The Skye Terrier was bred on the remote Scottish island of Skye, where the residents specifically used it to hunt otters, badgers, and foxes. Its keen sense of smell and agile, strong, muscular body enable it to locate them and dig into their burrows to capture them. The Skye Terrier’s short, sturdy legs are well-suited for digging, and its double coat protects it from adversaries and harsh weather.

　Initially, the floppy-eared variety was more popular, but later in the 19th century, the upright-eared variety began to become common as a pet and show dog, partly due to Queen Victoria’s fondness for this type of breed. For centuries, the Skye Terrier has enjoyed popularity, and at one time it was a favored dog in the royal courts of Scotland and England.