Alt Names: None Country of Origin: Scotland

History: The Skye Terrier is an old and dignified dog breed originating, as have so many terriers, in Scotland. First bred on the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides, this dog was bred to go to ground to hunt aggressive predators, such as foxes, otters, and badgers. They were the aristocrats of the farm dogs, not left out with the other herding and ratting animals, but often kept in their owners' homes, a rare privilege as most working dogs would not be allowed inside.

The Skye was first popularized outside their home island in 1840s when Queen Victoria began breeding the dogs. Before then, the drop-eared variety was the most popular, but the prick-eared is now the most common, partially because of the Queen's love of the type.

Appearance: The Skye Terrier is often called "a large dog with short legs", and their height of 10 inches (25 cm) at the withers is deceptive, as they are twice as long as they are tall, generally 20 inches (51 cm) long in a properly proportioned dog.

The head is held high, and should be both long (but not snipey) and powerful, with strong jaws typical of the terriers. The dark eyes, closely set, should be alert and intelligent.

The body is long and low, with a level backline and a deep chest. The tail is long and well feathered, carried either low or level with the back, in which case it may be mistaken for a continuation of the back. The forearms curve slightly around the large chest, and the hindquarters are muscular and well developed. The Skye should have long "hare" feet, pointing forwards, with strong nails.

Temperament: The Skye Terrier is a dog of strong personal character, who responds well to the same trait in his owners. Loyal, steadfast, and sensitive, but never submissive, the Skye must respect his owner, in which case he will endlessly please, but no amount of yelling will earn that respect. Nor will exceeding affection forced upon him win his approval. A light but firm touch, especially the ability to say No, will win undying devotion. The Skye is nothing if not selective, and prefers reserved, calm people who reflect his attitude to life.

Affectionate towards their owners, they are reserved and aloof to strangers, sometimes even close friends of the family, and prefer to spend their time with one person. Much socialization is needed to reduce their aloofness, but though exceedingly warm, playful, and sensitive to a few, they will never be a social butterfly.

Training that works for one sort of dog may not for the Skye; they are intelligent and have a desire to work, but get easily bored with long training sessions, yet an hour a week with a Skye often has the same results as several hours with another breed, if you can capture their attention. They require firm boundaries and positive reinforcement, but can excel in many activities such as competitive obedience, dog agility, and tracking.

In spite of all this, for the right person, the Skye makes the ideal terrier, as they don't require long walks nor do they have energy to burn by digging and racing around. They can be an ideal apartment or city dog.