Skye Terrier

History/Origin
A shipwreck marks the beginnings of the Skye Terrier. A Spanish galleon crashed against the rocky terrain of the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. The Maltese dogs who survived the wreck bred with local terriers producing the unique and pleasing breed. Its popularity is credited to Queen Victoria, who took a liking to the breed in the 1800’s.

Although the fad died down eventually, the Skye Terrier has extreme loyalty and connection to its master. Legend tells of a Skye named “Bobby” who never left the his master 's grave for a decade until it too passed away. It relied on food given by the townsfolk. Its first appearance in England was in 1864 while its registration with the American Kennel Club was in 1887. The Skye Terrier of today is both a popular pet and pest control.

Description
With its length twice its height in the withers, the Skye Terrier is elegantly low and long. It has a black nose, a powerful muzzle, and dark brown eyes. Its tail, which never curls, hangs loosely. Although having a soft undercoat, the Skye Terrier'’s six-inch outer coat is hard and straight, parting down the center of its back and protecting the forehead and eyes. Its colors may vary from dove, cream, and gray-blue but its ears are always black. Standards permit only a small amount of white on the chest. Its feet bear resemblance to that of hares: – large, long, and pointing straight forward.

The Skye is somewhat classified according to its the shape of its ears: the prick and the drop ear. Prick ears are medium-sized, angled slightly outwards, and carried high on the skull and . Drop types on the other hand, have low-set and large ears hanging flat against the head. There is no preference however between the two.

Temperament
The Skye demonstrates obedience, affection and politeness. Although usually playful and loving, it exhibits relatively more seriousness than other terriers. To make it happy, lots of attention must be given. Extensive socialization must also be imparted at an early age otherwise it may show too much suspicion towards strangers in its later years. It is aggressive against strangers that touch them, barking at and even biting them. It likes chasing other small animals.