Scottish-Skye Terrier

10-17 lbs
19-23"
Scotland
Scottish Terrier
Skye Terrier
The Scottish-Skye Terrier is a hybrid dog produced as a result from crossing a Scottish Terrier with a Skye Terrier. These small terriers are long in body but short in the leg, and were ideal working dogs who chased their prey to the ground and often went into the burrow after them to pull them out. The Scottish-Skye Terrier is a fearless, feisty little dog who has a big heart and is a dog that thinks for himself. They can be a bit wary of strangers, and may take their time to get adjusted to new people in the house. They are bold little characters full of personality and a love of life. These small dogs are ideal for apartment living or they will enjoy a home with a yard to dominate. You will have no fear of rats or mice with these serious vermin exterminators living with you. Just make sure you have a strong fence to keep them in, as they will chase prey to hell all over the neighborhood if they are not restrained. The Scottish-Skye Terrier is gentle with children or elderly people, but ensure you teach young toddlers not to prod or pull your dogs body parts as the Terrier is wired to respond to such treatment and your little one may get bitten in reprimand from your dog. With their attractive appearance, whiskered face, and alert stance, they are a wonderful dog that is not a servant but a companion and friend with a mind of their own.
purpose Purpose
Companion, Agility, Guard Dog.
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier

Scottish-Skye Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats
Height: 20-25 inches Weight: 11-18 lbs
Female Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats
Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 10-17 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Cancer
  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Minor Concerns
  • Scottie Cramp
  • Ear Health and Infection
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Cushing’s Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Neurological Examination
  • Buccal Mucosal Screening
  • Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
  • Blood and Urine Tests
  • Serum Chemistry Tests
  • Full Physical Eexamination by the Veterinarian to test the range of movement in the joint areas
  • Complete Ophthalmologic Examination
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Scottish-Skye Terrier Breed History

The Scottish-Skye Terrier is a new hybrid dog and we can learn a lot about this unique dog by investigating the parent dog's history. The Scottish Terrier has been around a long time although not much was recorded before 1859. In that year Scotties, as they were affectionately known, were exhibited as a pure breed although they were under the name of the Aberdeen Terrier  in honor of where they were mostly bred. The West Highland White and Scotties are closely related, having originated in the same areas namely the Blackmount region of Perthshire and the Moor of Rannoch. The Scottish Terrier was a dog with a job; one that they took very seriously and excelled in. They were used to eradicate vermin from the rocks, the ground, and barns. Their strong muscular low  bodies were ideal for this purpose. A Captain Gordon Murray and S.E Shirley had the responsibility of setting the standard in 1879 and three years later the Scottish Terrier Club was established. The Scottish Terrier has had some celebrity owners, such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt (the 32 President of the United States) and George W. Bush, (the 43rd President). While not the easiest dog to manage due to their independent thinking and 'big dog' attitude, they have an incredibly loyal following and devoted owners who think they are worth their weight in gold. The Skye Terrier has a long history dating back more than four centuries. They originated from the Isle of Skye in Scotland where they were used to hunt badger, fox and otter often following them into their burrows and pulling them out to dispose of them. Little has changed in their appearance since those days, except that they are more of a companion dog now than a working dog. This dog used to be called the Clydesdale Terrier, the Fancy Skye Terrier and the Glasgow Terrier. Queen Victoria was fond of the breed and she kept and bred the Skye Terrier herself. They were one of the most popular breeds of the time. In 1887 the Skye Terrier was recognised by the American Kennel Club. Despite their popularity they are a rare breed, yet have a loyal and devoted following.

Scottish-Skye Terrier Breed Appearance

The Scottish-Skye Terrier is a distinctive dog, small in size with short legs, but long in the body. This plucky bold dog has a double coat, with the top coat hard and straight and the undercoat soft and short. Being low to the ground, they often look as though they have no legs, just a long coat that grazes the ground. Although you can't see much of their legs, they are well  boned and strong. Their chest is fairly broad, and supports their strong neck,  while their elegant long head has the characteristic fringing and beard-like hair facial features along with the  hairy eyebrows. The skull and muzzle are mostly equal in length, and feature  a shiny black nose with wide set nostrils and their teeth meet in a normal scissors bite. The ears are either pricked or dropped in style, and often have graceful feathering. The Scottish-Skye Terrier has a body that is well muscled and sturdy, and their tail is of moderate length, thick at the root and tapering towards the tip. A unique and robust new breed, the Scottish-Skye Terrier is fast winning people's hearts and becoming a valuable companion who is loyal and devoted to his family.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Scottish-Skye Terrier eyes
Brown
amber Scottish-Skye Terrier eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Scottish-Skye Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Scottish-Skye Terrier coat
Black
gray Scottish-Skye Terrier coat
Gray
fawn Scottish-Skye Terrier coat
Fawn
cream Scottish-Skye Terrier coat
Cream
brindle Scottish-Skye Terrier coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Scottish-Skye Terrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Scottish-Skye Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Scottish-Skye Terrier is relatively easy to maintain, although that thick coat of theirs does require brushing at least two to three times per week to prevent tangling and matting. While brushing, it is a great opportunity to check your tough little dog over for sores or scrapes as they can get themselves into all sorts of places while satisfying their curiosity, and often get injured as a result. Bathing is on a needs only basis, as they are a remarkably clean dog, and unless they have rolled in mud or something nasty smelling, a good brushing will usually be enough. When you do wash them, use a mild dog shampoo to protect against skin allergies, and remember that these dogs are not always the greatest swimmers because of their short legs, so don't lather them up and toss them in the water way to rinse them off, they may just sink like a stone. Because of all their long facial hair, check their eyes and ears for infection or weeping. Gently wipe around these areas with a soft damp cloth, and dry thoroughly. Then brush those not so small white teeth, and clip their nails and they are ready for action.
Brushes for Scottish-Skye Terrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Scottish-Skye Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Scottish-Skye Terrier Temperament

Bold, feisty, full of life and with a big attitude, the Scottish-Skye Terrier is all of this and more. They may be small and low to the ground, but they don't seem to see themselves like that at all - they have a big dog attitude and courage to match. Their adorable faces adorned with fringe and whiskers make them a popular choice, and its hard to ignore their lively antics and serious expression. They make an ideal companion, loyal and faithful. While they may appear aloof and reserved to strangers, to their family they are affectionate mischief makers. Devoted owners roll their eyes at the sometimes stubborn nature that they can display, but admit it is their unique personality that intrigues them the most. These dogs don't consider themselves to be a servant, they are equals although you need to be the leader or there will be trouble. Praise and rewards will get your further with this dog than harsh words or orders. They will switch off it pushed too much. They are gentle family dogs although they need supervision with little ones. Prodding, tail or ear pulling and taking their toys or food will not be tolerated by this pooch, they will retaliate with a warning nip or two. Other than that, they make good play mates and devoted dogs. You will be warned the moment someone new steps onto your land, with your Scottish-Skye Terrier missing nothing. If you have a yard, make sure it is well fenced and secure, because this dog will chase any small furry animal with a vengeance, and if you don't have a fence then say goodbye to your dog as it disappears down the road. These dogs are not for the inexperience owner, as they can push to take over and try to organise their human, which can lead to all sorts of trouble. Keep a firm reign on them and ensure you are the pack leader and all will be well. They make excellent companions and devoted pets to the right owner.

Scottish-Skye Terrier Activity Requirements

These active small dogs keep themselves busy, especially if they have a yard to patrol and protect against vermin, a job they take very seriously. But they will still need a daily walk which will be especially good for socialising this independent and bold dog who often doesn't seem to realise how small they are. They think like a big dog and have twice their weight in courage. These dogs will enjoy a walk, but may be aloof and serious with people they meet. They like to take their time sizing up strangers, and although not aggressive can be protective. If you are looking for a dog to jog with, these are not the dog for you, as their short legs can tire easily. Likewise, they are not good in the water as their short legs disadvantage them and they have been known to sink and almost drown in deep water. Keep water levels low to prevent a tragedy. These dogs love to play with children, but need to be supervised and children taught not to prod or hurt the dog as he will retaliate with a warning nip or two. Games that challenge your dogs intellect are fun, while training needs to be based on mutual respect. These dogs are not servants, they are equals. Highly intelligent, affectionate and loyal with their family, they are a unique dog who needs a strong but fair companion and friend.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Scottish-Skye Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.5 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $40.00
food bag monthly cost

Scottish-Skye Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 5.5 lbs
Female Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 4.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 10.5 lbs
Female Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.0 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.5 inches Weight: 16.5 lbs
Female Scottish-Skye Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 15.5 lbs

Scottish-Skye Terrier Owner Experiences

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