What Does a Skye Terrier Look Like?
The Skye Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed, weighing 25-40 pounds, but typically stands around 9-10 inches tall because of its short legs. They have a long, narrow head with a muzzle that’s tapered to a point. Their ears look big and rounded when pricked, and their eyes are dark with an alert expression. They have a long tail that’s carried high.
Their double coat is long and straight, and it can come in many colors including black, blue, cream, fawn, gray, silver, and platinum. They may have black muzzles with light hair on top of their heads, making them look as if they’re wearing wigs. One of their most distinctive features are their nearly-invisible legs!
What Is the Skye Terrier’s Temperament Like?
Skye Terriers are friendly dogs that enjoy being around people. However, they can also be shy around strangers and may take a while to warm up. They’re good with children if they’re raised with them, but may not tolerate very young kids who make a lot of noise. They do well in relaxed environments and don’t like chaotic households.
These dogs are usually easy to train, but can be a little willful at times. They make good apartment pets because they don’t require a lot of exercise, but they do need mental stimulation or else they may become bored. They should not be left home alone for long periods of time, or they’ll start destroying your stuff.
Are Skye Terriers Vocal?
Skye Terriers can be pretty vocal dogs, barking whenever they’re bored or want something. They may also howl along with sirens or other loud noises. If you’re looking for a quiet dog that won’t bother your neighbors, you may want to look at other breeds.
What Kind of Activities Do They Like?
Skye Terriers love to play and can be quite playful even as adults. They enjoy going for walks and playing fetch, and they may also like swimming. Still, their energy levels aren’t too high, so they may get tired after 30 minutes of exercise. For this reason, they’re a good choice for people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to walks and play sessions.
If you have a yard, your Skye Terrier will enjoy digging in it. You’ll need a fence that will keep them inside, or they may run after other dogs passing by your property. They may also kill squirrels and other small animals they encounter.
Are They a Healthy Breed? How Long Do They Live?
The Skye Terrier is one of the healthier dog breeds, and they can live 12-14 years in great condition. However, their characteristic build – a large body on small legs – means they can be prone to orthopedic problems such as degenerative disc disease.
Their growth plates may close incorrectly if they’re exercised too much as puppies, leading to limping and pain. To prevent that, don’t let your dog jump or climb stairs until they’re at least 8-10 months old.
Another thing to be aware of is that the leading cause of death in these dogs is mammary cancer, and some other concerns are:
- hemangiosarcomas (blood vessel tumors),
- autoimmune disease,
- hyperthyroidism.
If you’re interested in adding a Skye Terrier to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder that tests the parent dogs and puppies for the above conditions.
What Are the Grooming Needs of a Skye Terrier?
The Skye Terrier has a lot of hair and a thick undercoat, so you’ll need to be prepared for weekly brushing and combing. A soft or pin brush and a long-toothed comb are the recommended tools. Unlike other long-haired dog breeds, Skye Terriers don’t require any clipping – their coat is normally kept natural.
Trim your dog’s nails every month, clean their ears weekly of excess wax and debris, and bathe them once a month with a mind shampoo. Regular tooth brushing is recommended to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Where Can You Find a Skye Terrier Puppy?
Skye Terrier puppies are available from breeders and rescues. Be sure to do your research before you buy a puppy, as not all breeders are reputable, and puppies from shady sources may have health problems. The best place to look is the Skye Terrier Club of America – they have a list of breeders and a rescue.
If you’re interested in buying a puppy, you’ll need to pay $1,500 to $2,000. Adoption fees are lower, but since the breed is rare, you may need to wait longer before a dog is available.
What’s the History of the Skye Terrier Dog Breed?
The Skye Terrier was bred on the Isle of Skye in Scotland to hunt and kill badger, otter, and fox. It’s difficult to trace their exact history because the name referred to several breeds for some time. Queen Victoria made Skye Terriers popular in the 1840s, and she kept both prick-eared and floppy-eared ones.
Their popularity grew even more after they were featured in The Illustrated Book of the Dog by Vero Shaw in 1881. They were soon brought to the United States, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1887.
They’re versatile dogs that’s been used for many purposes over the years, including as a vermin hunter, herding dog, and pet. These days they’re appreciated as a friendly companion breed, but their numbers are very low – only 30 were reported to be born in the UK in 2005.
Is the Skye Terrier the Right Dog for You?
The Skye Terrier is a great dog for people who don’t have a lot of time to walk and play with their pet. They can be equally happy in apartments and bigger homes with fenced yards, as long as there isn’t too much noise going on. Since they’re so rare and distinctive-looking, they’re especially popular with people who are looking for a unique canine friend to show off.
Is the Skye Terrier Good for Novice Pet Parents?
Yes, the Skye Terrier is a good dog breed for novice pet parents. They’re easy to train and adapt well to apartment life, but remember that they need mental stimulation or else they can become bored and destructive.
Interesting Facts about Skye Terriers
If you’re looking for lesser-known facts about these rare terriers, we’ve left some bits of information for dessert.
- When Mary, Queen of Scots was being executed, her loyal Skye Terrier was present under her petticoat.
- They’re the most endangered of the Vulnerable Native Breeds in the UK, and it’s estimated that there are no more than 3,000 or 4,000 Skye Terriers in the world.
- The drop-eared variety was originally more popular as better suited for work. Later, Skye Terriers came to be mostly kept as show dogs and pets, and their prick-eared look started to be favored.
- One famous dog of this breed was named Greyfriars Bobby, and he lay on his dead owner’s (John Gray’s) grave for 14 years, only leaving when he needed to eat.
Have You Decided to Get One of These Rare Pups?
If you’ve read this far and are interested in owning a Skye Terrier, be sure to do your research before you buy. These dogs aren’t for everyone, as they can be shy around strangers and don’t like loud environments. But if you can provide them with a tranquil home and plenty of attention, they’ll make loyal and loving companions.
Have you ever seen or owned a Skye Terrier? Let us know in the comments!
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