Skye Terrier Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, and somewhat elongated, yet wedge-shaped. Always in proportion to the rest of the body. The skull is relatively broad between the ears and should be flat in profile or from the front. It tapers gradually to the muzzle. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles. It exhibits sufficient substance, bone, and muscle to denote terrier strength and capability. It is never refined or chiseled.

Eyes: Somewhat small to moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.

Ears: Moderate in size, set high and somewhat wide on the skull the outer corners of the skull. They are triangular, with rounded tips, and may be held firmly erect or carried drop. V-shaped ears are highly mobile and strong. Drop ears hang with the inner edges and tips close to the head. The ears should never appear small, like that of the Yorkshire Terrier, or overly long, large, broken, "fly-away," or semi-erect.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. The neck is strongly muscled with a slight arch. It tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Low-set and rectangular, compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never squared, racy, or overly refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. The tail is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, often carried at or below the level of the horizon. It can occasionally be raised above the level of the back during bouts of excitement but should never stay there. It should never be held tucked between the legs. The tail is left natural and never docked short. It is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. It may be straight or gently curved (never twisted or curled).

Movement: Efficient, effortless, energetic, lively, and spritely, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Skye Terrier breed has a typical large terrier temperament, meaning they are watchful, alert, courageous, loyal, quick to act, and even quicker to react. They are friendly, affectionate, and loyal to their people, but they are aloof to indifferent towards strangers. Like a true terrier, the Skye Terrier breed can be rather predatory with other small animals, and they may develop aggression toward other dogs. These unwanted behaviors can be curbed with early socialization and obedience training. Skye Terriers are intelligent, affectionate, and wonderful companions. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.