Skye Terrier, Breed of the Week
This week’s breed of the week, the Skye Terrier, is chosen because I wanted to learn more. I’d never heard of this breed before now. And the size of the dog surprises me, not because terriers can’t be medium sized, but because the look of this dog is deceiving. Today’s post is gently recycled.
This photo is an AKC photo of a Skye Terrier, a somewhat rare breed of medium size dog. I borrowed this photo from the AKC’s breed page. I’ll give it back when I’m done. Promise. Doesn’t it just look like a small dog? Wanna see something else I’m borrowing from the AKC’s breed page? The description of the Skye Terrier.
One of the oldest terriers, the breed originated on the Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland. Bred to destroy vermin, their acute sense of smell and strong muscular bodies gave them the ability to locate the fox, badger, and otter preying on a farm’s livestock. Their long double coat and profuse hair over their face protected them from injury and inclement weather. Due to Queen Victoria’s penchant for the Skye Terrier, the breed became popular in the nineteenth century. A dog named “Greyfriar’s Bobby” epitomizes the devotion for which the Skye Terrier is known. Bobby guarded the grave of his master, Constable John Grey, for fourteen years until he died at the age of sixteen, after which a statue was erected in Edinburgh in his honor.
Interesting history, huh? Y’all, I’d love to see a Skye Terrier in person. Any of you dog people have one? I just can’t wrap my head around it being a medium size dog. It seems that this may be the Corgi of the terrier world – twice as long as it is tall. Amended– I did get to meet a Skye Terrier at Westminster last year! They look like tiny Briards. Adorable. Sure wish I had a photo. 🙁
Pros and Cons
Dog Breed Info always has such good breed information. A photo contributor there says that the Skye Terrier makes an amazing pet. Let’s dig into the pros and cons of the breed.
Pros:
- Good-natured and loyal – the Skye makes a great pet – in fact, Dog Breed Info describes it as “good-natured, loyal, polite, loving and affectionate. Brave, bold, spirited, playful and happy” WOW
- There are no listed health issues that I can find – that, all by itself, is amazing
- The Skye Terrier makes a great apartment dog, not being very active indoors
- A nice, average life span – 12-15 years
Doesn’t that sound like the best family dog EVER? It does. If only we could find them. I did an AKC breeder search for all 50 states and came up empty. I found champions in Pennsylvania. And that’s it. It’s a Scottish dog. Still. Let’s move on …
Cons:
- Nearly impossible to find one
- They’re hunters and will chase small animals – like cats, other small dogs, bunnies, chickens …
- Prone to small dog syndrome – barking, aggression, etc. – meaning you’d need to know your breed and be a good owner, socializing extensively and obedience, etc.
- GROOMING – for a dog with long terrier hair, it’s still a medium shedder, and it’s hair will mat if not brushed very regularly
- According to Wikipedia, where I got the following photo, the legs can be damaged if the Skye is exercised too vigorously before they’re about 10 months old – huh
Wikipedia also states that this breed will probably soon be extinct. No one knows about this adorable little dog. And now I want one. Of course. And so do you.
Giveaway
I like to imagine what the breed of the week would like in a Jones Natural Chews treat. Not much doubt that this little hunter is a meat eater. I’m thinking this month’s treat would actually both be great for the Skye – the Knee Cap. Perfect size for that mouth.
Speaking of which, Have you entered the giveaway? Click this sentence to get to the entry post, then follow the simple instructions at the bottom of the page! It’ll make your dog smile.
Spreading the good chews …
Flea
