What A Character!

Those who love and own Skye Terriers, agree on at least one thing. A Skye Terrier is not for everyone. They share very few characteristics with labs, cocker spaniels, or poodles, and will test your love and your patience.

However, they have a depth of character that is matched only by the depth of love and devotion their owners have for them.  They are a true terrier and will decide who they like and who they don't. They resent familiarity and prefer to approach people on their own terms and in their own time.  My advice to people meeting a Skye Terrier for the first time is to ignore them.  In no time at all, they will usually find the Skye in their lap or lying at their feet, content at having made their own decision about approaching a stranger.

After years of breeding cocker spaniels, I found this depth of character refreshing . . . and a little daunting.  I always felt that cockers were happy no matter what. For a Cocker, life was to short to worry about the small stuff.  Well, Skye Terriers wrote the "small stuff".  Everything is important to them.  Though not clingy, they certainly know where you are and what you are doing. Sometimes they wish to participate and sometimes they want to be spectators. The real problem comes up when you want them to participate and they have decided to be spectators, and vise versa.

In February 1987 as part of an AKC that showcased many breeds and discussed who should own them, Richard Rutledge wrote a wonderful article describing the Skye terrier and his temperament. Richard, a long time Skye lover, wrote the Skye Terrier column for the Gazette for many years and many of us miss his wit and wisdom. I would like to share parts of this article with you. It is an excellent summary of a Skye and what makes them the breed many fall in love with, but few will have the temperament to own.

"The Skye is not a popular breed and, except for a period in England during the last century, never was . . . and probably never will be. Simply put - the Skye is not a dog for everyone. If ever there was a breed temperamentally that could not stand up to large scale, indiscriminate breeding, the Skye Terrier is one.

"One could make a list of adjectives: intelligent, spirited, tenacious, courageous, showing great stamina. A true terrier!  As the List continues, however, a distinction sets in. The Skye is cautious, especially with strangers, and reserved, often assuming a stern and standoffish appearance.  He resents attention being forced upon him, preferring to make advances on his own.

"The Skye's loyalty is legendary and the one-to-one relationship is a strong bond often difficult to break.  While the Skye has happily shared space with other breeds, children, and the elderly, he does not do well in a kennel situation, as he longs to be in his own surroundings.

"Sensitive?  Yes, almost painfully so. A Skye needs no more than a harsh reprimand to make him understand you are displeased. He aims to please, particularly in housebreaking.  While it is easy to spoil the intelligent dog, the Skye should not be allowed to take over.  It is no exaggeration to say that a Skye Terrier should never be struck or hit for any reason.

"The happy owner is one who is in tune temperamentally to his Skye."

       Richard Rutledge

Anyone who has some terrier in their own temperament will find that a Skye is just to their liking.  Many thanks to Richard for his words of wisdom.

Laura Weber
3735 Osgood Ave. N.
Stillwater, MN 55082
Daytime Phone (651) 291-1800