Buying or Adopting a Skye Terrier
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Skye Terrier until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Skye Terrier the right breed for you?
Skye Terrier Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Skye Terrier?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No very small dogs in the household
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Skye Terrier stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – moderate to a lot (unless you keep the coat clipped short)
- Trimming/clipping – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Skye Terriers are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Skye to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Skye Terrier, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Skye Terrier?
Skye Terriers are exceedingly rare in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Skye Terriers rank 178th. It's very difficult to find this breed.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might occasionally find a Skye Terrier available from a Dog Rescue group affiliated with the breed's national club. You would need to contact them to inquire.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Skye Terrier being found at an animal shelter. Skye Terrier Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Skye Terrier turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
Your only real choice for a puppy is a show breeder, who breeds Skye Terriers to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Skye Terrier from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Skye Terrier puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Skye Terrier ends up with crippled joints.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen a Skye Terrier in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Skye Terrier Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Skye Terrier puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Skye Terrier puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
My best-selling books – now available FREE on my website