Skye Terrier -
Get A Look At That Gorgeous Coat!
Background And Description:
The Skye Terrier takes its name and most likely its original home, from an island off the northwest coast of Scotland.
Knowledge of this very old breed has been recorded for around four hundred years.
The fashionable appearance of
this dog would hardly lead anyone to guess that it was originally used as an earth dog to bolt fox and badger and a few
other small animals. However, it apparently did this with much success owing to its strong and well-muscled body, plus
a powerful set of jaws.
The hallmark of the Skye is his flowing coat that is as long as the dog is high. It has
a moderate sized head with prick or drop ears that are veiled, along with the face, in softer long hair. The profuse
hair framing the face provided good protection when this valiant little dog was in pursuit of its quarry, not only
from the rugged terrain, but also from bodily attacks.
In their heyday, Sykes were very popular companions of
kings, queens and the aristocracy and have also been featured in famous works of art.
Appearance:
Height: 10 inches Weight: 19-23 lbs.
Color variations: From black to all shades of gray, as well as cream and
fawn. Points of black are seen on the muzzle, ears and tail.
Coat and Care:
The coat is quite profuse and needs weekly brushing to loosen dead hair and prevent matting. An occasional trim and bathing is handled on an as needed basis.
Personality and Traits:
The Skye is known to be unsurpassed in loyalty to those he holds in regard. Here is a "wow"
breed fact, in support of this trait: In 1858, a Skye Terrier from Edinburgh, named Greyfriars
Bobby, kept a 14-year vigil at his master's grave until, he too, passed on. Townspeople fed
the dog and kept up its license. Wow! now that's devotion.
Owners of the breed describe
him as a good-natured sensitive dog with a friendly and cheerful demeanor. He is affectionate
and playful and likes to have a lot of love and attention.
Like most terriers, he is
independent-minded and selective about whom he will befriend. He is wary of strangers and
prefers to approach them on his own terms. Early socialization with people and other animals
is encouraged to bring this trait into balance.
Skye Terriers are intelligent dogs
and like to be trained in a persuasive manner. Owners should establish leadership and be
firm, but never forceful. Like most smart dogs, they easily becomes bored if the sessions are
too long or repetitious, so keep things short and interesting.
Activity Level:
This breed is not fussy about exercise, but all dogs need to get out and shake a leg on a
regular basis. The Skye Terrier has lots of stamina and a daily walk will keep him more fit
and healthy.
Space Needs:
The Skye Terrier will be quite happy in either a house or apartment. He can even get by
without a yard, as long as he is taken out for exercise, fresh air and daily needs.
Children:
Children will easily fall in love with this pretty dog, but they will get along better if
they are raised with them from puppyhood.
Because both children and pets can be unpredictable, the caution remains that any breed of dog
should always be supervised when in the company of children.
Elderly:
The Skye Terrier's very devoted temperament, low exercise demand and their love of companionship, would make them a good
choice of dog for the elderly.
Reading Recommendations:
Skye Terrier, A Complete HandbookCurrent resource on breed history, characteristics
and pet attributes, breed standard, grooming, puppy care, housetraining, nutrition and feeding,
training, health care and the potential disorders that may concern the breed. Many color
photos.
World Of The Skye TerrierThis book has many pictures, a few in color. It is a
beautiful book on the Skye! Covers history of the breed, famous kennels and specific dogs,
the standard for the breed world-wide, selecting a puppy, care and training, health and
breeding.
Share Your Skye Terrier Pictures
Visit
Smilebox.com and create amazing greetings with your dog photos, videos, and music. Email them free.
Don't miss a chance to photograph the Skye with his eye-catching coat and good looks.
And don't forget to show off your dog's handsome images with family and friends.
Now there is a creative and easy way to pass along these family treasures using Smilebox, a system that lets you easily create amazing dog ecards
greetings or invitations, announce a new dog with a slideshow or e-postcard, make dog e-scrapbooks, send
dog e-birthday cards, thank you cards, and much, much more. Use it for family photos and
occasions as well.
Visit Smilebox.com and try this amazing free service today!
Go on, give it a try - you'll be glad you did!
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