Skye Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

16-18 kg

Height

24-25 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Skye Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Finding the perfect family pet can be tricky, especially if you are looking for a new dog. You will have to find a breed that suits your lifestyle, and with so many to choose from, it is not a simple task.

Thankfully, we have created an extensive collection of dog breed guides to make things a bit easier for you. If you had considered a Skye Terrier, read on for all the information you would need to make an educated decision.

Find out all about Skye Terrier’s grooming needs, temperament, potential health issues, and lots of other information that will make deciding what dog to get as easy as a walk in the park.

What is the history & origin of the Skye Terrier?

The Skye Terrier originated on the Scottish Island of Skye and can be traced back for centuries. The dog even appeared in Johannes Caius’ 1570 book titled “Of English Dogges”.

Originally bred to hunt otters, badgers, and foxes, its distinctive double coat protected it from the coarse vegetation and defensive bites from the animals it hunted. The American Kennel Club first recognised the breed in 1887.

What is a Skye Terrier breed?

The Sky Terrier is a relatively rare breed that is hardy and has a low, long body and straight, flat, long overcoat that covers a soft, short, and woolly undercoat.

They are quite deceptive at first glance, with large bodies and heads but short legs. They can have either drop ears that hang down or prick ears that stand and a fringe that can flop down over their eyes.

To outsiders, they may appear and behave slightly stand-offish, but to their owners, they are loyal and affectionate. They can also be quite a stubborn breed but have bags of personality.

Who is a Skye Terrier best for?

Skye Terriers can be quite feisty, so they tend to suit families with older children. They are loyal dogs that form close bonds with their families.

They are great for older dog owners looking for companionship as they are not the most energetic breed.

Socialising the dog from a young age should allow it to get on with other dogs, sometimes even cats. They should not be introduced into a home with smaller animals because of the Terrier’s prey drive.

Skye Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Brushing a Skye Terrier two to three times a week and bathing once or twice a month should be enough to keep your dog looking great and tangle-free. It is advised to brush out any tangles before bathing because it is much easier.

You should also brush your dog’s teeth regularly and ensure their nails are clipped. Regular exercise helps to keep nails relatively short, but you might still need to trim when necessary.

Do Skye Terriers bark a lot?

Terriers are tenacious dogs, and Skye Terriers are no different. This means that they can be quite vocal, especially around other dogs, strangers, or people coming to your home.

Training and socialisation will help with this as the dog will feel more comfortable in certain situations that might have triggered barking otherwise.

What is the average weight & height of a Skye Terrier dog?

On average, you can expect a female Skye Terrier to grow to between 20 and 25 cm in height and weigh between 12 and 14 kilos. Males should measure from 24 to 25 cm and weigh between 16 to 18 kilos.

Are Skye Terriers easy to train?

Training a Skye Terrier can be a relatively challenging task. They are a breed that can have a mind of their own, so an assertive tone and a persistent attitude are necessary for success.

Obedience and socialisation are both important as this breed can have issues with other dogs. Their prey drive is pretty strong, so being able to recall your dog when out on walks is essential.

How do Skye Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Skye Terrier’s temperament can be feisty, so training from a young age will be important. They can be shy with new people at first, but after getting to know them, they are friendly.

This terrier dog breed is a loyal breed that is also brave, and if you are looking for a watchdog, this could be the perfect breed for you.

Does the Skye Terrier have any common health issues?

All dogs can suffer from several conditions, and some breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions and genetic health problems than others. The Skye Terrier is generally regarded as being a very healthy dog breed.

Having a dog that doesn’t suffer from as many known conditions is not only great for the pet but also reduces pet insurance costs and medical bills.

Here are some health issues a Skye Terrier could suffer from:

Orthopedic Problems – Because of the Skye Terrier’s shape, this breed can suffer from Orthopedic problems. The large body can put additional pressure on its small legs, especially as it develops. The legs’ growth plates need to close naturally, but too much activity as a puppy can cause limping.
Renal Dysplasia – Renal Dysplasia is a hereditary condition that reputable breeders should recognise and try to remove from the gene pool. Increased drinking and urination are a sign of this as it is an abnormality in the kidney or kidneys.
Infectious and Non-Infectious Hepatitis – Dogs can contract Hepatitis from other infected dogs by consuming their saliva, urine, or feces. The virus can target a number of the dog’s organs, including its kidneys, liver, lungs, and spleen. But Skye terriers are prone to non-infectious hepatitis, too.
Hypothyroidism – If the dog’s thyroid does not produce the required thyroid hormones that help to regulate its metabolism, the metabolism will slow, leading to weight gain.
Von Willebrand’s Disease – Von Willebrand’s Disease, sometimes abbreviated to vWD, is a hereditary disease that results in a protein deficiency in a protein that helps blood cells clot.

What is the lifespan of a Skye Terrier?

Because the Sky Terrier is a generally healthy dog, the life expectancy of the breed is one of the higher averages for a dog breed. You can expect a Skye Terrier to live between 12 and 15 years on average.

Ensuring you get your puppy from a reputable breeder should minimise the risk of hereditary conditions. You can also improve the chances of your dog enjoying a long, healthy life by providing it with a balanced, nutritious diet and taking it for regular walks.

How much does a Skye Terrier need to be fed?

On average, a Skye Terrier should be fed around one and a half cups of quality high-quality dog food, and it can be slightly less or slightly more depending on the age and size of the dog. The dog food should be split over two meals.

Your vet and breeder will be able to help you plan a diet as your puppy grows and advise on the best food to provide all the nutrients it needs to develop fully.

How much can you expect to pay for a Skye Terrier in Australia?

Anyone looking to buy a Skye Terrier puppy should ensure they are dealing with a reputable breeder. You could expect to pay between $2,000 to $3,000 for pet and show dog Skye Terrier puppies from reputable breeders, but you will minimise the risk of your new dog suffering from health problems.

Asking to see the breeding dogs will give you a good idea of what your adult Skye Terrier will look like. Purebred dogs can be expensive, but seeing them for lower prices should set alarm bells ringing.

Skye Terrier FAQs

Is a Skye Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Terrier breeds can be tricky to train, so you might want to consider other dog breeds that are a bit more easygoing and easier to train.

Obedience training is essential for the Skye Terrier dog breed because they have a strong prey drive and can be so feisty. That being said, they are a loving, fun breed, and by the time they become an adult dog, they will have developed a strong bond with their owner and family.

Do Skye Terriers suffer from separation anxiety?

This breed can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, but training the dog from an early age can manage this. Ensuring the dog is exercised and has toys to keep it mentally stimulated should minimise the risk of this.

Are Skye Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Skye Terriers are not hypoallergenic and have a thick double coat. They don’t shed too heavily, and weekly brushing can help to reduce dog hair around the home.

Allergy sufferers might want to consider other breeds that are classified as hypoallergenic, such as Poodles or Poodle mixes.

Will a Skye Terrier need professional grooming?

Skye Terriers shouldn’t require professional grooming as long as they are brushed and washed regularly. Brushing should help to remove tangles and matting. Regularly brushing the dogs’ teeth and trimming their nails should also be a part of your dog’s care routine.