SKYE TERRIERS   
 Height Versus Length

About a week after agreeing to do our column again, it hit me, that panicky feeling of having deadlines to meet. However, with the assistance of Fran Johnston, my job will be a lot easier.

A year off has given me a chance to gather my thoughts and develop new insights into our breed and sport.

This first column will deal with observations of our '83 Specialty weekend. Reflecting back on those three glorious days, the one thing that became apparent to me was the sometimes great variation in size from one dog to the next, especially height versus length.

The accompanying illustrations (not included here) were drawn to scale using the measurements our Standard stipulates as correct. I've also attempted to show by the rectangular box drawn into each illustration the points by which our Standard tells us to measure our Skyes. In addition, I've tried to make all things such as head, neck, layback and angulation equal. The only differences are height versus length. Select in order the illustrations that you view as correct. Keep in mind these illustrations were drawn to scale. If you selected the following order:

"C" which measures 10" x 20";

"A" which measures 11" x 22"

"D" which measures 11" x 25"; and,

"B" which measures IO" x 25"

you agree with our Standard.

Present Standard

Our Standard states the following regarding size and measuring procedure: "Dogs: Shoulder height, 10 inches. Length, chest bone over tail at rump, 20 inches. Head, 8 ½ inches. Tail, 9 inches. Bitches: Shoulder height 9 ½ inches. Length, chest bone over tail at rump, 19 inches. Head, 8 inches. Tail 81/2 inches. A slightly higher or lower dog of either sex is acceptable, providing body, head, and tail dimensions are proportionately longer or shorter. The ideal ratio of body length to shoulder height is 2 to 1, which is considered the correct proportion.

Measurements are taken with the Skye standing in natural position with feet well under.  A box caliper is used vertically and horizontally.

For the height, the top bar should rest on the withers. The head is measured from the tip of the nose to the back of the occipital bone, and the tail from the root to the tip. Dogs of 8 inches or less at the withers and bitches 7 ½ inches or less at the withers are to be penalized.

Former Standard

The old Standard as submitted by S.T.C.A. and approved by A.K.C., on March 14, 1939 states the following regarding size and measuring procedure:  Dog-Height at shoulder, 9 inches. Length, back of skull to root of tail, 23 ½ inches.  Length, muzzle to back of skull, 8 ½ inches.  Length, root of tail to top joint, 9 inches. Total length, 41 inches. Bitches-Half an inch lower, and two and a half inches shorter than dog, all parts proportional; thus, body 22 inches; head 8 ½ inches; and tail, 8 ½ inches; total 39 inches.

The Difference

The obvious and main difference between the old and present Standard is length. If you were to use the old Standard to judge the illustrations, the selections would probably be just the opposite of our present Standard. Why was the Standard revised? Is a 2 to I ratio Skye better adapted for his work? Or is a longer backed Skye better suited for the job? Obviously, this is a subject to which we should all address ourselves.  I'm sure opinions and comments will be well-received by our Bulletin editor. A last observation of our Specialty weekend: Most of the Skyes are longer than the 2 to I ratio!

Bill Bouton, 15 Thayer Pond Rd,, New Canaan, CT 06840

 March 1984

Part II

SKYE TERRIERS    Length

In my last article I questioned whether a longer-backed Skye is better suited for his work than a shorter-backed, or a 10" x 20" Skye which is called for in our Standard.

Before we approach the subject, let us first review the job Skyes were intended to do and the environment in which they had to work. Our present day Skyes are descendants from those which originated throughout the Hebrides, and, more specifically, the Isle of Skye. They were used to hunt or control populations of various animals such as otter, badger and fox, certainly formidable prey for any terrier. The weather of the Hebrides dictated a double coat for protection against the elements as well as protection in combat. The terrain is rocky, hilly, and mountainous, demanding a dog of similar type to the very prey it would hunt: a dog with the speed and agility of the fox, powerful enough to kill badger, and able to chase an otter down to its earthen lair.  Obviously, no terrier would be better suited to hunt these types of animals in that kind of environment than the Skye.

Advantages Of Back Length

So, back to our original question of what advantage would a 10" high x 25" long Skye have over a 10" high x 20" long Skye?  After some research, applying some basic laws of physics, and discussions with Dr. Clinton T. Reubin of Tufts University, the following conclusions were drawn.

If you had two Skyes identical in every respect except that one was 10" x 25" and the other was 10" x 20", the longer-backed dog would have the following advantages:

The longer-backed Skye has a greater amount of muscle and flexibility. This additional muscle and flexibility is really of no use while the dog is walking or even trotting, but when the dog breaks into a dead run, watch him leave his shorter-backed counterpart behind. And, as we said earlier, speed is obviously a must for any animal that hunts fox, badger and otter.

Another very important advantage would be a better center of balance, crucial in traversing the hilly and rocky terrain of the Hebrides. The scale illustrations bear this out. If both dogs were attempting to traverse a 45 degree grade, the 10" x 20" Skye would be on the verge of falling over backward, while the 10" x 25" dog has yet to reach that point. For the sake of simplicity, I made the center of balance at the middle point of the back, when in reality the center of balance would be forward of the center because of the weight of the dog's neck and head. Therefore, with everything being relative, the longer-backed Skye would possess the better center of balance, making him better able to traverse the rocky hillsides.

The purpose of the Skye Terrier Club of America is to protect and preserve the Skye Terrier. Our obligation to the breed is to maintain the breed as it was, not to change it.  It is my opinion that the Standard as it exists needs clarification so judges and aspiring judges have no doubt of the correct outline.  In the end, it is the judges of our sport that dictate correct type.

Bill Bouton, 15 Thayer Pond Rd., New Canaan, CT 06840

May 1984