Skye Terrier

The origins of the Skye Terrier can be difficult to trace because of varying stories. One belief is that it is an ancient breed having been around more than four centuries ago on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Another story states that the breed came from the Maltese dogs that survived a Spanish ship that sank along the coast of the Isle of Skye. Also known as the Fancy Skye Terrier, the Clydesdale Terrier and the Silky Skye Terrier, it became a prized badger, fox and otter hunter. Queen Victoria fell in love with the Skye Terrier and bred it in her kennel for several years, making the breed very popular during her reign.

Today’s Skye Terriers have remained quite unchanged in terms of their physical appearance. The breed was recognised by The Kennel Club under the Terrier group in 1993. However, its numbers remain low and the Skye Terrier is included on the list of vulnerable native breeds in the UK.

The Skye Terrier is an elegant and dignified dog breed that is small yet hardy. Weighing 18 to 23 pounds and standing 23 to 25 centimetres, it is low on the ground and is twice as long as it is tall. Underneath its charming flowing coat is a powerful long head with a slight stop, a strong muzzle, a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite, a black nose, and dark brown medium eyes with a curious and intelligent expression. Its ears can either be pricked or dropped. It also has a long, slightly crested neck, broad shoulders, a deep chest, and a level back.

What makes the Skye Terrier more beautiful is its double coat comprising of a moderately long, straight, flat, and harsh outer coat, and a short, soft, woolly and close-lying undercoat. The hair on its head is shorter and softer with bangs veiling the forehead and eyes. It sports a fringe on the side as well as a beard and longer hair on its chest fondly referred as an apron. The accepted colours are solid black, along with grey, fawn and cream with black points.

The Skye Terrier is a loyal, charismatic and affectionate dog to its owners. Although it gets along with everyone in the household, it tends to build the strongest bond with one person, usually to the person that takes care of it. Because of its adorable appearance, people are usually tempted to hold it and shower it with affection but it is actually not a friendly dog toward strangers. It can be aloof and would prefer to get to know people from afar before warming up to them. This characteristic makes it a good watchdog.

When it comes to children, it is not a big fan of younger ones and is better off to a family with more mature kids that know how to handle dogs. Regardless, parents must always supervise interactions and teach their children to treat all dogs with kindness. It usually gets along with other dogs as well as cats it grows up with but this does not apply to other people’s pets. Because of its high prey drive, owners must be cautious when it comes to smaller animals as they are often considered fair game.

• Senior and less active: up to 590 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 660 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 730 calories daily

Since the Skye Terrier is on The Kennel Club's list of vulnerable native breeds, obtaining one may be a challenge. Interested individuals will have to be placed on a waiting list. The price of a well-bred pedigree Skye Terrier puppy usually starts at £400 or £600. With this said, make sure to do your research to ensure that the breeder is reputable and that you will get what you pay for.

The major expenses to consider when caring for a Skye Terrier include pet insurance (basic coverage cost £40 monthly, depending on your location and health of the dog), food and treats (£30 monthly), and routine vet checks and vaccinations (£800 annually). Initial costs for crate, beds, bowls, leash, toys, and other equipment will be around £200.