The Skye Terrier--a small- to medium-sized terrier breed that's rare, even in its native Scotland--is a companion breed with the "Triple T," or typical terrier temperament. These short but sturdy dogs will need moderate care overall, including regular exercise and plenty of companionship.
Below you'll find details on caring for a Skye Terrier including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising a Skye Terrier, read on!
Skye Terrier Exercise Needs
Like other terrier breeds, Skye Terrier exercise requirements are moderate overall. These dogs do best with a variety of activities that both condition them physically and stimulate them mentally.
The typical adult Skye Terrier will need 30-45 minutes of proper exercise per day. You can start exercising Skye puppies at 2½ months old by taking them on short walks.
Precautions with Skye Terrier exercise:
- Don't exercise puppies too hard if younger than eight months old
- High prey drive means these dogs should be leashed when in public
- Yards should be fenced to keep the dog from running off
- Exercises should be done with people due to possible separation anxiety
It is important to exercise your Skye Terrier every single day. Without consistent activity these dogs will dig and bark excessively, and be disobedient and unhappy in general. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:
- Walking: Two 15-minute walks per day is a good target
- Fetch: Can be played indoors or out; use the dog's favorite toy
- Hide-and-Seek: Good indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
- Dog Park: If properly socialized, Skye Terriers enjoy the company of other dogs; be sure to use a leash
- Laser Pointer: These dogs will go nuts chasing that "little red dot"
When indoors, give your Skye Terrier access to balls or toys that allow the dog to burn excess energy. You can also establish a regular exercise routine for the dog, such as walks after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.
In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs need moderate care. Skye Terrier shedding is seasonal--fair for most of the year, but heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. Drooling isn't an issue.
Skye Terriers have long, flowing double coats that are actually pretty easy to groom. Shedding is moderate most of the time, but more profuse when these dogs blow their undercoats in the spring and fall. Owners should brush their Skye Terriers 3-4 times per week with a pin brush to minimize the shed (and to keep the coats from matting and tangling); cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be needed from time to time. (Brushing and cleanup will obviously be required more often during shedding season.)
A Skye Terrier almost never drools, though. If your Skye Terrier is drooling excessively it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.
