Skye Terrier

Behavior

The Skye Terrier wants to be the center of your attention at all times and will do whatever is necessary in order for that to happen. They almost seem like two different dogs depending on whether they are inside or outside. When they are inside, they are perfectly happy to just snuggle up on the couch or a lap and relax and sleep. Bring them outdoors, however, and they turn into a ball of energy and are ready to run, jump, play and chase. Chasing is a big fault of the Skye Terrier and they are known to bolt and chase any type of animal and will not heed your calls to stop. When you have a Skye Terrier, you need to make sure they stay on a leash or in your fenced yard and watched to make sure that they do not dig their way out.

Skye Terriers can adjust to any type of living, whether in a small apartment or big house. A brisk walk each day is all they really need to stay happy and healthy. They are not suited for long runs and may be better off with a family that is more indoors. Training and socialization should be done early on so you can achieve desired behavior. Skye Terriers do not respond well to physical discipline and are known to bite, something to keep in mind during training.

Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone for very long and can get destructive when by themselves and bored. Regular exercise can help curb things like excessive barking, chewing on furniture or even relieving themselves indoors, but they are better suited to a home where there is someone around all the time to keep them company. They are also known to be aggressive towards other dogs they are unfamiliar with, making socialization important.

Appearance

Skye Terriers are low to the ground and long with flowing hair and long bangs to cover their eyes. They have a very feathered tail that hangs down, something that distinguishes the breed from other terriers. They are normally about ten inches tall and weigh up to twenty-five pounds when they are grown. The coat of the Skye Terrier is thought of as luxurious. Like other terriers, it parts down the center of the back and hangs straight down to the sides. The long bangs are often held up with a barrette so the dog may see well. They have a soft undercoat that is very dense while the outer coat hangs straight. The coat can be a variety of colors but is most often seen in different shades of gray.

Grooming

Skye Terriers need to be brushed on a weekly basis and it is best to use a pin brush. You should also spray the coat lightly with water before you brush so you do not break any of the long, fragile hair. They will need a bath twice a month, depending on how active your dog is. That is about all of the grooming maintenance you will really need to do with this particular breed.

History

The Skye Terrier has been around for hundreds of years and was developed in the northern areas of Scotland, most particularly on the Isle of Skye, giving the dog its name. it was bred as a hunter to go into the rocky areas of the island and even into the water if needed to get their prey. English royals took to the breed in the 1700s and began to breed it as their own. They became the most popular of the terriers in Great Britain throughout the 1800s and while a bit less popular today still maintains popularity around the world.