Skye Terrier

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
As needed
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Mrs Letisha Pelchen (SkyesDLimit)

letishapelchen@gmail.com
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History

The Skye Terrier originated approximately four centuries ago on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was bred by farmers as a hardy Terrier, with immense courage and loyalty. The Skye Terrier would follow the scent of vermin, such as fox and badger. An agile worker in rocks, the breed’s keen sense of smell and flexible body helped it to locate vermin underground as well. The Skye Terrier’s short, sturdy legs were well suited for digging, and the double coat protected it from the wet weather.

Appearance

A stylish and elegant dog, best described as long, low and level, the Skye Terrier is a strong dog with a profuse coat that falls straight down to the ground.

It is 25cm tall and approx 1.4m long, from nose to end of tail, and weighs approximately 12-15kg. The breed can have either drop or prick ears. Originally, the drop-eared variety was favoured for farm work, but later, in the nineteenth century, the erect-eared variety became more popular as a pet and show dog, partly as a result of Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed. The erect ear is large, with beautiful black feathering that frames the face. The Skye Terrier is bred in a range of colours including cream, silver, grey and black. The ears and nose on all colours must be black.

Temperament

The breed is affectionate and willing to please, and has the temperament of a typical working Terrier; it is fearless and very loyal to its master. It is a ‘one man’ dog and can be distrustful of strangers, but never vicious. The breed enjoys being part of the family. The Skye Terrier excels at many different disciplines including, but not limited to, Obedience, jumping, Agility and showing. It enjoys learning new things and is keen to make things a game.

Health

The Skye Terrier is a reasonably hardy Terrier, with a lifespan usually in excess of 10 years. There are some health issues that can affect the breed including early closure of growth plates in the front legs, and Renal Dysplasia has been noted in the breed, although not in large numbers. Screening programs are currently being developed to eradicate this.

Maintenance

Regular grooming for the Skye Terrier in full coat requires a good brush through a couple of times a week. Always pay attention to behind the ears and the legs, as the coat can become knotted in these areas. Bathing and nail clipping should be undertaken regularly, and ears cleaned and checked. The hair under the pads can be trimmed as required. The breed will usually shed the softer undercoat once or twice per year.

Suitability

The Skye Terrier is a multipurpose Terrier, with an inquisitive nature. The breed makes a loyal family dog that requires a reasonable amount of exercise per day. It does enjoy being part of the family and doesn’t like being left out of activities. The breed can benefit from basic Obedience training as it is a strong dog. The Skye Terrier is a wonderful companion and usually gets along well with other dogs.

Words: Sandy Wesselink

Image: Shutterstock.com

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Skye Terrier, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Skye Terrier and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Long, low, with coat of good length, twice as long as high. Moves with seemingly effortless gait. Strong in quarters, body and jaw.

Characteristics

Elegant and dignified.

Temperament

A 'one-man' dog, distrustful of strangers, never vicious.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Long and powerful, strength not sacrificed for extreme length. Moderate width at back of skull, tapering gradually with slight stop to strong muzzle. Nose black.
Eyes	Brown, preferably dark brown, medium in size, close set and full of expression.
Ears	Prick or drop. When prick, gracefully feathered, not large, erect at outer edges and slanting towards each other at inner edge, from peak to skull. When drop, larger, hanging straight, lying flat and close at front.
Mouth	Jaws strong and level with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Long and slightly crested.
Forequarters	Shoulders broad, close to body, chest deep, legs short and muscular.
Body	Long and low, back level. Ribcage oval, deep and long. Short loin. Sides appear flattish due to straight falling coat.
Hindquarters	Strong, full, well developed and well angulated. Legs short, muscular and straight when viewed from behind. No dew claws.
Feet	Forefeet larger than hind, pointing truly forward. Pads thick, nails strong.
Tail	When hanging, upper part pendulous and lower half thrown back in a curve. When raised, a prolongation of incline of back, not rising higher nor curling up. Gracefully feathered.
Gait/Movement	Legs proceed straight forward when travelling. When approaching, forelegs form a continuation of straight line of front, feet being same distance apart as elbows. Principal propelling power is furnished by hind legs which travel straight forward. Forelegs moving well forward, without too much lift. Whole movement termed free, active and effortless and gives a more or less fluid picture.
Coat	Double. Undercoat short, close, soft and woolly. Outer coat reasonable length, hard, straight, flat and free from curl, never impeding action. Hair on head shorter, softer, veiling forehead and eyes, but not obscuring vision. Mingling with side locks, surrounding ears like a fringe and allowing their shape to appear.
Colour	Black, dark or light grey, fawn, cream, all with black points. Any self colour allowing shading of same colour and lighter undercoat, so long as nose and ears are black. A small white spot on chest permissible.
Size	Height: Dogs 25-26 cms (10 ins)Length from tip of nose to tip of tail 105 cms (41.5 ins). Bitches slightly smaller in same proportions.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.