Skye Terrier

Brushing Routine

Brush daily with a pin brush and long-toothed metal comb to maintain their spectacularly long, flowing double coat. The outer coat is hard, straight, and flat-lying, reaching 5-6 inches in length, while the undercoat is short, soft, and woolly. Part the coat down the center of the back and brush from the skin outward in sections. Pay special attention to the characteristic veil of hair covering the face.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 3-4 weeks with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo followed by a light conditioner to prevent tangling of the long coat. Always detangle completely before wetting. The extremely long coat takes time to wash and rinse thoroughly. Blow dry with a cool to medium-heat dryer while brushing flat to maintain the straight, flowing appearance.

Common Issues

• Matting underneath the long, flat-lying coat
• Ground-level coat dragging in dirt and moisture
• Eye irritation from the facial veil
• Long ears collecting debris
• Coat breakage from improper brushing technique

Extend Your Grooming Results

The Skye Terrier's floor-length coat demands daily commitment. Use a leave-in conditioning spray before every brushing session to prevent breakage. Keep the coat clean and dry as the long hair acts like a mop at ground level. Trim the coat length if the dog is not being shown to improve quality of life and reduce maintenance.

Seasonal Care

The Skye Terrier sheds minimally with dead hair staying trapped in the long coat. Year-round daily brushing is non-negotiable regardless of season. Rainy and muddy seasons are particularly challenging as the low-hanging coat picks up everything from the ground. Summer care may involve shortening the coat for comfort in heat.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush daily with pin brush and metal comb. Bathe every 3-4 weeks. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for trimming and shaping. Check eyes daily under the facial veil. Clean ears weekly. Trim ground-sweeping coat as needed for hygiene. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.