History , Care Tips , and Helpful entropy for Pet Owners

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The Skye Terrier is a intermediate - sized terrier strain from Scotland with either good or drop ears , short leg , a long body , facial hair , and plenty of pelt in itslong double coat . There ’s something purple about these dogs , and it ’s not just that they were the preferred breed of Mary Queen of Scots . These distinctive - looking canines are dulcet but especial , and they have proud personalities indicative of their aristocratic scope . Small , elegant , and featuring foresighted bangs that feather off their ears for a perpetually well - coiffed look , Skye Terriers are unique dogs with a rich story — and they have plentifulness to propose the right possessor .

A Skye Terrier laying on the grass

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Breed Overview

chemical group : Terrier

Height:10 inch ( males ) ; 9.5 inches ( females )

Weight:35 to 45 pound

Illustration of Skye Terrier from William Jardine’s “The Naturalist’s Library”.

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Coat : treble coat with a delicate undercoat and a long , consecutive , hard outercoat

Coat Color : Black , puritanic , cream , fawn , grey-haired , silver , or platinum

biography Span:12 to 14 age

Border collie standing on hill

Temperament : Friendly , loyal , intelligent , even - tempered , brave

Hypoallergenic : No

Origin : Scotland

Light gray Skye Terrier outside on grass.

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Characteristics of the Skye Terrier

While the Skye Terrier is firm andaffectionate with its family , this breed is know for being standoffish toward those outside its close Mexican valium . However , that should n’t be confused for shyness — Skye Terriers are confident in themselves and tend to have a somewhat self - involve disposition . Like other terrier , these dogs are also independent and probable to follow their own desire . They often have dominant personalities , so although they can get along with other dogs when raised together , they typically favour life in undivided - dog menage . The Skye Terrier ’s stubborn habits intend that it is n’t suitable for everyone , but for the right-hand owner , this unique and beloved strain will become a devoted family appendage .

History of the Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers were first discovered on the Isle of Skye in Scotland , hence their name . Skye , located in Scotland ’s northern - most Inner Hebrides island , is home to rugged landscape where other Skye Terriers were appreciate for their abilities to aid sodbuster in protecting their livestock from local menaces like badger and otters . Reports of Skye Terriers go back many 100 , including a mention in the sixteenth - century bookOf English Doggesby Johannes Caius .

In accession to their reputation as athletic hunter of local predators — a vernacular trait among their terrier peers — Skye Terriers were also prized in more gentle circle . The stock was incredibly popular among the elites of Victorian England , keep company not only with Mary Queen of Scots but Queen Victoria herself .

Unlike many other alien - born breeds , Skye Terriers actually have a rather farsighted account in the United States . The strain was first recognise by the American Kennel Club as early as 1887 , due in part to their comprehension in the bookThe Illustrated Book of the Dogby Vero Shaw , which piqued interest across the ball in these singular dogs . However , their popularity has n’t quite been sustained , and today , they ’re a lesser - known andrare breed . Still , these dignified click have maintained their regal air , and Skye Terriers can still be determine occasionally in the competition circuit .

Black Skye Terrier outside smiling at camera.

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Sky Terrier Care

The Skye Terrier is relatively low - maintenance when it come to exercising , but their independent nature and recollective hair mean that they require pregnant training and groom tending . Owners should prepare for ongoing lesson in obedience and veritable brush to keep their coats in good shape .

Exercise

For all their athleticism , Skye Terriers in reality havelow get-up-and-go levelsand do not demand any sorting of vigorous workout to rest salubrious . One or two short walks a day will broadly speaking serve ( about 30 minute of arc full ) , provided they ’re coupled with additional one - on - one playtime sessions with their mankind . Skye Terriers do enjoy playing , and some of them also surpass at weenie sport like agility . Like other terrier , they’reprone to digging , so it ’s also helpful for owners to provide a sandpit in the grand to let these dogs abide dynamic while take after their instinct .

Grooming

As for grooming , that luxuriousfeathered coatdoes require a fair great deal of upkeep . This include regular brushings and combing to prevent tangles and mat , which should be combed out with detangling nebulizer very delicately should they appear . Owners should also project to maintain general grooming drill like unconstipated tooth brushing , nail trims , and ear cleaning .

Take surplus care with keeping a Skye Terrier ’s ears unclouded in accord with your veterinarian ’s recommendations , as having so much fur foregather around the ears makes this breed more prostrate to ear wax buildup and infections . Baths should be dedicate on a even schedule ( about once a calendar month ; less in the wintertime ) , but be careful not to call off too firmly since this may induce mats to develop in the fur .

Training

In price of training , Skye Terriers have a scrap of a stubborn streak — perhaps an offshoot of their regal past combined with their terrier trait . They ’re good - natured but strong - willed , and while they can be taught appropriate behavior withpositive training techniques , they wo n’t always take to more intensive training ( though it ’s always worth a try ) . Basic lesson should begin ahead of time when puppies are about eight weeks old . Always stick to cocksure reinforcement when training . These reserved wiener do n’t respond well to harsh parole or organic structure language , nor is minus strengthener a right or effective way to train any dog .

Common Health Problems

Skye Terriers are by and large sizeable dogs . That said , their stature — stocky and muscular with short legs — does make them prone to orthopedic problem . They are also at risk to develop certain malignant neoplastic disease , though this does not affect every wiener in the breed .

The stick to are conditions for Skye Terrier owner to be aware of :

Diet and Nutrition

The nutritionary want of Skye Terriers are the same as they are for most dogs , with this strain doing best on a high - quality diet with plenty of protein . Accommodate certain dietetical needs if necessary , such as if your Skye Terrier is a pup or senior or if it develops nutrient allergies . Feel loose to give your terrier plenty of healthy treats ( remember , they react well to overconfident reenforcement ! ) , and speak to your veterinarian if you acknowledge that your dog isgaining too much free weight . Your veterinary can aid you determine a healthy meal and portion design based on your specific Canis familiaris ’s years , weight , and body process grade .

Where to Adopt or Buy a Skye Terrier

While Skye Terriers are a very rare dog breed , it ’s still possible to adopt one of these dog in penury of a forever house . Breed - specific deliverance exist to facilitate Skye Terriers receive families . If you ’re ineffective to rescue this stock in your area , your local shelter may also usher in you to similar terriers that can become your next better friend .

If you plan to adopt a Skye Terrier as a puppy , it ’s essential to do your research . Work with aresponsible breederwho takes excellent care of their weenie and provide you with the litter ’s medical account . These puppies typically cost between $ 1,500 and $ 2,000 , though cost may vary based on pedigree and availability .

To start your search , stop out these resources for the home breed ball club , rescues , and the AKC :

Skye Terrier sitting in field looking to the left.

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Skye Terrier Overview

outstanding for flat live

Unique personality and appearance

Excellent companion for the right-hand owner

West Highland White Terrier

Not fond of African tea , other dogs , or small children

Tendency to skin and dig

Can be refractory and balk training

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you get it on the Skye Terrier , you may also wish these standardized stock :

There are mess of differentdog breedsthat can become your next best champion . With a small research , you may find the perfect match to work home !

Skye Terriers are very tender with their close family members , but they are also known for being remote around unknown and can be rife toward other brute ( even whenproperly socialised ) . For the right owner , the Skye Terrier is an exceptionally devoted companion .

Like many terrier breed , Skye Terriers are know for being vocal . There are several style to discourageexcessive barking , but proprietor of this strain should prepare for a loud detent as it can be immune to preparation .

Skye Terriers shed less than many other retentive - hirsute breeds , but they still leave behind moderate amounts of fur around the house . Owners should keep up with regular brush to helpmanage trouble shedding .

Ear Infections In Dogs ( Otitis Externa).VCA infirmary

Behavior Modification in Dogs . Merck Veterinary Manual

Skye Terrier Breed Information . American Kennel Club .