The Skye Terrier is a pint-sized breed with a larger-than-life character. Originating from the foggy Isle of Skye in Scotland, these endearing canines make fiercely loyal companions. Fido surely needs the recognition: once cherished by royalty, the Skye Terrier is now facing imminent extinction. That’s quite sad, as these charming pups make exceptional pets. Read on as a Smyrna, GA veterinarian shares more about this delightful Scottish breed.
How Did The Skye Terrier Dog Get Its Name?
Fido was named after his homeland. The Skye Terrier comes from the Isle of Skye, off the coast of northwest Scotland. During the 16th century, shipwrecked Spanish Armada sailors brought small white dogs, which were similar to the Maltese. These pups mated with Scotch terriers, therefore leading to the development of the Skye Terrier.
Fido has been around since the 1500s. The Skye Terrier was originally used for hunting foxes and badgers. Because they are so small, they could easily fit into dens.
The dogs became very popular during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria bred Skye Terriers in her royal kennels. That royal stamp of approval gave the little dogs a great publicity boost. It was common for nobility to own Skye Terriers by the mid-16th century. AKC accepted Skye Terriers in 1887. They also appeared in some of the first dog shows.
Is The Skye Terrier Very Rare?
Unfortunately, the breed hasn’t fared well in recent years. Skye Terriers are now one of the UK’s most endangered dog breeds, ranking near the bottom of the AKC’s breed list because of the current trend of small designer pooches like the Doodle.
What Are Some Famous Skye Terriers?
There aren’t many to pick from here. However, while they may not be a widely recognized breed, there is at least one exceptional Skye Terrier that stands out: Greyfriars Bobby. This devoted canine was the constant companion of John Gray, a Scottish night watchman who died of tuberculosis in 1858. Bobby faithfully followed his owner’s funeral procession, and continued to stay by his gravesite even after the ceremony. Despite many attempts by people to entice him away, Bobby always returned to his master’s final resting place. Eventually, the townsfolk constructed a small shelter for him. That became his permanent residence until he passed away.
In Edinburgh today, there is a statue dedicated to Bobby, located between Candlemakers Row and George IV Bridge, near Greyfriars Kirkyard, where Gray is buried. In 1961, Walt Disney released Greyfriars Bobby, which was remade in 2005 as The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby.
What Does A Skye Terrier Look Like?
The adorable Skye Terrier has a luscious, lengthy coat and comes in a variety of colors like black, blue, gray, and cream. They may have either erect or droopy ears. While they are typically longer than they are tall, they are not particularly large. Most of these charming little pups are under ten inches in height. Males weigh between 35-40 pounds (16-18 kilograms) while females weigh 25-31 pounds (12-14 kilograms). Like many small dogs, they have a long lifespan and can reach up to 15 years with proper attention.
How Healthy Are Skye Terriers?
Although Fido is generally quite hardy, he is at risk from a few certain health issues. These include Intervertebral Disc Disease and eye problems. While the AKC does not provide specific recommendations for tests, it would be wise to consult with your veterinarian. Screening for common conditions like cancer, autoimmune disease, skin allergies, and hip dysplasia is also important.
It’s also worth pointing out that Fido’s long coat can hide many issues. It’s a good idea to inspect him regularly, and check for things like parasites, cuts, swelling, and skin issues. Luckily, this can easily be incorporated into cuddle time.
Be sure to keep up with your canine pal’s veterinary care. As with any other pup, be sure to watch for signs of illness or injury between visits. Contact your Smyrna, GA veterinarian immediately if you see anything out of the ordinary.
Are Skye Terrier Dogs Very Active?
Like any other dog, the Skye Terrier needs adequate exercise to stay healthy. However, your little buddy may get pretty tired just running around on those short legs. You won’t have to take him on long walks. If you do take Fido to a park or trail, be careful not to tire him out. Otherwise, a few short walks and daily play sessions will suffice.
Not all exercises are safe for these guys. Due to their elongated spines, Skye Terriers are prone to back injuries. Puppies can hurt themselves just going up and down stairs or jumping onto hard surfaces. Consult your Smyrna, GA vet for further information.
Is the Skye Terrier Very Noisy?
Although Fido’s size and activity needs make him a great apartment dog, his volume knob may be a problem. Skye Terriers do sometimes bark to express themselves. However, some are quieter than others.
Is The Skye Terrier A Good Family Pet?
Skye Terriers are well suited for a variety of households. They’re not only really cute and fun, they also require minimal exercise, and are extremely loyal to their owners. Additionally, Fido is a playful, endearing companion who shows great affection to his humans. His small size only adds to their charm!
That said, it’s always important to make a good match. The Skye Terrier may not be the best fit for families with young children, as he can be a bit stubborn. These guys also can get into conflicts with other dogs, especially those they do not know. It’s also worth noting that they tend to be obsessed with digging. Fido may turn your garden into a puppy playground.
How Much Grooming Does A Skye Terrier Need?
Though Skye Terriers are typically quite shaggy, their grooming needs will vary, depending on their lifestyle. If your pup spends the majority of his time inside, you probably won’t have to worry too much about keeping him clean. If he loves playing in mud puddles or just spends a lot of time outside, he’ll need to be bathed more frequently.
A few notes on bathing these dogs: you may want to dilute Fido’s shampoo. Also, do not scrub or rub too hard or use a gentle shampoo. Otherwise, you may break his hair.
In order to prevent mats and tangles from forming on your furry friend, you will need to brush him regularly with a soft brush or comb. If your pup’s fur is obstructing his eyes, you might want to trim it back a bit. Regular nail trims and ear cleanings are also essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health and hygiene. Ask your veterinarian for specific advice about your pet’s beauty care needs.
Conclusion: The Skye Terrier is not just a beautiful dog with a distinctive appearance, but also a loyal companion with a rich history.
As your local Smyrna, GA pet hospital, we are dedicated to providing your pet with the best care possible, so if you have any questions about the Skye Terrier, please do not hesitate to contact us!
