Skye Terriers - the history and characteristics of the breed
Skye Terriers are the oldest terrier breed originating from Scotland.
Its history dates back to the 14th century. It got its name from the Isle of Skye, where according to one version a Spanish war fleet was shipwrecked and their dogs crossed with the locals, according to another version they were brought here by the Vikings. The first written record of a Skye Terrier was made in 1670 by Lady MacDonald, who described a dog with a long silky coat. At the same time as the MacDonalds, the MacLeods took up breeding.
Gradually, Skye Terriers spread throughout the UK. They were bred mainly in the aristocratic courts. The first royal home was provided by Mary Queen of Scots. He achieved his greatest fame when Queen Victoria brought him from J.Pratt to the palace in 1842 and founded the famous Winsdor breeding.
By the end of the 19th century, the Skye Terrier was bred in several variations - with erect and flapping ears, with long fine or short coarser coats. Weight ranged from 5-8 kg (today 14-20 kg). At that time, Mrs Hughhes' kennel 'Worveley' set the tone.
The most famous Skye Terrier was Grey Friars Babby, born in 1856. After the death of his master, he lived for 14 years on his grave. After his death, a fountain was built for him in Edinburgh with a Skye Terrier on top. In 1960 Walt Disney made a film about him and his loyalty.
The Skye Terrier was used to hunt otters, weasels, martens, badgers, foxes and wild cats. Today it is bred as a companion dog.
The Skye Terrier is the largest of the low-legged terriers (measuring over 100 cm) It comes in black, all shades of silver and cream, but always with black ears.
The Skye Terrier requires a firm upbringing from a young age, as it is a self-confident dog that always respects only its master. Uncompromisingly protects his territory. More in the attached video below.
Its history dates back to the 14th century. It got its name from the Isle of Skye, where according to one version a Spanish war fleet was shipwrecked and their dogs crossed with the locals, according to another version they were brought here by the Vikings. The first written record of a Skye Terrier was made in 1670 by Lady MacDonald, who described a dog with a long silky coat. At the same time as the MacDonalds, the MacLeods took up breeding.
Gradually, Skye Terriers spread throughout the UK. They were bred mainly in the aristocratic courts. The first royal home was provided by Mary Queen of Scots. He achieved his greatest fame when Queen Victoria brought him from J.Pratt to the palace in 1842 and founded the famous Winsdor breeding.
By the end of the 19th century, the Skye Terrier was bred in several variations - with erect and flapping ears, with long fine or short coarser coats. Weight ranged from 5-8 kg (today 14-20 kg). At that time, Mrs Hughhes' kennel 'Worveley' set the tone.
The most famous Skye Terrier was Grey Friars Babby, born in 1856. After the death of his master, he lived for 14 years on his grave. After his death, a fountain was built for him in Edinburgh with a Skye Terrier on top. In 1960 Walt Disney made a film about him and his loyalty.
The Skye Terrier was used to hunt otters, weasels, martens, badgers, foxes and wild cats. Today it is bred as a companion dog.
The Skye Terrier is the largest of the low-legged terriers (measuring over 100 cm) It comes in black, all shades of silver and cream, but always with black ears.
The Skye Terrier requires a firm upbringing from a young age, as it is a self-confident dog that always respects only its master. Uncompromisingly protects his territory. More in the attached video below.