One of the original terriers of the Hebrides, the Skye was described by Dr John Caius, Court physician to Elizabeth I in his book “of English Dogges” in 1570. The Skye plays a part in the development in all the terrier breeds of Scotland.

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He was used to hunt fox and badger so needed to be game and fearless. Despite these qualities in the field, it is the most loyal and devoted of companions – a quality made legendary in the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog owned by a Scottish shepherd. When his master died Bobby returned daily to the grave for 14 years and was fed by local residents. When Bobby died in 1872 a monument was erected in Greyfriars churchyard in Edinburgh. Queen Victoria acquired a Skye in 1842 and this helped to widen popularity of the breed.

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The modern Skye is larger and longer and more heavily coated than its ancestors.