The origin of the Skye Terrier is connected with a shipwreck. In the early 1600's a Spanish ship came to grief against the rocks of the island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. Among the survivors were Maltese dogs that mated with local terriers and produced this new extremely pleasing and unique breed. In the mid-1800's Queen Victoria took a fancy to the breed and it became very popular for awhile, especially among the nobility. Later the breed's popularity waned. The Skye Terrier is very loyal and strongly connected to his master. Legend has it that a Skye named "Bobby" stayed faithfully by the grave of his deceased master for ten years before he, too, passed away. Towns people fed him. The breed was first shown in England in 1864, and first registered with the AKC in 1887. Today the beautiful Skye Terrier is primarily a companion, though he can still help control vermin.
