
Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is a long-bodied, low to the ground dog of robust build and a long, hard, straight coat. Ears may be pricked or dropped.






Skye Terriers have long backs and short legs, making them prone to spinal disorders;
- Intervertebral disc disease: a condition where there is abnormality in the discs which act to cushion the bones in the spine. The discs can dislodge or burst, which puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord leading to back pain and weakness or paralysis of the limbs.
- Angular limb deformities: caused by asynchronous growth of a pair of bones, which appear bowed or rotated and may result in pain and lameness.
They can also suffer from:
- Patellar luxation
- Elbow dysplasia¹ which is where the elbow joint does not develop normally which can lead to joint damage and pain
- Copper associated chronic hepatitis² which is a progressive inflammatory disease of the liver that is caused or worsened by high levels of copper
- Ectopic ureters³ which is where the ureters (the tubes that a dog's urine passes through) do not enter the bladder in the correct position which causes incontinence.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹A. K. Lappalainen et al, 'Radiographic evaluation of elbow incongruity in Skye terriers', 2016, Journal of Small ²G. Hoffmann et al, 'Animal Practice Copper‐associated chronic hepatitis in Labrador Retrievers', 2006, Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine
³L. K. Ho et al, 'Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Managed Ectopic Ureters in 33 Dogs', 2011, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
Devoted to their owners, the Skye Terrier is typically a one-person dog. Strong willed and determined, they can be suspicious of strangers but are devoted to their owner and should be good tempered and cheerful, lively and with a sense of fun.