Skye Terrier breed: one of the rarest terriers, facing the threat of extinction

Its charming appearance, long, elegant tresses, and body length exceeding twice its height may suggest a lapdog to many. But we couldn't be more mistaken! The Skye Terrier is, in fact, a true hunter, although rarely used for vermin control and fox hunting today, its character still bears the mark of its origins.

The Skye Terrier is a unique personality. It’s devoted and loyal to its owner, as evidenced by the story of Greyfriars Bobby, who is considered one of the world’s most faithful dogs, as he guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. Coincidentally, he was a Skye Terrier. However, the breed is not as amiable towards strangers, and it can easily pick a fight if provoked.

History

The breed got its name from the Isle of Skye, located off the northwest coast of Scotland and being the largest of the Inner Hebrides group of islands. Skye Terriers are mentioned as the oldest terriers, as their ancestors can be traced back to the 14th century. Terriers have always been in high demand because pests greatly troubled people’s lives. However, these fiery and courageous dogs managed to solve this problem for them.

The exact origin of the breed is shrouded in mystery, but according to one story, after the defeat of the Spanish Armada (16th-century Spanish-English battle), the remaining long-haired dogs interbred with local terriers. Their descendants became long-bodied and long-haired dogs. Those who doubt the story claim it was impossible for these dogs to survive after the battle. However, on the Isle of Raasay, located directly next to Skye, some survivors settled, so there was some chance that some dogs were with them.

The court physician of King Edward VI of England (16th century) described a dog, which was likely a Skye Terrier, as follows: “neither his face nor his body can be seen because of his long hair…”

However, the first authentic source about the breed can be found in the book “English Dogges,” which was published in 1570. It described all the popular English dog breeds of that time, mainly found in the royal court. Queen Victoria established the Windsor Kennels, which housed Skye Terriers among other breeds.

But the breed was more than just a favorite of the nobility. They were also used for badger, stoat, and fox hunting, in which they proved to be successful. Their strong jaws, teeth, short and sturdy legs, and fiery nature aided them in this pursuit.

Skye Terriers are often associated with the famous MacDonald clan in Scotland. Lady MacDonald is believed to have bred the breed, which found its home at Armadale Castle. In 2013, members and fans of the Skye Terrier Club erected a beautiful statue on the castle grounds in honor of the breed.

In the 19th century, the Skye Terrier was the most popular, with many breeding the breed during that time. However, its population has significantly declined over time. In the early 2000s, the English Kennel Club classified it as a vulnerable breed after only 30 Skye Terrier puppies were born in the country in 2005. Fans of the breed fear that within a few decades, this valuable terrier may disappear completely.

The most loyal terrier

Greyfriars Bobby was born in May 1855 in Edinburgh. He was a Skye Terrier, and every day he watched the streets together with his owner, John Gray, a policeman. On Wednesdays, they went to the market together, then, after the cannon blast signaling one o’clock in the afternoon, they went to have lunch at a tavern. Here, Bobby always received a biscuit, which he enjoyed eating. The dog and his owner were inseparable; they did everything together. However, fate only gave this great pair two years because John Gray succumbed to tuberculosis. He was laid to rest in the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery. Although dogs were not allowed inside, Bobby sneaked in and did not leave his owner’s side for 14 years. On regular days, he would go for his well-deserved biscuit, but he always returned to the grave. The locals marveled at him and took care of him until, 14 years later, Bobby joined his owner in the afterlife. In his honor, the British royal family unveiled a gravestone in 1981, and in 1983, they inaugurated a fountain and a statue depicting him, which remains a favorite among tourists and locals to this day.

Breed standard

The Skye Terrier is a small-sized terrier and one of the oldest Scottish dog breeds. Its body is long, as is its coat, and its movement is graceful. It has a long head with a strong muzzle. Its nose is black. The ears can be erect or drooping forward. Its bite is scissors. Its eyes are moderately large, dark brown, and sit close together. Its neck is long and slightly arched. The chest is deep, and its limbs are short and muscular. Its paws are large and forward-facing. When raised, its tail is carried in line with the back. When hanging, the lower part is curved. Its coat is double-layered. The undercoat is woolly, soft, short, and dense. The outer coat is long, tougher, smooth, and straight. On the head, the hair is softer, shorter, and covers the forehead, veiling gently over the eyes, but it does not cause any problems with vision. Its color can be black, dark or light gray, cream, fawn with black points. Almost all colors are accepted as long as the nose and ears are black. A small white spot on the chest is allowed. Its height at the withers is 25-26 cm, and its body is approximately 105 cm long. Its weight is around 11 kg. Its expected lifespan is 11-15 years.

Character

Being a terrier, the Skye Terrier is stubborn, sometimes headstrong, fierce, yet incredibly lovable. Those who appreciate terriers will not be disappointed with it. It’s not particularly fond of strangers and remains reserved towards them. However, it loves its owner endlessly, even if it doesn’t always listen to them. It eventually warms up to the friends of the family, but it needs a little time to do so at its own pace. It is kind to children if they treat it properly, but it tends to connect better with older individuals. It easily picks up on its owner’s emotions; if needed, it will cheer them up or comfort them by licking away their tears. However, it dislikes boredom; if not adequately occupied, it can become destructive, exhibiting typical terrier behavior such as digging up the garden.

Ideal environment

The Skye Terrier is definitely not a lapdog; it much prefers rolling around in the garden and going for long walks. Afterward, it can certainly enjoy some time on the couch. It forms a strong attachment to its owner, so it’s not advisable to leave it alone for extended periods. Early socialization is crucial since it may not get along well with other dogs and has a fiery nature, which can be a challenging combination if the puppy isn’t properly accustomed to the company of other animals. It is equally comfortable in houses with gardens and apartments, but in the latter case, it’s important that it can go for walks and explore frequently. However, during puppyhood, care must be taken not to overexert it, as this could be harmful to its short legs and long body.

Care

The Skye Terrier has a beautiful, double-layered coat that needs to be brushed every day to prevent matting. The final condition of its coat develops by the age of 3. Its furry ears often require cleaning. In such cases, it’s best to wipe the area with a damp cotton pad and wait for it to dry a bit to prevent infection. Thickly haired ears tend to collect more dirt and have poor ventilation. The hair between its paw pads needs to be trimmed if it grows too long, and its nails should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The Skye Terrier is a generally healthy breed. However, as mentioned earlier, moderate exercise during puppyhood is crucial because excessive climbing stairs, overexertion, and jumping on hard surfaces can harm its joints and discs. It is recommended to take longer walks only from the age of 2. Some individuals may experience patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, or cancer.

(Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái II., János Szinák – István Veress: Kutyakalauz, Dr. Pál Sárkány: International Dog Encyclopedia, David Alderton: Dogs, Joan Palmer: Guide to Choosing a Small Dog, Sarah Whitehead – Beverly Cuddy: Dogs)