The Skye is an old breed of terrier that originated more than four centuries ago on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. He was used to hunt badger, fox, and otter, following them into their burrows and pulling them out to kill them.
To this day, he has remained relatively unchanged, with his short, sturdy legs made for digging and his double coat to protect him from rough brush, thorns, and bites from his adversaries, as well as inclement Scottish weather.
What may have been the first book on dogs, Johannes Caius’ Of English Dogges, written in 1570, describes the Skye Terrier this way: “brought out of barbarous borders fro’ the uttermost countries northward…which, by reason of the length of heare [hair], makes showe neither of face nor of body.”
Through his description, we know that the breed was already well established at that time. The breed has not always been known as the Skye Terrier. He has also been called the Clydesdale Terrier, the Fancy Skye Terrier, the Silky Skye Terrier, the Glasgow Terrier, and the Paisley Terrier.
Queen Victoria was a fan of the breed and kept and bred Skye Terriers. At one time the Skye Terrier was one of the most popular terrier breeds around.
The Skye Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, and the first Skye to be registered by the AKC was Romach, that same year. The Skye Terrier Club of America was founded in 1938.
Despite his potential as a companion, the Skye Terrier is a rare breed, ranking 146th among the 155 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC.
How did a tough little terrier become a fashionable companion? Queen Victoria, who frequently vacationed in Scotland, was responsible for bringing the breed to public notice. He won further recognition when renowned portrait artist Sir Edwin Landseer featured him in paintings. Soon it was said that a duchess would be almost ashamed to be seen in the park without her Skye Terrier by her side.
The Skye has always been more than a vermin-buster in a fancy coat, however. He’s fearless and self-assured, but he’s also friendly, happy, and devoted to his people. Strangers who wait for him to make the first move will find he accepts them as well — once he’s decided they aren’t pushy or a threat.
He has a mind of his own when it comes to training, but he’s sensitive and responds well to a firm voice and positive-reinforcement techniques that involve food rewards, praise, and play.
Like any self-respecting terrier, the Skye is ready to take on other dogs of any size, and he shouldn’t be left alone with small furry pets such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or gerbils. They look a bit too much like lunch.
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.
The Skye Terrier believes in a give-and-take relationship. If he’s given the respect, affection, and attention he deserves, he will lavish the same on his people. A Skye will always make you laugh, but when you need to cry, he and his long coat will be there to absorb your tears.
The Skye is brave, good-natured, and loyal to his own family. He doesn’t make friends with just anyone and prefers people to take their time in approaching him. He’s reserved and cautious toward strangers, traits that make him an excellent watchdog.
The Skye has been called canny, a Scottish word with a variety of meanings, all of which can be applied to almost any terrier — prudent, astute, skilled, and steady. He’s sensitive but not submissive with a mind of his own.
He has a long memory and will remember slights or mistreatment. Skyes like to be part of the family and will become bored, willful, and unhappy if neglected.
Like every dog, Skyes need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when young. Socialization helps ensure that your Skye Terrier puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
The Skye Terrier is a very healthy breed. The only issue that’s a potential concern is orthopedic problems that could occur during growth. The Skye is achondroplastic, meaning that he has a large body on small legs. If he’s allowed to jump or climb excessively during puppyhood, before the growth plates in his legs have closed, he may limp or develop a condition called premature closure, which occurs when the growth plates don’t close properly. Wait until he’s 18 to 24 months old before taking him on long walks or letting him do any jumping or stair climbing.
The Skye wears an elegant and stylish coat that hangs straight down each side from a part that runs down the back from head to tail. The undercoat is short, soft, and woolly, covered with an outer coat of straight hair with a hard texture.
On the head, Lana Turner bangs veil the forehead and eyes. (Many owners opt to hold the long bangs back with an elastic or barrette.) The Skye also sports a beard and apron (the longer hair on the chest).
The Skye’s coat comes in black, blue, dark or light gray, silver platinum, fawn, or cream. It’s one overall color at the skin, but you may see varying shades of the same color in the full coat. He may also have black points, or markings, on the ears, muzzle, and tail tip. Puppies often have wide variations in coat color until they mature at approximately 18 months of age.
The long and luxurious coat requires weekly brushing with a pin brush or long-toothed comb. A bath every two to three weeks keeps the coat clean. Be sure to brush or comb out any tangles before bathing the dog. Once they get wet, they tighten up and are more difficult to remove. If you’re brushing a dry dog, mist the coat with water as you brush to prevent hair breakage.
Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Skye’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the accompanying bacteria.
Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. If you can hear the nail clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Short nails keep the feet in good condition and won’t scratch your legs when your Skye jumps up to greet you.
Begin accustoming your Skye to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears.
Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he’s an adult.
