Skye Terrier — breed guide

At a glance

Group

terrier

Size

Medium

Weight

16–18 kg (35–40 lb)

Life span

12–14 years

Coat

Long, hard, straight outer coat over a woolly undercoat

Living with a Skye Terrier

• Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
• Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
• Light shedding.
• Trainable with consistency.
• Vocal when there is a reason.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
• Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
• Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Average heat tolerance.
• Handles cold well.

Temperament

Dignified · Wary of strangers · Fearless · One-person loyal

Health to watch

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Hypothyroidism
• Premature closure of the radius

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

Greyfriars Bobby, who reportedly sat by his owner's grave in Edinburgh for fourteen years, was a Skye Terrier.

Questions people ask

Is a Skye Terrier good with kids?

With care. Skye Terriers generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Skye Terrier good with cats?

It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.

How much exercise does a Skye Terrier need?

A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.

Can a Skye Terrier handle hot weather?

About average — use normal hot-day sense.