COUNTRY: Scotland
WEIGHT: 25 pounds
HEIGHT: 9V2-10 inches
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Terrier
Coat
The Skye is double coated, with a short, soft undercoat and a hard, straight topcoat, which must be flat against the body and free of curl. The ideal coat length is 5 1/2 inches (14 cm), with no extra credit for a longer coat. The shorter hair of the head veils the forehead and eyes, forming a moderate beard. The ears should be well feathered and, in prick-eared examples, the hair should fall like a fringe, accenting the form, and blending with the side locks.
Color
Fawn, blue, dark or light grey, blonde, and black with black points (ears and muzzle) all occur. They may have any self colour, allowing for some shading of same colour on the body and a lighter undercoat, so long as the nose and ears are black. There should be no further patterning on the body, but a small white spot on the chest is permissible.
One historian says the Skye hailed from the Isle of Skye more than 400 years ago, and was described by Caius nearly in its present form, . . . brought out of barbarous borders fro1 the uttermost countryes northward . . . which, by reason of the length of heare, makes showe neither of face nor of body." Another theory suggests that shipwrecked Maltese types from the ill-fated Spanish Armada mated with local terriers (probably Cairns or Cairn prototypes) to create the breed in the 1600s. Certainly, other breeds added their influence to create the extreme ratio of length to height. Once called the Terrier of the Western Islands, he evolved to his present form isolated on the rocky Isle of Skye.
Whatever his history, he is a distinctive terrier. His silken beauty has given him the nickname of the "heavenly breed." Queen Victoria added the Skye to her kennel, and its reputation was established. The coat was silky on the original working dog, although not as long.
The Skye has not changed much over the years, and has not followed the whims of fashion. The motto of the Skye Club of Scotland is: Wha daur meddle wi* me. This could refer to the fact that the tough terrier dares anyone to challenge him, but it could also be a warning to future owners and breeders not to meddle with a good thing! The only variable has been the ears. Prior to 1890, most Skyes had drop ears, but the prick ear became more prevalent. Although either type is allowed, the pendant ear is rarely seen today.
Around 1858, an Edinburgh shepherd died without family or friend—other than a little Skye Terrier named "Bobby." The little gray dog took up vigil on the shepherd's grave in Greyfriars' churchyard. Although he was coaxed from the graveyard time after time and offered the comforts of a home, he preferred to stay with his master. Finally, Bobby was given a permanent license and allowed to stay in the graveyard. Fed by the townspeople, he continued his vigil until his death, ten years after his owner's. A monument was later erected at the cemetery gate, paying tribute to his loyalty and steadfastness.
Still loyal and predictable in demeanor, Skyes are gentle and tuned into their owners, but reserved with others. They often loathe being touched by strangers, especially without a proper introduction, and their terrier nature may make them answer a casual pat with a bite. Pluses for the breed are its longevity and contentment with only small amounts of exercise.
The Skye has a longer, stronger muzzle than the Cairn and larger ears. He carries his tail low, which is an oddity among terriers. The long coat parts down the back and hangs, spilling over the ears and face, necessitating regular brushing.