At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 12-18 kg; Vetstreet gives 35-45 lb (about 16-20 kg). The FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat: soft woolly undercoat, long hard straight topcoat
A long, low, level terrier, about twice as long as it is tall. The long, straight outer coat lies flat over a short soft undercoat, and the hair on the head falls over the forehead and eyes like a veil and forms a small beard.134
Personality what they are like
A dignified, graceful terrier that bonds very closely with its own person or family. It is plucky and bold, reserved and watchful around strangers, and warmly affectionate with the people it knows.124
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: up to about an hour a day, for example two or three short walks or play sessions, though it will happily do more.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush the long coat a few times a week, working through to the undercoat to keep it tangle-free. The Royal Kennel Club rates grooming as more than once a week.24
Home where they are happiest
Suits a small house with a small to medium garden, in town or country.2
Company who they like around
Often a one-person or one-family dog that likes being close to its people. Tends to prefer the company of adults and does best when introduced to newcomers calmly.14
The story where it all began
One of Scotland's oldest terriers, it was bred in the Western Isles to go after fox, badger and otter, and was described as early as 1570. It became fashionable after Queen Victoria took one up in 1842, and it is now counted among the UK's vulnerable native breeds.241
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Edinburgh dog said to have kept watch at his master's grave for 14 years, is linked with the breed, and a monument to him was put up in 1872.2
- 2
The breed was mentioned in Dr John Caius's book 'Of English Dogges' in 1570.2
- 3
Queen Victoria's interest from 1842 made Skyes a favourite of Victorian high society.2
- 4
The FCI standard describes an ideal nose-to-tail length of about 105 cm on a dog only around 25 cm tall.1
- 5
Over the years it has also been called the Clydesdale, Paisley and Glasgow Terrier.4
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 75, Terrier group, country of origin Great Britain.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Recognised in the Terrier group and listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.2
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Recognised in 1887.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Skye Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 75 - Skye Terrier fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, length, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Skye Terrier - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, vulnerable status, exercise, grooming, home, lifespan, history, fun facts
- Skye Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, coat
- Skye Terrier - Vetstreet vetstreet.comused for AKC recognition, height, weight, grooming, exercise, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.