Skye Terrier
breed of dog
Skye terrier, breed of dog that was originated as a hunter on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, and has remained relatively unchanged for about 400 years. In the 19th century the Skye was one of the most popular terriers and was used as a working dog as well as the pet of the nobility. It is characterized as sturdy, alert, and good-tempered. It has a large head, long body, and short legs, and its ears are either erect or hanging. The long, straight coat ranges from black to pale yellowish brown. Adult height is 9.5 to 10 inches (24 to 25 cm); weight is about 24 pounds (11 kg).
See the table of selected breeds of terriers for further information.
name
origin
height in inches* dogs (bitches)
weight in pounds* dogs (bitches)
characteristics
comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
Airedale Terrier
England
23 (slightly smaller)
40–50 (same)
black and tan; wiry, dense coat; well-muscled
noted for its intelligence; used in law enforcement
American Staffordshire Terrier
England
18–19 (17–18)
40–50 (same)
stocky, muscular build; short ears; pronounced cheek muscles
originally bred for fighting; excellent guard dog
Bedlington Terrier
England
17 (15)
17–23 (same)
curly, lamblike coat; ears have fur-tasseled tips
originally bred for hunting; noted for its endurance
Border Terrier
England
13 (same)
13–15.5 (11.5–14)
otterlike head; hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat
excellent watchdog
Bull Terrier
England
two sizes: 10–14 and 21–22
24–33 and 50–60
long, egg-shaped head; erect ears; coloured or solid white
athletic breed; playful
Cairn Terrier
Scotland
10 (9.5)
14 (13)
small-sized but well-muscled; short legs; erect ears; wide, furry face
long-lived
Fox Terrier (smooth coat)
England
maximum 15 (slightly smaller)
18 (16)
folded ears; white with black or black-and-tan markings
noted for its remarkable eyesight and keen nose; also wire-coat variety
Jack Russell Terrier
England
two sizes: 10–12 and 12–14
11–13 and 13–17
two varieties: smooth or rough; white with brown, black, or red markings; longer legs than other terriers
developed by the Rev. John Russell for foxhunting; courageous and energetic
Kerry Blue Terrier
Ireland
18–19.5 (17.5–19)
33–40 (proportionately less)
soft, wavy coat; muscular body; born black but matures to gray-blue
long-lived
Miniature Schnauzer
Germany
12–14 (same)
13–15 (same)
robust build; rectangular head with thick beard, mustache, and brows
excels in obedience competitions
Scottish Terrier
Scotland
10 (same)
19–22 (18–21)
small, compact body; short legs; erect ears; black, wheaten, or brindle
also called Scottie; excellent watchdog and vermin controller
Sealyham Terrier
Wales
10 (same)
23–35 (same)
white coat; short and sturdy
bred for courage and stamina
Skye Terrier
Scotland
10 (9.5)
24 (same)
long, low body; prick or drop ears; long coat veils forehead and eyes
noted for its loyalty
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Ireland
18–19 (17–18)
35–40 (30–35)
medium-sized; square outline; soft, silky coat
matures late
West Highland White Terrier
Scotland
11 (10)
13–19 (same)
small, compact body; rough, wiry coat; small erect ears
originally called Roseneath Terrier; bred white after dark-coloured dog was accidentally shot while hunting
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