Skye Terrier

also known as the Fancy Skye Terrier, Silky Skye Terrier, Glasgow Terrier, Paisley Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier, Isle of Skye Terrier

Pros History


The Skye Terrier, also known as the "little lion" of the dog world, is a small but mighty breed with a rich and colorful history that dates back centuries. This ancient breed hails from the Isle of Skye, located off the west coast of Scotland, and has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including hunting, herding, and as a companion dog.

The breed's name, "Skye Terrier," is derived from its origins on the Isle of Skye, where it has been present for centuries. The breed is believed to have been developed by the ancient Celts, who brought their hunting and herding dogs with them as they migrated across Europe. The Celts valued their hunting and herding dogs for their courage, determination, and loyalty, and this is exactly what the Skye Terrier brought to the table.

The breed's unique and distinctive appearance has been the result of selective breeding for hunting ability, endurance, and adaptability to the harsh Scottish weather conditions. The breed's long, flowing coat and distinctive 'bangs' give them a unique and striking appearance that has caught the attention of many throughout history.

In the 19th century, the Skye Terrier was one of the most popular terrier breeds and was also kept as a pet by the nobility due to its loyalty and affectionate nature. Queen Victoria, who was known for her love of dogs, was particularly fond of the breed and helped to popularize it among the elite class. Her ownership of the Skye Terrier heightened the public's infatuation with the breed, and its popularity rose.

Despite its popularity, the Skye Terrier's primary purpose was and still is as a working dog. Its keen sense of smell and dense coat made it an excellent hunter and it was used to hunt small game such as foxes and badgers. They were also good at ratting and their small size and short, dense coat make them well suited to working in tight spaces and underground burrows.

The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club in Great Britain in 1887, and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887. The breed's popularity as a companion dog and a working dog has risen in recent years.

Breed Information


Type

Is Skye Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Skye Terrier name? How do you say Skye Terriers?

sky TAIR-ee-uhr

Purpose

What were Skye Terriers originally used for?

fox and otter hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Skye Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Skye Terrier? How long can Skye Terriers live?

12-14 years

The average Skye Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Skye Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Skye Terrier?

What is the average height of a Skye Terrier? How big is a Purebred Skye Terrier height? Skye Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-11 inches (22.9 - 27.9 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm)
Female 8-10 inches (20.3 - 25.4 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Skye Terrier? How much should Skye Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 35-45 pounds (16 - 20 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg)
Female 25-35 pounds (11 - 16 kg) 15.0 pounds (7 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Skye Terriers get fat easily?

The Skye Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Skye Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Skye Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Skye Terrier personality? What are Skye Terrier dogs best known for?

Loyal
Friendly
Good-natured
Tempered
Fearless
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Skye Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Skye Terrier Shed?

Skye Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Skye Terrier dog?

The Skye Terrier dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Skye Terriers come from?

Scotland

Ancestry

What are Skye Terriers descended from?

terrier

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Skye Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were Skye Terriers first bred? How old is the Skye Terrier breed?

1500s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Skye Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1887 & UKC)

Skye Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Skye Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Skye Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Skye Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Cream
Fawn
Blue
Silver
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Skye Terriers coat?

The coat of a Skye Terrier dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Skye Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Skye Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Skye Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Skye Terrier have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Skye Terrier can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Skye Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Skye Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Skye Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Skye Terrier breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Skye Terrier?

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Hepatitis
Occipital Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Skye Terriers?

Lens Luxation
Tracheal Collapse
Atopic Dermatitis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Skye Terrier breed?

Eye
Blood Test
Skeletal
Skin Scraping
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Skye Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Skye Terriers have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Skye Terriers may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Skye Terriers need socialization? How social are Skye Terriers?

Skye Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Skye Terriers get?

The Skye Terrier dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Skye Terrier have? Do Skye Terriers sleep a lot?

The Skye Terrier breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Skye Terrier drool a lot?

The Skye Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Skye Terrier dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Skye Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Skye Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Skye Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Skye Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Skye Terrier? How much energy does a Skye Terrier have?

Medium

Skye Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Skye Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Skye Terrier walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Skye Terrier, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Skye Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Skye Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most Skye Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Skye Terrier?

The Skye Terrier is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Skye Terrier?

Weekly

Skye Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Skye Terriers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Skye Terrier eat?

1 cups

For an average 35-45 pound (16 - 20 kg) Skye Terrier feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Skye Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.80 / day

The average cost of a Skye Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Skye Terrier Cost Per Month?

$42 - $53 / month

The average per month expenses of a Skye Terrier is between $42 - $53. This makes an average of $504 - $636 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Skye Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Skye Terrier?

The Skye Terrier have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Skye Terriers lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Skye Terrier dog?

Skye Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Skye Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Skye Terrier do well in apartments? Are Skye Terriers good indoor dogs?

Skye Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Skye Terriers good with kids? Are Skye Terriers good around children?

Skye Terriers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Skye Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Skye Terriers good with cats? How friendly Skye Terriers are toward cats?

Skye Terriers are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Skye Terriers can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Skye Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Skye Terriers OK with other dogs?

Skye Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Skye Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Skye Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Skye Terriers friendly with strangers?

Skye Terriers are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Skye Terriers are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Skye Terriers will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Skye Terriers like to play? Are Skye Terriers playful?

Skye Terriers have an average level of playfulness. The Skye Terriers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Skye Terrier easily trained?

Skye Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate
    These dogs are known to be affectionate with their owners and make great companions.
  • Quiet
    If you're in search of a quiet breed, this one may be a suitable option as they are known for being quiet.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Skye Terrier make great apartment pets.
  • Loyal
    They are very loyal to their owners.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Skye Terriers are not suited to the office environment
  • Not cat-friendly
    Cats and Skye Terriers are not a good mix.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Skye Terriers may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Grooming
    Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.