Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is renowned for its extraordinary loyalty and devotion to its owner. It is also known as a polite, good-natured dog. This dog was originally bred on the Isle of Skye, off Scotland's western coast, to keep the farmstead free of vermin. It was also used to hunt down badger and fox, which could threaten livestock. The Skye Terrier is very sturdy, well-muscled and substantial. Its overall appearance is one of elegance and dignity. It is stocky and low to the ground, roughly twice as long as it is tall. The coat is double, with a dense, woolly undercoat that insulates the dog from cold, and a silky, long, straight topcoat. The large head is feathered with a long fringe; this coat around the head and face was originally meant to guard the face from the elements, but works even now to give this dog an exceptionally graceful appearance. The ears may be either prick or drop, and in either case are moderately to heavily feathered. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, light or dark gray, silver, cream or fawn. There are dark, or even black, points at the tips of the ears, on the end of the muzzle, and the tip of the tail. The Skye Terrier stands an average 8 ½ to 10 inches tall at the shoulder. It averages 20 inches in length from shoulder to croup. Its legs are short and thick. Its tail is long and curved. The neck of this dog is long and graceful, and the Skye Terrier carries its head high when it walks. It has a flowing, effortless gait. The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest of terrier breeds. It has existed for at least four centuries unchanged, even down to its flowing coat. It is the only terrier distinctly belonging to the western islands of Scotland that is not common to the entire country. The island of Skye is rugged, full of rocks, cairns, crags, holes, thorns and ponds. The Skye Terrier was bred to work in this terrain keeping vermin from the barn's storage bins and tracking wild animals that would prey on livestock. It was a valued and essential part of successful farm life on the island. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it was also widely treasured outside the Isle of Skye, both as a useful farm worker, and as a canine companion to upper class women. The Skye Terrier continued for two centuries to enjoy widespread popularity in all the English-speaking world, helped by the paintings of Edward Landseer and by the promotion of Queen Victoria, who was particularly fond of the breed. It gained fame in the popular imagination from the years 1858 to 1872. Edinborough gentleman John Gray died in 1858, and was buried in the churchyard of Greyfriar's. From that day until its death in 1872, Gray's little Skye Terrier "Bobby"� lay on his grave, day after day, leaving only for his midday meal which was provided by the vicar. Crowds assembled at the churchyard gates every day to see the loyal companion leaving the site of the grave for his dinner. For fourteen years the residents and tourists of Edinborough were moved to witness Bobby's undying devotion to his master. Upon Bobby's death a memorial statue was erected, and the site is a popular tourist site to this day. The Skye was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, and before the turn of the century it was one of the most important and widely recognized terrier breeds at AKC shows. After the turn of the century, other, newer terrier breeds surpassed it in popularity, but it has retained plenty of loyal fanciers who preserve the history and legacy of the old breed. The Skye Terrier is suitable for any home environment. It is moderately active, and for the owner with limited time for daily walking, it is an easy and docile indoor companion. The appearance of the coat suggests complicated care, but in fact the coat is not at all difficult to care for. Despite its length, it is oddly resistant to tangling. A good brushing at least once a week is necessary, however, to avoid the formation of mats and to keep the coat free of any debris or parasites, as well as dead fur. The Skye Terrier is a moderate shedder. The coat does not require regular trimming, but the owner will want to trim the bottom occasionally so that it doesn't drag on the ground, and trim the fur between the toes that tends to pick up dirt and debris. The Skye should be checked often after it has been outside, for insects that have gathered on the bottom of the long fur, and may climb up to take up residence on the dog. The puppy coat of this breed is very different: the adult coat does not fully develop for two years, and so the owner should expect care to need to increase as the dog gets older. The Skye Terrier is prone to "Skye Limp"�, a skeletal problem in the legs that develops when pups are over-exercised. Mammary cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Skye Terrier. Finally, the owner should watch that this dog does not become obese, as this can cause undue stress on the spine. Skyes are overall very healthy, and their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.The Skye is very loving to its owner. It is a breed that is reserved with strangers, and if not approached very slowly by a stranger, is apt to snap or even bite. Care should be taken to socialize this breed early to other people and dogs, and to continue this process for the dog's lifetime. The Skye is a breed that craves companionship from its human pack, and will not do well if left alone for long periods of time without interaction. But given an owner willing to reciprocate its devotion and loyalty, it is one of the best companion terriers one can have.

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