Yorkshire Terrier vs Skye Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Skye Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
Skye Terrier Overview
Skye Terriers possess a distinctive long, low-set body draped in a flowing double coat that gracefully sweeps the ground. Their elegant silhouette features a proud head carriage, expressive eyes, and characteristically large, upright ears. Known for their dignified bearing and regal appearance, these terriers combine strength with refinement, displaying the perfect balance of robustness and elegance in their movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Skye Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Skye Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Skye Terriers.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Skye Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Yorkshire Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier and Skye Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Courageous, Good-Tempered, Canny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Skye Terrier Temperament
The Skye Terrier is characterized by being courageous, good-tempered, canny, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Yorkshire Terrier and Skye Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Yorkshire Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Skye Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Skye Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Skye Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Skye Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Dysplasia
- Mammary Cancer
- Autoimmune Issues
- Premature Closure
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
Skye Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Good watchdog capabilities
- Adaptable to different living spaces
- Low exercise requirements
Cons
- Requires extensive grooming
- Can be stubborn during training
- Reserved with strangers
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Yorkshire Terrier and Skye Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.