Country of OriginScotland
Nicknames and Other NamesNone
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupTerrier Group
Bred ForHunting vermin, fox, badger, otter
SizeSmall-sized
Recognized ByFCI, UKC, AKC, NZKC, CKC, KC, ANKC
Life Span12-14 years
Ideal WeightMale: 35-45 pounds
Female: slighter lighter
Ideal HeightMale: 10 inches
Female: 9.5 inches
Fur TypeDouble coat, soft and wooly undercoat,
hard, straight, flat outercoat
Common ColorsBlack, Fawn, Cream, Blue,
Platinum, Gray, Blue
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsStatue in Edinburgh in an honor
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToCesky Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that is a very active and agile chaser. They are also known as the Isle of Skye Terrier. It is also known to be a very courageous and fearless dog that is given a tag of ” The heart of a lion”.

The Skye Terrier is longer than it is tall with a slightly long and powerful head. The eyes are medium-sized, closely set and brown or dark brown in color. The ears are feathery and either pricked or dropped. They are suitable in an apartment with the company of its family members.

Origin and History

The Skye Terrier was originated in the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides, centuries ago. They were originally bred as a small game hunting dog that hunts vermin, fox, badger, and otter. This breed has not changed much during centuries. The popularity of the Skye Terrier came to a peak in the 19th century, when Queen Victoria promoted this breed.

The American Kennel Club accepted Skye Terrier in 1887, as a member of the Terrier Group.

Is Skye Terrier Child-Friendly?

The Skye gets well with children and can become a great companion for them. They are loving of kids and enjoy their company. However, young children are not suitable for them if not raised together. Older children, who know how to behave around dogs can get along with them well. Their interaction with children should always be supervised.

Skye Terrier is child friendly
Picture of Skye Terrier with Children.
Image Source: Instagram-@harsvar18

Temperament, Behavior, Personality

Temperament: The Skye Terrier is of good-tempered dog that is friendly, affectionate, and loving towards its family. They are wary of strangers and tend to bark at them if they see someone approaching. Therefore, they make a good watchdog.

Behavior: The Skye Terrier thrives for the company and attention of its people. If they do not the attention of its people, they will bark and pull their attention towards them. They also get separation anxiety if they are left alone for a long period of time without any interaction with a human being.

Personality: The personality of the Skye Terrier is lively and energetic. They are very active but also want to cuddle and sit on their owner’s lap. It is a very courageous dog that can face any dangerous animals without any fear and willing to protect its family from any kind of danger.

Trainability

Training Skye Terrier is not for a novice dog owner who cannot handle its energy and intelligence. They need a firm leader who can train them with confident and consistent.

Use positive methods of training, where delicious treats and a lot of praises include. It will keep them interested and focused on the training. Do not use harsh voice and force hands on them as they might get scared and lose interest. Therefore, be gentle and gain their trust and respect.

Facts

  • This breed was famous among Kings and Queens of England.
  • It ranks 178 0f 193 registered breed in American Kennel Club as of April 2019.
  • A Skye Terrier named Bobby stayed near its master’s grave for 14 years in the cemetery at Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirk.
Skye Terrier named Bobby Statue
Skye Terrier named Bobby Statue.
Image Source: Instagram-@beingscottish

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesAchondroplasia, Patellar Luxation, Cataracts
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Coronavirus,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza,
Leptospirosis,
Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough
SheddingNone to Minimal
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 18%
Fat: 5%
Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids
Glucosamine
Probiotics
Antioxidant

Skye Terrier is a very healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. The only possible health condition they might have is an orthopedic problem. It causes a body that is larger than the legs which affect the bones, joints or muscles.

The symptoms that can be seen are lameness, loss in appetite, stiffness, irritability, abnormal gait and so on. It can be controlled with proper diet and regular moderate exercise.

Colors

The Skye Terrie comes in the following color:

  • Black
  • Fawn
  • Cream
  • Fawn Gray
  • Platinum
  • Silver

Puppies

Cost: The average cost of the Skye Terrier puppy is between $700-$900. However, adoption cost lot less which is around $300 that includes the expenses of taking care of the puppy before adoption.

Height and Size: The average height of the male Skye Terrier is 10 inches and female is 9.5. Whereas, the average weight of the Skye Terrier is 35-35 pounds.

Similar Dog Breeds to Skye Terrier

West Highland White Terrier which is similar to Skye Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Scottish Terrier which is similar to Skye Terrier

Scottish Terrier

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