Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier should be called “The Heavenly Breed” is a tribute to the favor in which he is held by his admirers. Certainly when he is seen in perfection he is an exceedingly beautiful dog. As certainly there is no breed more affectionate, more faithful, or more lovable.

Among his characteristics are a long enduring patience, a prompt obedience, and a deep hearted tenderness, combined with fearless courage. He is more sensitive to rebuke and punishment than most dogs, and will nurse resentment to those who are unjust to him; not viciously, but with an almost human plaintiveness which demands an immediate reconciliation. He is staunch and firm as his native hills to those who are kind to him, and for entering into battle with an enemy there is no dog more recklessly daring and resolute.

Visitors to dog shows are disposed to believe that the Skye terrier, with its well-groomed coat that falls in smooth cascades down its sides, and its veil of thick hair that obscures the tender softness of its dark and thoughtful eyes, is meant only to look beautiful upon the bench or to recline in comfortable indolence on silken cushions.

This is a mistake.

See a team of Skye Terriers racing up a hillside after a fugitive rabbit, tirelessly burrowing after a rat, or displaying their terrier strategy around a fox’s earth or an otter’s Holt, and you will admit that they are meant for sport, and are demons at it. Even their peculiarity of build is a proof that they are born to follow vermin underground. They are long of body, with short, strong legs, adapted for burrowing. With the Dachshund they approximate more closely than any other breeds to the shape of the badger, the weasel, and the otter, and so many animals which nature has made long and low in order that they may inhabit earths and insinuate themselves into narrow passages in the moorland cairns.

Origin: There can be no question that Skye Terrier, which are so typically Highland in character and appearance, the Scottish, the Dandie Dinmont, and the White Poltalloch terriers, are all the descendants of a purely native Scottish original. They are all interrelated; but which was the parent breed it is impossible to determine. Like the other Scottish Terriers, the Skye Terrier was used to hunt foxes and badgers, a protective coat and strong jaws were favored by breeders.

There is a famous story concerning the devotion of one Skye Terrier called Greyfriars Bobby. After his owner’s death, Bobby visited the grave every day for a decade, until he himself finally died. A statue commemorating the terrier’s loyalty was subsequently erected in Greyfriars Churchyard near Edinburgh.
After a period of great popularity in the late 19th century, Skye Terrier has now been largely overtaken by other terriers.

Temperament: A “one-man dog”, intensely loyal to its master, and usually wary of strangers. It’s inclined to be snappy when provoked, and perhaps not ideal for children. Without affection, Skye Terrier can become rather moody.

Grooming: Requires a considerable amount of careful grooming. Puppies do not have such an elegant coat as an adult dog, nonetheless, you should be prepared to spend time each day grooming it. At the same time, as with all dogs, it is a good idea to open the puppy’s mouth so that in future it will not resent this treatment. This is particularly important with a Skye Terrier, as it may be reluctant to allow a stranger such as a veterinarian to undertake this task without attempting to bite.

Exercise: Even though with its rather manicured appearance, Skye Terriers have remained hardy, working dogs. They will benefit from plenty of exercise off the leash, following up scents and investigating their surroundings. The Skye Terrier is a breed probably best suited to a rural environment, rather than an urban lifestyle.

General Appearance of Skye Terriers

Head: Long, with powerful jaws and incisive teeth closing level, or upper just fitting over under.

Skull: Wide at front of brow, narrowing between the ears, and tapering gradually towards the muzzle, with little falling in between or behind the eyes.

Eyes: Hazel, medium size, close set.

Muzzle: Always black.

Ears: They are usually pricked and when prick, not large, erect at outer edges, and slanting towards each other at inner, from peak to skull. When pendant, larger, hanging straight, lying flat, and close at front.

Body: Pre-eminently long and low. Shoulders broad, chest deep, ribs well sprung and oval shaped, giving a flattish appearance to the sides.

Hindquarters: Flank full and well developed. Back level and slightly declining from the top of the hip joint to the shoulders. The neck long and gently crested.

Tail: When hanging, the upper half perpendicular, the under half thrown backward in a curve. When raised, a prolongation of the incline of the back, and not rising higher nor curling up.

Legs: Short, straight, and muscular. No dew claws, the feet large and pointing forward.

Coat (double): An under, short, close, soft, and woolly. An over, long, averaging 5?1/2 inches, hard, straight, flat, and free from crimp or curl. Hair on head, shorter, softer, and veiling the forehead and eyes; on the ears, overhanging inside, falling down and mingling with the side locks, not heavily, but surrounding the ear like a fringe, and allowing its shape to appear. Tail also gracefully feathered.

Color (any variety): Dark or light blue or grey, or fawn with black points. Shade of head and legs approximating that of body.

Average measurements for Skye Terrier

Dog: Height at shoulder, 9 inches. Length, back of skull to root of tail, 22½ inches; muzzle to back of skull, 8½ inches; Root of tail to tip joint, 9 inches. Total length is about 40 inches.

Bitch: Half an inch lower, and 2½ inches shorter than dog, all points proportional; thus, body, 21 inches; head, 8 inches; and tail, 8½ inches. Total is 37½ inches.
Average weight for Skye Terrier

Dog: 18 lb., no dog should be over 20 lb. nor under 16 lb.

Bitch: 16 lb., no bitch should be over 18 lb., nor under 14 lb.