Skye Terrier: origins, physical characteristics and personality

Featured Video Play Icon

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier was developed in the Isle of Skye in Scotland to hunt and kill badgers, otters, and foxes. Today, they make great companions but are seldom found.

Origins

The first time we hear a description of the Skye Terrier is in the 16th century. By then, it was already noticeable for its long hair. Tracing the history of the Skye Terrier is a difficult task since there was a time in which many similar breeds were named Skye Terrier.

Queen Victoria kept several Skye Terriers during a time in which the breed enjoyed great popularity. Today, the breed is the most vulnerable native dog breed to extinction in the UK, with projections stating that the breed might disappear completely within the next 40 years. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in  1887.

Do not miss our posts.

Skye Terrier: Origins, Physical Characteristics, and Personality

Physical characteristics

The Skye Terrier has a double coat, a dense inner coat, and a long outer coat. The ears are usually feathered and sometimes blending with the with silky sidelocks. Ideally, the height of a Terrier is 10 inches for a male and 9.5 inches for a female. They usually weigh around 20 to 45 pounds.

Personality

This loyal dog is brave and good-natured. He is an excellent dog as he has a hard time trusting strangers. This is a skilled little dog that makes for a versatile companion. The Skye Terrier considers himself part of the family and wants to spend time with them.  If he is left to his own devices, he will become bored and unhappy.

Caring for a Skye Terrier

The Skye is capable of adapting to any environment. He does enjoy a walk through the neighborhood. However, this dog should live indoors.

If you take him to the yard, make sure it has a fence. Remember this is a hunting dog that will chase anything that moves.

Taking care of a Skye puppy requires your full attention sometimes as they are quite high maintenance. You should not let a puppy go upstairs, jump over fences or other activity that puts unnecessary stress on his front legs.

Training

Use a firm hand and strong voice when training this breed. Train him with positive responses.

Here in Dogalize, we have everything you need to know about dogs and dog’s personality. We are a community of dedicated dog lovers like yourself.  Make yourself comfortable and walk to check what we have in store for you.