Read About Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is an elegant terrier that is good-natured, polite and affectionate. Characterized as courageous, spunky, bold, loving and playful, they are still much more serious than many other terriers. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick Skye Terrier Summary:

1. Size:

   Small Dog Breed

2. Weight:

   11 - 20 lbs

3. Coat:

   Double Coated; Short underneath, long outer layer

4. Shedding:

   Medium Shedding

5. Temperament:

   Gentle

6. Obedience:

   Good Obedience

7. Ease of Training:

   Moderately Easy

8. Way with Children:

   Sometimes Friendly

Skye Terrier- Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   Terrier; 1887

2. Size & Weight:

   Average of 10 inches tall and 20 -- 25 pounds

3. Coat:

   Double coated; short and woolly undercoat with long, straight outer coat.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   It has a powerful muzzle, black nose and dark brown eyes with either upright or falling-down ears, although falling-down ears are not common.

5. Body:

   Long and low, its length should be twice its height.

6. Colors:

   Black, blue, dark grey, light grey, fawn, cream or silver platinum, always with black ears; a small amount of white is permitted on the chest.

7. Life Expectancy:

   10 -- 12 years

8. Popularity:

   There is concern of future extinction as birth rates for this breed continue to decline.

9. Habitat:

   The Skye Terrier can live happily in an apartment as it does not need a yard; they are relatively inactive indoors.

Skye Terrier - Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Scotland

2. Historical Information:

   The Skye terrier is originally connected to an early 1600's shipwreck of the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. The Maltese that survived the shipwreck mated with the local terriers to produce this unique, new breed. In the 1800's, the breed gained popularity when Queen Victoria took a liking to them.

Skye Terrier - Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   A good-natured, polite and affectionate dog, they are loyal, protective and willful. This breed requires extensive socialization with people at an early age as they can grow to be overly suspicious of strangers in their adult lives.

2. Behavior:

   The Skye Terrier likes to chase and can be dog-aggressive if not properly socialized with other animals; they also like to bark.

3. Habits:

   Due to the Sky Terriers love of chasing, they must be kept under leash control when outside, unless they are in a controlled environment, such as a fenced-in yard.

Skye Terrier - Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Generally an extremely healthy breed, owners must be aware that in rare cases, the Skye Terrier can develop Hypothyroidism, bleeding disorders, mammary tumors, Hemangiosarcoma, disc disease, Panosteitis, and Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy.

2. Exercise Needs:

   The Skye Terrier is a moderately active breed that can get all the exercise it needs indoors; no yard is required.

3. Grooming Needs:

   Due to their long coats, the Skye Terrier needs to be brushed daily to avoid matting.and tangles; occasional baths are advised.

4. Travel Needs:

   It is adviseable to secure the Skye Terrier in a crate when traveling; if you choose to leave them loose in the car, be aware that they are likely to climb into the back window or stand on their hindlegs to be able to see out.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   The Skye Terrier requires extensive socialization at an early age to be comfortable with other pets and children. Although lovable and loyal, they are wary of strangers and can be dog-aggressive. They are also a breed that loves to chase.

Skye Terrier - How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for bright, dark colored, eyes, a healthy coat, a long body and short, sturdy legs.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   Be prepared with a crate, collar and training leash, toys, treats and housebreaking materials.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" is a good standard to follow when puppy-proofing your home. Get down on the floor and crawl around; remove the small objects within your reach.