SKYE TERRIER Breed Standards
The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of British terriers. They were first bred in Scotland over 400 years ago, although there is some mystery as to their exact origins. Some say that the Skye Terrier first came into existence after a Spanish ship crashed into the rocks of the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. Native Scotsmen found, among the survivors, several Maltese dogs. It is claimed that they bred these Maltese with their own native terrier to create a new breed, the Skye Terrier. Whether or not this is true, the fact remains that for many years the Skye Terrier was only to be found in the northwestern part of Scotland.
The Skye Terrier came into fashion, so to speak, after Queen Victoria discovered and took a liking to the breed in the 1800s. The breed then became very popular, especially among the nobility. The dogs were even featured in paintings by Sir Edwin Landseer. Since then the breed’s popularity has declined, although many still remain faithful to this unique dog.
The Skye Terrier is renowned for its loyalty and dedication to its master. Legend tells of a Skye Terrier named Bobby who waited faithfully by the grave of his deceased owner for ten years. According to this story, he was fed and cared for by local townsfolk until he too died.
Before the turn of the century, this breed was very popular at dog shows in the US, though its popularity waned somewhat during the 20th century. Nevertheless, the Skye Terrier can still be found in the homes of owners who treasure the dog’s endless loyalty and plucky spirit.
SKILLS: The Skye Terrier is a dog of style, elegance and dignity: agile and strong with sturdy bone and hard muscle. Long, low and level-he is twice as long as he is high-he is covered with a profuse coat that falls straight down either side of the body over oval-shaped ribs. The hair well feathered on the head veils forehead and eyes to serve as protection from brush and briar as well as amid serious encounters with other animals. He stands with head high and long tail hanging and moves with a seemingly effortless gait. He is strong in body, quarter and jaw.
SIZE: Size - The ideal shoulder height for dogs is 10 inches and bitches 9½ inches. Based on these heights a 10 inch dog measured from chest bone over tail at rump should be 20 inches. A slightly higher or lower dog of either sex is acceptable. Dogs 9 inches or less and bitches 8½ inches or less at the withers are to be penalized. Proportion - The ideal ratio of body length to shoulder height is 2 to 1, which is considered the correct proportion. Substance - Solidly built, full of strength and quality without being coarse. Bone is substantial.
COAT: Double. Undercoat short, close, soft and woolly. Outer coat hard, straight and flat. 5½ inches long without extra credit granted for greater length. The body coat hangs straight down each side, parting from head to tail. The head hair, which may be shorter, veils forehead and eyes and forms a moderate beard and apron. The long feathering on the ears falls straight down from the tips and outer edges, surrounding the ears like a fringe and outlining their shape. The ends of the hair should mingle with the coat of the neck. Tail well feathered.
Color - The coat must be of one over-all color at the skin but may be of varying shades of the same color in the full coat, which may be black, blue, dark or light grey, silver platinum, fawn or cream. The dog must have no distinctive markings except for the desirable black points of ears, muzzle and tip of tail, all of which points are preferably dark even to black. The shade of head and legs should approximate that of the body. There must be no trace of pattern, design or clear-cut color variations, with the exception of the breed's only permissible white which occasionally exists on the chest not exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
The puppy coat may be very different in color from the adult coat. Therefore, as it is growing and clearing, wide variations of color may occur; consequently, this is permissible in dogs under 18 months of age. However, even in puppies there must be no trace of pattern, design, or clear-cut variations with the exception of the black band encircling the body coat of the creme colored dog, and the only permissible white which, as in the adult dog, occasionally exists on the chest not exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
CARE REQUIRED: The long straight coat needs frequent attention or it will mat. The puppy's coat is quite different from the adult coat. It may take several years before the adult coat develops completely. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: That of the typical working terrier capable of overtaking game and going to ground, displaying stamina, courage, strength and agility. Fearless, good-tempered, loyal and canny, he is friendly and gay with those he knows and reserved and cautious with strangers.
EXERCISE: Little exercise is needed.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Skye Terrier is good for apartment life. It is relatively active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: This breed requires extensive early socialization with people or he may grow up to be overly suspicious of strangers. He often does not like to be touched by strangers and may bite.
