Skye Terrier
Temperament:
This small companion is a British dog breed recognized by the FCI. The Skye Terrier owes its name to the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the Scottish coast.
Characteristics
This dog is quite small. It grows to a maximum height of 26 cm. However, it is long and can grow up to 100 cm from nose to tail tip. This gives it the longest back length of all terriers. Nevertheless, it is not prone to back problems.
In relation to its size, its coat is very long and can sometimes reach the ground. The usual coat colors are black, light gray, dark gray or cream. The black coloring of the ears and muzzle is characteristic. The Skye Terrier's outer coat is long and smooth, the undercoat very soft and dense.
As a terrier, this dog also has a strong character. It is therefore only suitable for beginners to a limited extent. Some Skye Terriers develop a strong bond with a single person, but others can also make friends with several people. They are often suspicious and dominant towards strangers, but not aggressive.
Consistent and careful training is important. This can also stop unwanted barking. This dog is sensitive but alert. The Skye Terrier is also very capable of learning. This makes it all the more important to introduce him to the environment gently.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
Despite its long coat, the Skye Terrier is easy to groom. It only needs to be brushed and combed once or twice a week. Conveniently, the coat grows to a good length. This does not restrict the little terrier's movement.
As a rule, the coat does not grow over the eyes. This makes trimming unnecessary. In addition, the Skye Terrier hardly sheds at all. You should just make sure to dry the coat after walks. Due to the short legs, the belly is close to the ground and therefore gets wet more quickly. This can lead to urinary tract infections.
Eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly with a clean, damp cloth. Claws should also be trimmed if they do not wear off by themselves. Teeth should be brushed regularly with a dog toothpaste. Special chews can also be used for dental care.
After every walk, the dog's body should be checked for parasites such as ticks. Dirt that is carried along by the long hair can be removed with a brush.
Suitable accessories
As the little terrier is easy to care for, you don't need more than the basic equipment that every dog needs. These are: Food and water bowl, a dog basket or mat as a retreat, a suitable brush and a mild dog shampoo for grooming, a collar or harness with lead, tick tweezers, claw clippers, toothbrush and cream for the dog, toys for mental and physical stimulation, a transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. It's best to ask your vet what should be in the first aid kit.
You should also remember that this dog needs a lot of activity and exercise. The Skye Terrier can be kept busy with various programs. Dog dancing and tracking, for example, are good training programs. This is where the little bundle of energy finds its balance. Agility and flyball are also good activities.
Origin & History
The Skye Terrier is an old Scottish dog breed. It was originally bred to hunt otters, badgers and foxes. It therefore has a keen sense of smell and is a very good swimmer.
However, the terrier changed relatively quickly from a hunting dog to a fashion dog. In the 19th century, it became popular among the aristocracy. Queen Victoria was so enthusiastic about the breed that she had it bred at Windsor Castle. It also became increasingly popular on the European mainland.
In 1872, the city of Edinburgh erected a monument to the Skye Terrier. This was a tribute to his loyalty even after death. There is a story about a dog called Bobby who stayed at his master's grave for 14 years until he finally died.
Today, the Skye Terrier is one of the rarest dog breeds. It is often rejected by people because of its appearance. In 2005, only 30 dogs were born in Great Britain.
