Skye Terrier Dogs

Breed: Terriers

Height: 10 inches

Weight: Male: 35 - 40 pounds; Female: 25 - 30 pounds

Coat: Double Coat

 

The Skye Terrier is possibly the cutest and one of the oldest breeds of terriers that originated in Scotland almost 400 years ago. Supposedly bred as hunting dogs, today Skye Terrier popularity rests much as fun loving household pet. They are easy going, alert, cute and agile. Because of their adorable appearance and amiable disposition, Skye Terriers have been long favored as show dogs. They have gorgeous fur coats that add to their warm, cuddly appearance. The Skye Terrier can be said to be a working dog in a fashionable guise. It stands for elegance and agility. This terrier may look cute but beneath all that fur, is a daring huntsman with a strong temperament. It is extremely loyal, especially in one-to-one relationships. The Skye is sensitive and stubborn. It mixes well with older children, but does not like to be teased. To know more about this breed of terrier, read on.

 

The history of Skye Terrier stretches back to the seventeenth century, to the Isle of Skye, off the Scottish Coast. One of the oldest terrier breeds, the Skye Terrier was actually bred to hunt vermin and badgers, but later on became favorite as royal household pets. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of these breed of terriers. History unites the origin of Skye Terriers to a Spanish shipwreck. It is presumed that the Maltese dogs on the board were bred with local terriers that led to the origin of Skye Terriers. As an achondroplastic breed, that somewhat resembled a Welsh Corgi, some belief Skye Terrier to be the upshot of a crossing between the celtic terriers local to the area and the Swedish Vallhund of the Viking invaders. In 1864, the breed was shown for the first time in England. However, it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the year 1887 and the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

 

The Skye Terrier looks incredibly cute with its small size. However, the canine perfectly proves that looks are deceptive. Do not be deceived by the petite look for the breed, as they are in reality, far hardier and sturdier than their appearance. The have black nose, round brown eyes, erect or droopy ears, sharp teeth and are usually covered with hair. This double-coated breed of terriers usually has soft undercoat and dry hard overcoat. Their fur parts down the middle of their back and the dog is usually found in the colors of gray blue, black, silver, fawn, dove, or cream color. They have long hair on their head and forehead that acts as a shield for their eyes.

 

Energetic yet laid back, the Skye Terrier is a brave dog, known for its fierce loyalty and devotion. The dog is very friendly and gets along well with its masters as well as strangers. These zesty zippy dogs just love to be pampered and enjoy oodles of attention and heavy petting. Because of their amiable disposition, they constantly seek cheerful company. Skye Terriers can be very willful and officious at times, so it’s important to see that they get plenty of training and disciplined environment to flourish. Early socialization is recommended with this breed, as some can grow to be suspicious. A fairly small dog with plenty of character, the Skye Terrier is adaptable and independent. Although they are very lively, they hate to exercise much. They are fast and agile and love to hound after unwanted animals. They hate to be handled roughly. They love children and makes for wonderful house pets and perfect company for oldies. They are suspicious of strangers and thus make excellent watchdogs.

 

Since Skye Terriers are achondroplastic dog breed, meaning dogs with extremely short legs, they have certain vital health concerns. The most common disorder they usually face is Skye limp or Puppy limp that occurs due to premature closure of the distal radial growth plate. Other health concerns for these breed of terriers include degenerative disc disease, mammary cancer, hyperthyroidism and more.

 

Skye Terriers needs to be moderately groomed. These hairy dogs need to be combed fairly regularly and their coat needs to be trimmed every now and then. Skye Terrier is an average shedder and maybe a bad bet for anyone with allergies. These dogs need once in a week bath and it is important to keep their eyes and mouth clean to avoid infection.