers. He often does not like to be touched by strangers and may bite. Be careful around other small animals, as the Skye likes to chase, and they can be a bit dog-aggressive. These little dogs like to bark. On the plus side, he's an excellent watchdog, and more low-key than most terriers. His small size makes him adaptable to any environment, including an apartment or condo--though his barking might annoy the neighbors.While the Skye isn't needy, he expects his fair share of your affection and attention, not to mention respect. Neglect him at your peril. The Skye will inform you of your error by digging, chewing, and barking to express his irritation.
Height, Weight
Its Length should be twice its height.
Height: 10 inches (25.5cm.) Average
Weight: Male 35 - 40 pounds (16-18 kg.)
Weight: Female 25 - 30 pounds (11.5-14 kg.)
Health Problems
This is a very healthy breed.
Living Conditions
The Skye Terrier is good for apartment life. It is relatively active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise
The Skye Terrier need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years
Grooming
The long straight coat needs frequent attention or it will mat. The puppy's coat is quite different from the adult coat. It may take several years before the adult coat develops completely. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
The origin of the Skye Terrier is connected with a shipwreck. In the early 1600's a Spanish ship came to grief against the rocks of the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. Among the survivors were Maltese dogs that mated with local terriers and produced this new extremely pleasing and unique breed. In the mid-1800's Queen Victoria took a fancy to the breed and it became very popular for awhile, especially among the nobility. Later the breed's popularity waned. The Skye Terrier is very loyal and strongly connected to his master. Legend has it that a Skye named "Bobby" stayed faithfully by the grave of his deceased master for ten years before he, too, passed away. Towns people fed him. The breed was first shown in England in 1864, and first registered with the AKC in 1887. Today the beautiful Skye Terrier is primarily a companion, though he can still help control vermin.
Group
Terrier, AKC Terrier
