Updated 29 Aug 2016
A Skye Terrier is an ancient breed originally developed to hunt otters, foxes and badgers in Scotland. They are happy house dogs and often pick a favourite in the family. They are good-natured, loyal and loving pets that suit apartment living. The Skye Terrier is good with older teenage children, but not so great with young children who might not be familiar on how to approach a dog.
Small, bold, bright and loyal, a Skye Terrier is a spirited and lively pet. They relish being the only pet in the house and having your undivided attention. They are great for older families.
This breed are playful, happy and bold dogs that thrive on attention. Loyal to their family, they want to be involved in all family activities and won’t be happy if they miss out. They are cautious and reserved with strangers and best suited to a single-pet household. They also make ideal pets for senior couples. Typical of terriers, they are smart dogs but have a mind of their own, making training difficult. A strong confident leader is best. Skye Terriers are also very vocal and enjoy showing off their strong voice often. This makes them great watchdogs but isn’t so great for your neighbours. Skye Terriers are not hypoallergenic.
Fun fact: It is said this breed can be traced back to a
shipwreck near the Isle of Skye where farmers mated their
surviving Maltese dogs with local terriers.
Time for walkies? You bet. Your Skye Terrier is happiest when exercised daily. A long walk and playtime at the park will take care of their exercise needs. They love running and chasing in a fenced area but aren’t overly active indoors. Socialise them well when young and they won’t be dominant or difficult pets. These are sensitive dogs, they will retaliate if teased or handled badly. A beautiful, long, elegant coat, Sky Terriers shed moderately and their coat looks best when brushed twice a week.
Scheduled six monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life-stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative health care program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Skye Terriers are prone to hypothyroid and Lens Luxation.
Size
A medium-sized breed weighing 11-18kgs with an average height of 24-26cms.
Space
Skye Terriers are great for apartment living if exercised daily.
Energy Levels
They have moderate energy levels. A daily walk and lots of games will keep this dog happy.
Difficulty Of Training
Intelligent but stubborn. Consistent training is key.
Family suitability
Great family pets, for older children, and loyal companions.
Suitability to other pets
Skye Terriers are best in single pet households.
Need for company
They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their human’s side at all times.
Hypoallergenic dog breed?
No
Coat and grooming needs
This breed requires low to moderate maintenance. Brush their coat twice a weekly. They have a long coat which is usually a solid colour such as black, blue, gray-blue, gray, silver, fawn or cream. There may be black or white markings.
Shedding
They shed moderately.
Tendency to bark
They have a high tendency to bark.
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Petbarn Team
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