Terrier group · Scotland
Skye Terrier
Also called Skye.
Medium dog, moderate energy, independent, so training takes patience.
- Courageous
- Canny
- Good-Tempered
- Loyal
- Dignified
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 16 to 20 kg35 to 45 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 14 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Low
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Skye Terrier
Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.
Patience is Essential
Start here
Skyes are extremely stubborn and independent. Training requires immense patience and consistency.
Early Socialisation
Naturally suspicious of strangers. Extensive early socialisation prevents excessive wariness.
Respect Their Dignity
Skyes have a serious demeanor. Respect their nature while maintaining clear boundaries.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Skye Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsLow
- StrangersLow
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 45-60 minutes daily. Moderate walks. Avoid excessive jumping, especially as puppies.
- Grooming
- High maintenance. Daily brushing to prevent matting. Weekly attention to ears and face.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Double coat, Long outer coat, Soft undercoatBlack, Blue, Grey, Fawn, Cream
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Skye Limp (Achondroplasia)
Moderate
Premature closure of long bone growth plates, avoid excessive jumping in puppies
Mammary Cancer
Severe
Females have elevated risk, spaying reduces risk
Autoimmune Disease
Moderate
Various autoimmune conditions can occur
Where they come from
History
One of the oldest Scottish terrier breeds, developed on the Isle of Skye over 400 years ago. Originally used to hunt badgers, foxes, and otters. The breed is now considered vulnerable, with fewer than 30 puppies registered in the UK some years.
- Greyfriars Bobby · The legendary Skye Terrier who guarded his master's grave in Edinburgh for 14 years, a symbol of loyalty
