Terrier group
Skye Terrier
A long, low, flowing-coated Highland terrier — loyal to its people, reserved with others.
Skye Terriers are long-bodied, short-legged terriers with a flowing coat and feathered ears. They are devoted, dignified companions for one family, wary of strangers and now one of Britain’s rarest breeds.
- Height
- 9.5–10 in24–25 cm
- Weight
- 25–45 lb11–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- Isle of Skye, Scotland
Coat: Long, hard, straight outer coat over a soft undercoat; feathered ears. Colours: Black, Blue, Grey, Silver, Fawn, Cream.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Skyes are loyal, gentle and often one-person dogs. With their family they are affectionate and playful; with strangers they tend to be reserved.
They are courageous terriers with strong prey drive and can be combative with unfamiliar dogs. Early socialisation helps them become confident rather than suspicious.
Living with a Skye Terrier
Exercise
About 45–60 minutes of walks daily. Limit jumping and stairs, especially for puppies.
Grooming
Brush the long coat thoroughly at least weekly. The hair parts naturally down the back.
Training
Intelligent and sensitive; patient, reward-based training and early socialisation are key.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their own family; better with older children. Supervise with other dogs; unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time and is usually calm indoors, but bonds closely and prefers its people nearby.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Skye Terrier right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Skye Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Skye Terrier typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Premature closure of the distal radius
Uneven bone growth in puppies can cause bowed front legs; avoid jumping and heavy exercise while growing.
Intervertebral disc disease
The long back increases disc risk.
Cancer
Mammary tumours and haemangiosarcoma occur in the breed.
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune conditions have been reported in Skyes.
Ask a breeder for
- Cardiac examination
- Eye examination
- Patella evaluation
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Skye Terrier; Skye Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Skyes have hunted foxes and otters among the rocks of Scotland’s west coast for over 400 years. They were favourites of Queen Victoria and fashionable in the 1800s.
The breed is best known for Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye who is said to have guarded his master’s grave in Edinburgh for 14 years. The AKC recognised the Skye Terrier in 1887; it is now a vulnerable native breed in the UK.
Did you know?
- Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s famously loyal dog, was a Skye Terrier.
- Skyes can be prick-eared or drop-eared.
- The Skye Terrier is one of the UK’s most endangered native breeds.
Library guides for Skye Terrier owners
Grooming
Brushing
Skye Terrier coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Skye Terrier without drying out the coat.
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Skye Terrier.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Skye Terriers good family dogs?
- Yes, for families with older children. They are loyal but reserved with strangers.
- Do Skye Terriers shed?
- Moderately. Their long coat needs weekly brushing.
- Are Skye Terriers rare?
- Yes, very. Only a small number are born each year.