The introduction of this long coat into a Terrier--dogs originally bred for rough-and-tumble work, can hardly have been advantageous, and the remarkably profuse coats of typical specimens in the present day is absolutely detrimental for work; moreover, it requires very careful grooming to keep the coat in a perfect state, though the texture of the hair being much harder than the silky coat of the Yorkshire Toy, gives less trouble than the last named.
Skyes are divided into "drop"-eared, and "prick"-eared, the chief differences being the carriage of the ears and tail. The drop-eared has a little longer and softer coat, longer body, and slightly smaller head; in all other respects they are practically the same. They are generally very game little Terriers, and will hold their own, weight for weight, in combat with any dog. Are good companions; of good constitution, and not given to quarrelling, unless interfered with.
Many indifferent specimens of the breed are remarkably clever for destroying vermin, and take to water without the slightest trouble.
In colour the Skye should be a steel-grey or blue, silver-grey, or fawn. If fawn, black or dark-brown tipped, and if silver-grey, black tipped.
The coat is a very important matter; taken along with the head it constitutes thirty-five per cent. value in point judging.
For the show bench, the outer coat must be long, in fact, reaching to the ground. For work, this is objectionable. Better to be of medium length, and this is the sort of coat that judges will do well to plump for. The outer coat to be of hard texture; straight, and long, and the under coat close and woolly. The long hair on the head almost completely conceals the sharp brown or hazel-coloured eyes.
A thick, soft, woolly undercoat affords the most perfect protection against wet to the skin, and supports the outer coat, as in Rough-coated Collies. Both limbs and tail must be well feathered in the case of show dogs, but for work, too much hair in these regions is a nuisance.
[Illustration: TYPICAL PRICK-EARED SKYE TERRIER DOG (Property of Miss M'CHEANE).]
In drop-eared Skyes a low carriage of tail is desirable, but in the prick-eared variety on a level with the back.