Skye Terrier

One of the oldest terrier breeds, Skyes come from Scotland’s Isle of Skye. The breed boasts records dating back to the 1500s or earlier. Once bred for hunting, today they’re more famous as gentle, loyal companions and a “peek-a-boo” hairstyle sure to charm everyone who encounters one. Skye Terriers first came to the U.S. in the late 19th century.

An experienced owner who is excited to dedicate time and attention to their dog’s ongoing care and development is ideal for a Skye Terrier. Their long hair and low-sitting bodies require regular grooming and their sharp minds benefit from consistent training. It doesn’t hurt if the owner is an extrovert—strangers will certainly stop you to ask questions about this unique, cute pooch.

Daily exercise will keep your Skye Terrier the healthiest and happiest. They enjoy moderate activity and have short bursts of energy rather than unending stamina for playtime and romping. Owners should take care not to over-exercise them, which can affect their health.

Skye Terriers need limited stairs due to their body type. It helps to have dedicated space to dry them off after a wet walk or bath but isn’t required. A secure, fenced yard gives them plenty of area to sniff around but it’s important they can’t squeeze through or dig a hole, something terriers love to do.

The Skye Terrier dog’s coat is made up of two layers: a short, soft undercoat and a hard topcoat that grows long. It’s a good idea to plan on grooming a Skye frequently to keep the coat clear of tangles and mats.

Skye Terriers are food- and toy-motivated, so using positive reinforcement training is the best plan for reaching a good basic training level. Because of their long, heavy coats, it’s helpful to get them used to grooming, baths, and drying as young as possible. They are naturally wary dogs, so socialization early and often is important to give them confidence.

Generally gentle, the Skye Terrier dog breed may be sensitive to younger children’s energy levels and unpredictability. They tend to do better with older children who understand how to provide a lighter touch.

The cost of a Skye Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.