Skye Terrier
Originally used to hunt fox, badger and otter, the Skye Terrier caught the eye of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, increasing their popularity. While the drop eared variety was favored for working dogs, the prick ear gained favor at this same time as pet and show dogs. Today, like another Scottish terrier, the Dandie Dinmont, they are one of the most endangered breeds of dogs in the world.
Skye Terrier Standards
- AKC (Terrier)
- FCI (Group 3)
- KC (Terrier)
- UKC (Terrier)
- 9-10"
- long, low terrier
- prick or drop ears with feathering
- long tail, well feathered
- hard straight coat is over 5" in length
- black
- blue
- cream
- fawn
- grey
- silver platinum
History of the Skye Terrier
The history of the Skye Terrier has two debated versions. The first lies in the legend of a Spanish shipwreck in the 1600s off the Isle of Skye. Maltese dogs off the ship were said to mate with local terriers to create the breed. However, a book written by John Caius decades before describes the following: “lap dogs which were brought out of the barbarous borders from the uttermost countries northward, and they by reason of the length of their heare, make show neither face nor body”. Based on this account it is more likely the breed existed before the shipwreck although it is possible some Maltese blood may have still been added to the existing dogs. With its low stature Welsh Corgis may have also contributed to the bloodline at some point or even the Swedish Vallhund from Viking invaders.
Related Breeds: