Skye Terrier

ATTRIBUTES: Courageous, Good-tempered, Canny

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Independent

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Terrier

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Origin

Scotland

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Registration

1887

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Size

10 Inches (Male)

9.5 Inches (Female)

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Weight

35 - 45 Pounds (Male)

Slightly Lighter (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The likelihood of a breed's warmth towards family and acquaintances can vary widely. Certain breeds may only show affection to their owner remaining distant with others, whereas some treat any familiar face as if they were a lifelong companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can endure and react to the playfulness of kids along with its overall propensity to be family-friendly can differ. Dogs should always be under observation when around youngsters or children unfamiliar with canine interactions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The innate sociability of a breed with its canine counterparts often differs. While all dogs require supervision during meetings and mingling, certain breeds naturally possess a disposition that's more amiable toward other dogs be it within the home or out in the community.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur a breed will shed varies with high-shedding breeds necessitating regular brushing. They are more prone to activating specific allergies and often demand more diligent cleaning routines including vacuuming and use of lint rollers.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency of grooming care, including washing, combing, and sometimes coat trimming depends on the breed. It's important to consider the amount of time, endurance and money you're equipped to allocate for such maintenance. Nonetheless, trimming nails is a universal requirement for all dogs.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
A breed's tendency to drool can vary significantly. For those who prefer tidiness and clean spaces, a dog inclined to leave trails of drool on your sleeve or sizeable damp patches on your attire might not be the ideal match.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Long
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The degree of a dog breed's friendliness towards unfamiliar people varies greatly. While specific breeds may remain wary or reserved around strangers in any setting, others are consistently elated at the opportunity to greet a new person in their midst.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
Many breeds retain their zest for play well beyond their puppy years, eagerly engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch into adulthood. Conversely, others prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, content to lounge on the sofa with their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Certain dog breeds have a heightened instinct to notify their owners of the presence of strangers. These breeds often respond to perceived threats from the mail carrier to a squirrel on the windowsill. However, they tend to become more accepting of new individuals once they're welcomed by their family indoors.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
Some breeds adapt with ease to alterations in their environment from shifts in living spaces to fluctuations in daily routines and noise levels. These dogs can also typically withstand changes in weather without much disruption to their behavior.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training a dog and its enthusiasm for new lessons often depend on its breed. Some are innately driven to obey and thrive on their owner's approval, whereas others are more willful, preferring to act on their own terms.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
High-energy breeds typically need a substantial amount of physical activity and mental challenges each day. They are often very active desiring constant engagement, whether it's running, leaping or interactive play.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The level of mental engagement necessary for a dog breed to maintain a joyous and robust state of being is quite important. Dogs that have been specifically bred for certain roles might demand activities that challenge their capacity for making choices unraveling challenges focusing intently, among other cognitive abilities. Should they not receive adequate intellectual stimulation, they're inclined to take matters into their own paws, initiating their own forms of mental exercise. Unfortunately, these self-started endeavors are often not what you would hope for.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black

007

Blue

037

Cream

076

Fawn

082

Gray

100

Platinum

319

Silver

176

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

Renowned as the 'heavenly breed with the heart of a lion,' the regal Skye Terrier stands out as one of the most uniquely-shaped breeds in the AKC registry. Originating from the secluded Isle of Skye in Scotland, this dignified yet robust noble was originally nurtured to hunt pests. With its striking appearance characterized by a long flowing coat and an iconic 'peekaboo' hairstyle, the Skye Terrier commands attention. They stand at a height of 9 or 10 inches showcasing a beautiful flat-lying coat. Distinctive large feathery ears that can either stand tall like the wings of a bat or 'drop ears' that gracefully lie close to their elongated heads are hallmarks of the breed. Hidden beneath their luxurious coats are sturdy, short legs and a well-rounded chest. These elegant terriers present a length that's double their height when viewed from the side forming a poised and substantial silhouette.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A SKYE TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Skye Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Owing to their distinctive elongated and low-slung physique, Skye Terriers are susceptible to spinal disk issues, so it's crucial to keep a vigilant eye on Skye pups to prevent them from overusing stairs or leaping onto unforgiving surfaces from elevated points. It's essential for caretakers to observe their Skye Terriers for early indicators of serious health ailments including types of cancer such as mammary tumors and hemangiosarcoma. Additionally, conscientious breeders are diligent about checking for other health concerns that this breed may face including autoimmune disorders, dermatological sensitivities and hip joint dysplasia and kneecap dislocations known as luxating patellas.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • No recommended health tests

Health

Grooming

+
The Skye Terrier's splendid double coat might look like it demands extensive grooming, but it's surprisingly low-maintenance. A routine of brushing and combing once a week with a soft or pin brush and a long-toothed comb will keep it smooth and untangled. This breed remains gloriously unsculpted by any trimming, clippering or scissoring, favoring its naturally magnificent state. Through regular bi-weekly or monthly nail trims, their paws can be kept in prime condition. It's also wise to conduct weekly ear inspections gently clearing any buildup to prevent infections. When it comes to baths, they're typically needed just once a month. Remember, when shampooing, it's best to avoid vigorous scrubbing, which may cause tangling in their luxurious coat.
Health

Exercise

+
The Skye Terrier isn't an overly demanding breed when it comes to exercise and they're typically quite happy to adapt to their owner's activity levels. A brief daily walk can do wonders for their well-being offering both mental stimulation and physical benefits. Skyes take pleasure in playful interactions and love being involved in various doggy disciplines alongside their humans. From the pageantry of dog shows to the dynamic challenges of agility, the precision of obedience trials and the excitement of earthdog tests, these terriers are versatile competitors who relish in the camaraderie and challenge of canine sports.
Health

Training

+
The Skye Terrier combines keen intelligence with a will of its own boasting a composure that supersedes that of many of its terrier cousins. While they welcome training, it must be delivered with consistency and a positive touch, as they tend to be quite sensitive to stern methods and may recoil from negativity. Like their terrier kin, a dash of obstinance is part of their charm, yet they also thrive on human interaction and are keen to please. Naturally more reserved, these terriers benefit immensely from early and thorough socialization to blossom into confident and sociable adults. For those who truly grasp their distinct disposition and devote themselves to rearing these dogs with affection, precise training and ample social experiences, the Skye Terrier emerges as a truly delightful sidekick.
Health

Nutrition

+
A premium dog food, expertly crafted by commercial brands or carefully made at home under the guidance and endorsement of your vet should serve the dietary needs of a Skye terrier well. It’s important to tailor the diet to the specific life stage of the dog, whether puppy, adult or senior. Given that some canines may be inclined to gain excess weight monitoring your Skye terrier’s intake of calories and keeping an eye on their physical condition is key. While treats can be incredibly useful during training sessions, they should be dispensed sparingly to prevent the risk of obesity. Becoming well-versed in which human foods are dog-friendly and which could be harmful is essential. Should you have any queries regarding your pet's nutritional needs or weight management, do not hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. Additionally, ensure that your dog always has access to clean and fresh water.

Historiography

Skye takes the crown as the most expansive and northernmost island among the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. As far back as the 17th century, the island’s farmers cultivated a breed of tough densely-furred terriers to keep the fox and badger populations in check, a breed that unexpectedly became the darling of British aristocracy, a rare leap for a farm canine. The breed's golden era reached its zenith in the late 1800s with Queen Victoria herself becoming a devoted advocate. Reflecting on those times, one historian observed that 'it was almost a mark of shame for a duchess to stroll through the park without the company of her luxuriantly-furred Skye.

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