Skye Terrier Characteristics: The courageous and loving Skye Terrier is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1887). The Skye Terrier, is characterized by its elegant, sturdy appearance characterized by a long, profuse coat, veiling the eyes and forming a beard and a dignified expression. Other characteristics include dark brown, bright, medium sized, close-set eyes; drop or prick ears; a long, feathered tail and a fluid, effortless gait. The temperament of the Skye Terrier can be described as Fearless, Loyal, Friendly. The coat type of the Skye Terrier is described as long, hard, straight coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Skye Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Greyfriars Bobby". The origin of the Skye Terrier dog breed was in United Kingdom (Scotland) where it was developed in the 1500's. Fast Facts about the Skye Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Skye Terrier breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1887) *** Nick name: "Greyfriars Bobby" *** Origin: United Kingdom (Scotland) *** Male Height: 9.75 - 10.25 inches (25 - 26 cm) *** Female Height: 9.75 - 10.25 inches (25 - 26 cm) *** Male Weight: 35 - 40 pounds (16 - 18 kg) *** Female Weight: 25 - 30 pounds (11.5 - 14 kg) *** Coat Type: long, hard, straight coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-6 puppies *** Health Problems: CD or Chondrodysplasia (front legs grow crooked) *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Skye Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1887): The Skye Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1887). Other names for the Skye Terrier: The Skye Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Greyfriars Bobby". Other names for this breed of dog include the Scottish Skye Terrier. Origin of the name: The dog is named after the place it was originally bred on the rugged Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as foxes, and otters. Skye Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Skye Terrier breed was in United Kingdom (Scotland) during the 1500's and is the oldest terrier breed in Scotland. The dog was specifically was bred for badger hunting. Its long, low-slung body made it easy for the Skye Terrier to slip into the narrow bolt holes used by its quarry. One of the earliest descriptions of the Skye Terrier was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by John Meyrick, who said of the breed that "There is no pluckier vermin dog than the Skye Terrier...in the Hebrides he is used as an otterhound." Small packs of Skye terriers were used to hunt otters and due to their size and shape the dogs were able to follow the otter and attack him in the crevices of the 'cairns', piles of loose rock, on the sea coast, where the hard biting otter would retreat. Interestingly, John Meyrick also stated that "In the island of Islay alone there are four distinct strains of Skye Terrier". John of Islay, Earl of Ross (1434–1503), or "John MacDonald" was a Scottish ruler and Chief of the Highland Clan Donald or MacDonald. The Skye terrier is therefore linked to the famous MacDonald clan. The story of Flora MacDonald (1722-1790) is immortalised in the "The Skye Boat Song" when she helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to the Isle of Skye after the 1746 Battle of Culloden. At this time many Jacobites fled to America and took their Skye terriers with them. The Skye Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1887. Skye Terrier History - Greyfriars Bobby: The most famous Skye Terrier is "Greyfriars Bobby". This loyal and devoted dog was a Skye Terrier lived in Edinburgh and belonged to a watchman called John Gray. When his master died Bobby spent fourteen years, the rest of his life, sitting on his master's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard until he himself died on 14 January 1872. A lifesize statue of Greyfriars Bobby stands near the south (main) entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard in memory of this loyal little Skye Terrier dog. Skye Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Skye Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as an excellent family pet. Skye Terrier Height: This breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 9.75 - 10.25 inches (25 - 26 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 9.75 - 10.25 inches (25 - 26 cm). Skye Terrier Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 35 - 40 pounds (16 - 18 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 25 - 30 pounds (11.5 - 14 kg). Skye Terrier Coat Type: The coat type is described as a long, hard, straight coat. Skye Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Fawn, Blue, Dark Gray and Light Gray. N.B. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Skye Terrier Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The coat of this dog grows continuously, like human hair growth. The dog grooming needs of the Skye Terrier are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Skye Terrier is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Skye Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-6 puppies. Skye Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Skye Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Skye Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the popular dog Skye Terrier breed is described as Courageous, Fearless, Loyal, Friendly and Loving. Skye Terrier Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Skye Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a fluid, effortless, quick, gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Skye Terrier Diet: A fully grown Skye Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Skye Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Skye Terrier breed include CD or Chondrodysplasia (front legs grow crooked). Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Skye Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Skye Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Skye Terrier breed is 12-14 years. Skye Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Skye Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Skye Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Mitch *** Piper *** Duff *** Aleck *** Scout *** Kenrik *** Ramsay *** Rob Roy *** Skene *** Sparky *** Tavis. Skye Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Skye Terrier names are Crissy *** Penny *** Zip *** Spring *** Dallis *** Roxie *** Maggie *** Skena *** Tara *** Tally *** Maisie. Fast Facts about the Skye Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Skye Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1887) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom (Scotland) *** History / Date: 1500's *** Male Skye Terrier Height: 9.75 - 10.25 inches (25 - 26 cm) *** Male Skye Terrier Weight: 35 - 40 pounds (16 - 18 kg) *** Coat Type: long, hard, straight coat *** Litter Size: 4-6 puppies *** Skye Terrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Skye Terrier Lifespan: 12-14 years *** | 