Skye terrier are large - bodied , stumpy - legged andiron renowned for their enduring loyalty . This rare strain is soundly - tempered , well - suited for apartment livelihood , and does n’t call for as much recitation as other terriers .
The Skye terrier has quite the rags to riches story . These work Canis familiaris were spawn by farmers on Scotland ’s Isle of Skye to run hideaway dwellers like foxes and badgers that personate threats to crop . Before long , though , these terriers became a purple favorite in England and Scotland — so much so that it was say " a duchess would almost be ashamed to be see in the park unaccompanied by her long - coated Skye , " according to theSkye Terrier Club of America(STCA ) .
Today , thisrare breedremains one that ’s defined by juxtapositions . She ’s elegant and graceful , yet tenacious and fearless .
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The Skye terrier — a classifiable breed with a profuse and glamorous coat and a low - to - the - ground body — makes for aloyal and doting petand could be a ripe match forfirst - prison term favorite parents . Thesemedium - sized dogstend to be a bit calm than their terrier peers and can also make gravid companions for families with older children and senior . They have temperate physical exercise need , and , while their coats look super spiffy , they surprisingly do n’t demand anextensive grooming routine . But these hound are intensely loyal , so they ’ll do well in a plate that can give them lot of attention .
Appearance
Skye terriers are deliberate to be achondroplastic breed , which is a fancy way to say " heavy body , small legs . " In fact , the low - to - the - background and sturdy Skye terrier is doubly as long as she is tall . These muscular andiron are only about 9–10 inch in height but librate around 35 pounds .
The Skye terrier ’s elegant , draped coat is another clear-cut gadget characteristic . The click ’s underseal is short , balmy , and woolly , but her profuse overcoat settle direct down on both sides . Coat colors let in black , drab , dark or light grey , silver platinum , fawn , or ointment . While the long lock chamber may bet like they require a lot of upkeep , grooming is quite unproblematic — Skye terriers just needa good hebdomadal brushto keep their pelage snarl - free .
Skye terrier are also bed for their with child , feathery ear that can either stand up or dwell unconditional . ( If you hear the expression " drop - eared Skye terrier , " it think of they have ear that attend down from the psyche instead of being upright at their base ) . Skye terrier also have brown , stuffy - set center that beam with spirit andintelligence . And , like their ears , their tails are feathered , too .
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Temperament
Skye terriers are known to be brave , a trait linked back to their lick day . But the Skye terrier personality is also good - tempered , patriotic , and canny , grant to the STCA . This is a strain that ’s friendly with her crime syndicate but can be more reserved and conservative around stranger .
" They are be intimate to be loving and odorous dogs , with a tendency to be hard - willed , " say Brian Evans , DVM , clinical director ofDutch .
The Skye is passing chic and calmer than many terriers . Like all breed , Skye terrier puppies needpositive strengthener trainingthat ’s done systematically so they can become polite dog .
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" The Skye terrier is agood syndicate petbut canbe known to barkand be wary of stranger , sogood socialisation is needed earlyon in life history , " articulate Corinne Wigfall , DVM , BVS , BVM , consult vet withSpiritDog Training .
One affair to cognise about Skye terriers : They perfectly adore their humans . They ’re lovesome and will lief cuddle all nighttime , but they ’ll also like toaccompany you on walksand playful runaway in the yard during the mean solar day .
Living Needs
Due to their low size and moderate energy point , Skye terriers can makegreat apartment hotdog , Evans say . They do need daily exercising , so plan on give them 30 minutes to an hour of playtime orwalks every day , he suggests . In general , though , the STCA says " a Skye will ordinarily be happy with whatever exercise his owner can handle , " so these cad could be up for longer walks and extra play sessions . But jazz that shecan be a digger , so keep an eye on her when she ’s out in the yard .
While the Skye terrier can do well with other dogs in the household , they might not be a good fit for homes that have small pets .
" Skye terrier will have their eye on smaller beast , so be careful experience them around pocket-sized pet like hamster or gerbil , as they will view them as fair game , " Evans says .
Also , because these whelp have it away their peoplesomuch , they wo n’t want to be left home alone for too long .
At home , they ’ll belike occupy a watchful role , aver Julie Burgess , CPDT - KA , withSenior Tail Waggers . " They ’re always on guard duty towards strangers and unfamiliar noises , " she articulate .
Care
While the Skye terrier ’s long locks look like she ’s unmanageable to maintain , grooming is n’t anything to accentuate over . This breed requires a simple weekly brushing , and the STCA recommends using long - toothed comb and trap brushes with long pin when brushing the Skye ’s coat .
bathtub should be givenonce a month or so , but be deliberate not to scrub the dog ’s coat because it can cause her hair to matt . rather , to help your Skye maintain her hefty pelage , try out squeezing or pulling the shampoo through her hair , the STCA notify . you’re able to also adulterate the shampoo so it mould through the pelage easy .
Other grooming ritual includetrimming her nailsevery couple of weeks andcleaning your cad ’s earson a weekly basis to help prevent any ear infection . A goodteeth - brush routineis also a must .
When it add up totraining , Skyes do have a bit of a wilful streak that ’s common among terriers . However , these are sound dogs who are eager to please their homo , so using confident reinforcement ( and have hatful of solitaire ! ) is key to succeeder . While the Skye can be reserved by nature , preparation and socializing her at an early years will help her develop into a well - mannered dog that gets along with humans and other best-loved pals .
Health
Skye terrier are agenerally healthy breedwith lifespans that cooking stove between 12–14 years . However , they are prone to some wellness conditions , including ear contagion , Wigfall says . This is why it ’s crucial to check their ears at least once a week and last out on top of regular cleanings .
Skyes can also be susceptible toskin allergies . Wigfall suggest learn the dog ’s skin , including her belly and between her toe , for signs of rubor , scabs , hair expiration , or discharge .
Because of their build ( long bodies that are crushed to the ground ) , Skye terriers can also be prone to disk injuries . It ’s important that owners do n’t admit their Skye terrier puppies to exert too before the growth plates in their short legs have closed , fit in to the STCA . Also , Skye terrier pup should n’t be allow to go up and down the stair too much or jump up on hard surfaces .
Skye terrier owners should also be on the lookout man for any potentialsigns of Crab , include mammary Crab and hemangiosarcoma , a fairly common eye tooth Cancer the Crab that can affect the tenderness .
History
Skye terriers were breed during the 1600s on Scotland ’s removed northwest Isle of Skye , where they worked as huntsman . These brave cad navigated dens and burrows on their hunting expeditions , taking down badgers , foxes , and otters .
But these working farm dog with long , fancy coats eventually caught the attention of British noble , according to the STCA , and they became royal pets . The breed gained notoriety in the mid-19th one C as Queen Victoria keep a Skye terrier and began breeding the dogs in her royal dog house . The breed zoom in popularity , though Skye terrier are less coarse today .
The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Skye terrier in 1887 . While she is a rare breed in the United States , the Skye remain more popular across the pond in England and Scotland .
