Collection: Personalised Skye Terrier Gifts

Named after the Isle of Skye, the beautiful location from where they originate, the Skye Terrier is one of the oldest breeds in Scotland and dates back to the 14th century.

Queen Victoria was a huge fan of the breed but a small Skye Terrier called Greyfriars Bobby single-handedly did more to propel forward this dog in the popularity stakes than almost anything else. Greyfriars Bobby was the constant companion to his master, John Gray, and when he died in 1858, the dog famously followed his funeral procession and refused to leave the graveside until his own death fourteen years later.

The Skye Terrier developed on the Isle of Skye to hunt badgers, otters and foxes designed to go to ground to find them or even take to the water. Dating back to the 14th century, it is believed by some that the dogs are the descendants of dogs that survived a shipwreck during the battle with the Spanish Armada in 1588 and then bred with the local dogs.

Centuries later, English royalty spotted the breed probably during Queen Victoria’s reign when she stayed at Balmoral. In 1842, the Queen acquired her first Skye Terrier and began breeding them soon afterwards.

Popular in the States from the 1860s onwards, the Skye Terrier began to fall from favour in the 20th century and are now considered a rare breed. Finally recognised as a distinct breed as late as 1993, expect to have a long wait for a puppy.

Fearless and smart, these are true terriers so are tenacious and love to work. Loyal and affectionate, Skye Terriers seem to bond best with one person and are sometimes referred to as ‘one man’ dogs. Not always the best breed with small children, they are fine with older ones