The Skye terrier is a breed of terrier which originated many centuries ago in the Isle of Skye of the Inner Hebrides group off the N.W. coast of Scotland. The dog became a pet for the English aristocracy about the middle of the 16th century, and was generally popular in England and the United States until about the beginning of the 20th century; since that time the dog has been superseded in popularity by other breeds of terrier. The Skye terrier has a long and massive head; ears that are either erect ("prick") or hanging ("pen-dant"); hazel-colored, medium-sized eyes that are set close; short straight legs; a low body, 9 inches high at the shoulder in the male and 8 inches in the female, and 41 inches long in the male and 39 in the female; and a tail about 9 inches long. The Skye terrier dog weighs from 14 to 20 pounds. It has a double coat, an undercoat of soft, woolly hairs, and an outer coat of hard, straight hairs which are about 5 inches long; the hair growing on the head falls over the forehead and eyes. In color the dog is either light or dark gray or blue, or is fawn with dark points.
some facts
- The Skye Terrier coat is resistant to tangling, and needs to be brushed at least once a week.
- There are concerns that the Skye terrier breed is under threat of extinction with only 30 born in the United Kingdom in 2005. It is today the most endangered of the Vulnerable Native Breeds of this country.
- The Skye Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.
