With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most often used for ratting (hunting vermin), the Skye Terrier has become less a working dog and more a dignified companion animal?since the latter part of the 17th century.
Long before the reprieve from work, however, the Skye Terrier had an involved life and unique start: it is said that the first Skye Terrier came from ancestors who survived the wreck of the Spanish Armada, swam to shore of the Isle of Skye , and mated with the terriers living there in North-western Scotland in 1588. For the next hundred years, the breed spent its days hunting badger, fox, stoat and other predators and vermin.
It is also said that while the Skye Terrier has developed to the Cairn Terrier, it shows better, having?possibly?been bred with Clydesdale terriers to appear with a coat and stance (and overall look) that is more profound, more dignified, more sophisticated and at the same time calmer than the game and lively Cairn has. Though still bred for these physical and temperamental characteristics in Scotland and also in England, the Skye exists in limited numbers.
But those that do live among us do so mostly in retired capacities. The Skye Terrier, that is, at 9 to 10 inches and 19 to 23 pounds, is no longer a highly skilled tracker and hunter but is still a highly skilled watchdog, devoted and loyal to its human charges. With high intelligence and a lively temperament, then, it needs to do some activity, such as exercising on daily walks and having enough room to move energetically?whether in a city or country setting.
And though the Skye Terrier needs minimal bathing (as it is prone to dry skin and allergies), this noble breed also needs a fair amount of grooming. The long hair needs pin-brushing or metal combing on a weekly basis, and needs to have its long forehead and eyebrow locks clean, free of mats, and unobtrusive to its ears (which can get infected if blocked).
But the exercise and grooming requirements are minimal for such a noble breed, one that was owned by such royalty as Queen Victoria?so the care (and the love, of course) of this loyal, lively, loveable and loving Skye Terrier is much deserved and well worth it.
Stephanie Hetu
Happy Terrier Dogs
The largest selection of information about terrier dogs!
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
shuttle from Midway Munster are ..The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More
Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Pet |