Skye Terrier

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The Skye Terrier is among one of the oldest terriers known today. In the early 1600s a Spanish shipwrecked off the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides.  

The ship had Maltese dogs onboard that survived and mated with the local terriers, resulting in the Skye Terrier breed. The dogs were used to hunt down vermin, fox and badger that would prey on the farmer's livestock. In the 19th century Queen Victoria took a liking to the breed and the Skye Terrier became very popular for a while, especially among the nobility.

A Skye named Greyfriars Bobby was said to have guarded the grave of Constable John Grey, who was his master, for 14 years. Townspeople came and fed him until he died at age 16. A statue was placed in Edinburgh in the dog's honor.

The Skye was first exhibited in England in 1864. The Skye Terrier is a long, low to the ground dog, with the length being twice as long as the height. The head is long tapering to the muzzle with a slight stop. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a level or scissors bite. The eyes are brown, darker is preferred in the show ring. The symmetrical ears are either erect or dropped (dropped are rare). The tail is long hanging with abundant feathering, pendent and never curled.  

Temperament: Fearless, Loyal, Gay, Intelligent, Friendly, Good-tempered

Health Problems: N/N