How to Identify a Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a Scottish breed in the terrier group designation. [1] Originally bred to hunt badgers and foxes, it became favored by those in the noble class to the point where it could be shameful to not have a Skye accompany them on walks. [2] Though Skyes are perhaps one of the most distinct dogs appearance-wise, they can still be confused with other breeds. This wikiHow will help you identify a Skye Terrier by recognizing the breed's unique features.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Noticing the Structure

  1. Skye Terriers are short but long dogs - they are two times as long as they are tall. [3] They weigh around 35–45 pounds (16–20 kg), though females may weigh a small amount less. Males have a height of about 10 inches (25 cm), while females stand near 9.5 inches (24 cm). [4]
  2. A Skye's head is moderately wide but rather long. It gives off an appearance of power and strength with a slight stop. [5]
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  3. The eyes of a Skye Terrier are medium-sized with an intelligent yet lively expression. Set fairly close together, they tend to be brown, usually a dark shade, in color. [6]
  4. Skyes may have either drop ears or prick ears. If the dog has drop ears, the ears are set on fairly low and hang at the sides, being a bit large. Prick ears, on the other hand, are a medium size, set high, stand erect, and widen slightly. Despite how the ears stand, they should be well-feathered and symmetrical. [7]
  5. A Skye Terrier's muzzle is strong and full of power with a good fill. The powerful jaws do not appear snipy, and the nose is solid black in color. The upper teeth can overlap the lower teeth a small amount in an overshot bite, but more commonly, the teeth are level. [8]
  6. The front and back paws of a Skye are identical, being hare-feet (meaning they are elongated) and a large size. They usually point straight ahead and have strong, typically black, nails and pads of a good thickness. [9]
  7. A Skye Terrier's tail is coated with feathering and generally hangs down to appear pendulous with a bit of an arc at the bottom section. Being rather long, it can also be raised at times to seem to be an extension of the back, and it is for the most part only carried high when the dog is feeling anger or excitement. [10]
  8. Skyes are well-muscled, strong, low-set, substantially but hard-boned, and built solidly. They have an arched neck, laid-back shoulders, a deep chest, a level back, ribs that are shaped like an oval, and straight legs that are short but still muscled. Their gait is straight ahead, being effortless and free. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Seeing the Coat

  1. A Skye Terrier's coat is a double coat, including a flat-lying and straight outer coat and a soft, woolly-textured undercoat of a shorter length that is closer to the skin. Hanging downward from the body, it parts to fall to each side from the tail, which is feathered, to the head. The hair on the head covers the eyes and the dog's forehead, though it is shorter in length, and the dog also has an apron and beard. The ears appear fringed with feathering of a long length set on the outside edges and gives the ears a shape outline. [12]
  2. Skyes have solid-pigmented skin, but the coat may range in shades of a solid color. This coat color may be cream, fawn, blue, grey of various shades, silver platinum, or black. Black points are common on the muzzle, ears, and tail tip, and there may be a small amount of white on the chest up to about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long. Otherwise, there are no markings. [13]
  3. Note that young Skye Terriers, specifically puppies, may have differences in coat than mature adult dogs. Puppies under the age of 18 months may have much more variety in color; however, they still do not have any patterns other than those also seen in adult dogs - the black points and small white patch. Keep the dog's age in mind when looking at the coat color. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

  1. Skye Terriers are vastly loyal and love being around their families. They tend to show favoritism by choosing one family member to give extra attention to, and if this family member leaves for a long period of time, they may be prone to separation anxiety or potentially destructive behaviors. [15]

    Did you know? One Skye Terrier named Bobby refused to leave his owner's side even after he passed away, staying by his grave for 14 years and only leaving when he needed food before returning. [16]

  2. Though they do show affection, Skyes are among the most independent of the terrier breeds. They may act dominant, willful, stubborn, and headstrong and thus require an owner that can lead with firmness and consistency. [17]
  3. Their loyalty and suspiciousness toward strangers can make Skye Terriers great watchdogs. They may also try to protect their family if a situation arises. [18]
  4. Skyes are like many terriers in that they work independently and may act aggressively toward other dogs. They also have a strong prey drive and need close supervision around other animals. [19]
  5. Skye Terriers have the ability to make fine family pets in families that have older children. If they are properly socialized and handled well, they can adapt to many environments with their families as well. [20]
    • Understand that Skyes do much better with older children because younger children are more likely to unintentionally bother or harm them, and Skyes may act defensive if this happens. [21]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to know the breed of your own dog, consider DNA testing. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Skye Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/skye-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/skye-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/skye-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SkyeTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/skye-terrier-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-skye-terriers/
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/skyeterriers.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/skye-terrier-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/skyeterriers.html
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/skye-terrier-temperament/
      12. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/skyeterriers.html

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