Family-friendly:4/5Exercise needs:3/5Easy to train:2/5Tolerates being alone:2/5Likes other pets:2/5Energy level:3/5Grooming needs:3/5Shedding:3/5

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.

Dark grey Sky Terrier sitting on the green grass

Lifespan

12 – 15 years

Weight

16 – 18kg

Height

25 – 26cm

Colours

The coat comes in black, dark or light grey, fawn, cream, all with black points.
A small white spot on the chest is occasionally seen

Size

Medium

UK Kennel Club Groups

Terrier

The need-to-know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Enjoys one to two hours of walking a day

Medium dog
Some drool
Requires grooming daily
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual

Might not like other dogs
May need additional training to live with other pets
May need additional supervision to live with children
Needs a large garden
Can live in semi-rural areas

Can be left occasionally with training

Generally healthy breed

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

Previous Next

1 of 1

Personality

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.

History and Origins

Originating in the rugged Western Isles off Northern Scotland, the Skye Terrier takes its name from the Isle of Skye, where their tough, tenacious nature and short legs allowed them to go to ground after their quarry.

Once Queen Victoria acquired a Skye Terrier in 1842 however, this breed’s popularity as a show-dog and companion increased dramatically, and as a result the breed was altered physically. They became longer, heavier and a more profuse coat was encouraged, but the terrier characteristics, a ‘never say die’ attitude and a strong belief that they are far bigger than reality remains to this day.

Vet Rating

Family-friendly:	4/5
Exercise needs:	3/5
Easy to train:	2/5
Tolerates being alone:	2/5
Likes other pets:	2/5
Energy level:	3/5
Grooming needs:	3/5
Shedding:	3/5

Ideal Owner

For those with terrier experience who like their dogs a little on the unusual side, the Skye Terrier is clearly a contender. Grooming and training skills are vital to keep this long-haired low-rider clean and well mannered, plus the sense of humour needed by all owners of the more unusual breeds, you’ll be stopped and quizzed wherever you go! Skyes need plenty of walks and careful socialisation, but be prepared to manage them carefully all their lives, as they don’t naturally adore other dogs.

Exercise Needs

About an hour per day in exercise should keep the Skye Terrier happy. They are however quite inclined towards laziness as long as they’ve had a walk, an opportunity to sniff and some training and games to exercise their mind as well as their body.

Space Requirements

Although on paper this appears a small dog, due to their length, weight and amount of coat, they would be better with more space and limited stairs. Room for grooming and dealing with a wet dog after walks or baths is important, and a secure garden with a fence that cannot be squeezed through or dug under essential.

The Skye Terrier can live anywhere within reason, however they are a vocal breed inclined to guarding and alerting to sounds, so inner-city living may prove too stressful for both the dog and your neighbours.

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Grooming Skye Terrier

The double coat consists of a short, soft undercoat and a hard, straight topcoat that should be long without affecting the dog's movement. Grooming the coat two or three times a week will prevent tangles and mats from forming. Do check the coat particularly around ears and paws after walks, as it can collect an impressive quantity of debris!

Training Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is more than capable of achieving a good basic level of training, if you understand how to motivate and engage them, however this isn’t a dog who demands hours of mental stimulation.

Positive reinforcement training using food and toys will get the best out of this dog. Focus on a good recall and socialisation around children, other pets and livestock. This is a heavily coated breed and so early work on teaching a Skye Terrier to stand for grooming, bathing and drying is essential.

Best Family Dog Breeds

With training and sensible older children, the Skye Terrier makes a good family pet, as long as everyone understands a terrier’s nature. Not ideal with smaller children due to the Skye Terriers long back and short legs which put them at higher risk of injury should a child trip or accidentally fall on the dog.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Previous Next

1 of 1

Did You Know?

Most people have heard of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier famous for his dedication to his owner, so much so that he sat at his owners grave-side in Greyfriars Churchyard for 14 years until he died of old age.
Most people don’t know that the character ‘Dougal’ from the 1960’s children’s television show ‘The Magic Roundabout’ was (probably) a drop-eared Skye Terrier.
Sir Edwin Landseer (a painter and sculptor best known for the lion sculptures in Trafalgar Square) created a great many paintings of Skye Terriers and his work helped to popularise the breed during the Victorian era.
Skye Terriers were incredibly popular with the aristocracy in Victorian England and apparently duchesses would be ashamed to be seen walking without one in the park.
It’s thought that Mary, Queen of Scots had a Skye Terrier (though some believe it was a Maltese) and when she was beheaded, her loyal dog hid beneath her petticoat.