Ya know for some time, I've been talking about getting back into breeding chihuahuas. But last night I saw something that would change my mind. AKC has released a list of breeds that they say needs more public interest. These are breeds that AKC recognizes and has recognized for many years, but they are very low in numbers. A few breeds I like were on that list. One breed that caught my attention was the Skye terrier. Named after the Isle of Skye in Scotland. One person who is on the group and lives in Scotland said she's visited the Isle of Skye recently and there were absolutely no skye terriers to be found. This is the breed's place of origin too! So, that kinda got me to thinking; instead of breeding chihuahuas, why not breed Skye terriers? I was saying in another thread yesterday that I would love to join a breed revival community to help get them back on track. Most people that I've met who have met other Skye terriers say they are one of the best dogs they've ever known.
When I was about 7 years old, we had a Skye terrier named Sir Knight. He was black when he was a puppy, but when he got older, he lightened into a more charcoal-grayish color. I didn't know what breed he was when I was 7 years old, it wasn't until years later, after I saw him as an adult and started studying dogs that I put 2 and 2 together. He had the characteristic fringes on the ears and the arches of hair over his face. That's one thing I remember most about him. Skyes are also not as high-energy as other terriers. I remember at the same time we got Sir Knight, our best friends Brenda, Tara and Lucious, got one of Sir Knight's half sisters, who was only half Skye terrier and half poodle. She was a wheaten color with some white markings. Funny how I remember what she looked like. They named her Fifi.
One of my most favorite childhood memories ever was when Brenda and Tara would come over and bring Fifi. Tara and I would run through the house, giggling and playing, and Sir Knight and Fifi would be running along together after us. Every time I think about that now, it always brings a smile to my face. It's probably one of my most favorite childhood memories. Of course I still love little chihuahuas, but let's face it, there's already a LOT of chihuahuas out there. Granted not all are good quality. But Skye terrier numbers are falling fast.
I remember back in 1999, Skye terriers saw a little bit of a surge in popularity. Just for a little while. I was seeing Skye puppies and Skye mixes even. I remember one time there was even an ad in our local paper where someone was giving a 2-year old skye away. It almost sounded too good to be true. I called the ad and asked the guy why he was just giving away a dog like that. I got my answer. He said the dog killed his cat. I was like "oh." I thanked him and hung up. If it wasn't for the fact that I had a cat at that time, I would definitely have gotten the dog! But I already had a cat so I couldn't get the dog. I should have gotten rid of the cat and went and got the dog anyways. The cat didn't last long at our house (which is usually the case with cats). But it would have been kinda fun to have another Skye terrier in my life.
Aside from Sir Knight, the only other time I've seen a Skye terrier was when I was about 10, and this old couple who lived down the road from me, had a big, mean Samoyed and a skye terrier. Usually Samoyeds are not mean, but I think this one was because the old couple was mean. They were not friendly older people at all! They were probably reclusive people. I remember one time I asked the little old lady if I could see her terrier up close and she flat-out said no because she was a female, and she was a watch dog. The way she said that, in the tone of voice she used, sounded like she was telling me to just get lost. She was not at all friendly. I don't know if she just didn't like kids, or if she didn't like people at all. I never saw anyone go to their place for a visit. No children, no grandchildren or anything. I think they were just loners. Which I do understand now. I'm pretty much the same way. But I'm not that aloof. I do sometimes still say hello to people when I feel like it. Which really is not often.
Well, I can't do anything now because of this surgery I'm going to have this summer. Plus my sis said she wants to take me to Maine for my birthday next year. That should be fun. But as soon as I get back, I just might follow through with this idea. I found a breeder who also wants to spread knowledge of this breed. She's only 15! But she seems very smart and knows what she is doing. She's breeding for the betterment of the breed. That's good. If we are going to revive this breed, we need to begin with top-notch stock. I told her in one post I would start right away, but then I remembered the surgery and the trip. I have to wait until I complete those 2 things before I can even think of getting another dog. The surgery is going to be especially hard on me. I'm going to be down for a couple months. I'm not going to be able to take care of puppies then. But next year, after my trip, for sure I'll be looking into getting one. Then showing and breeding down the line.
When I was about 7 years old, we had a Skye terrier named Sir Knight. He was black when he was a puppy, but when he got older, he lightened into a more charcoal-grayish color. I didn't know what breed he was when I was 7 years old, it wasn't until years later, after I saw him as an adult and started studying dogs that I put 2 and 2 together. He had the characteristic fringes on the ears and the arches of hair over his face. That's one thing I remember most about him. Skyes are also not as high-energy as other terriers. I remember at the same time we got Sir Knight, our best friends Brenda, Tara and Lucious, got one of Sir Knight's half sisters, who was only half Skye terrier and half poodle. She was a wheaten color with some white markings. Funny how I remember what she looked like. They named her Fifi.
One of my most favorite childhood memories ever was when Brenda and Tara would come over and bring Fifi. Tara and I would run through the house, giggling and playing, and Sir Knight and Fifi would be running along together after us. Every time I think about that now, it always brings a smile to my face. It's probably one of my most favorite childhood memories. Of course I still love little chihuahuas, but let's face it, there's already a LOT of chihuahuas out there. Granted not all are good quality. But Skye terrier numbers are falling fast.
I remember back in 1999, Skye terriers saw a little bit of a surge in popularity. Just for a little while. I was seeing Skye puppies and Skye mixes even. I remember one time there was even an ad in our local paper where someone was giving a 2-year old skye away. It almost sounded too good to be true. I called the ad and asked the guy why he was just giving away a dog like that. I got my answer. He said the dog killed his cat. I was like "oh." I thanked him and hung up. If it wasn't for the fact that I had a cat at that time, I would definitely have gotten the dog! But I already had a cat so I couldn't get the dog. I should have gotten rid of the cat and went and got the dog anyways. The cat didn't last long at our house (which is usually the case with cats). But it would have been kinda fun to have another Skye terrier in my life.
Aside from Sir Knight, the only other time I've seen a Skye terrier was when I was about 10, and this old couple who lived down the road from me, had a big, mean Samoyed and a skye terrier. Usually Samoyeds are not mean, but I think this one was because the old couple was mean. They were not friendly older people at all! They were probably reclusive people. I remember one time I asked the little old lady if I could see her terrier up close and she flat-out said no because she was a female, and she was a watch dog. The way she said that, in the tone of voice she used, sounded like she was telling me to just get lost. She was not at all friendly. I don't know if she just didn't like kids, or if she didn't like people at all. I never saw anyone go to their place for a visit. No children, no grandchildren or anything. I think they were just loners. Which I do understand now. I'm pretty much the same way. But I'm not that aloof. I do sometimes still say hello to people when I feel like it. Which really is not often.
Well, I can't do anything now because of this surgery I'm going to have this summer. Plus my sis said she wants to take me to Maine for my birthday next year. That should be fun. But as soon as I get back, I just might follow through with this idea. I found a breeder who also wants to spread knowledge of this breed. She's only 15! But she seems very smart and knows what she is doing. She's breeding for the betterment of the breed. That's good. If we are going to revive this breed, we need to begin with top-notch stock. I told her in one post I would start right away, but then I remembered the surgery and the trip. I have to wait until I complete those 2 things before I can even think of getting another dog. The surgery is going to be especially hard on me. I'm going to be down for a couple months. I'm not going to be able to take care of puppies then. But next year, after my trip, for sure I'll be looking into getting one. Then showing and breeding down the line.
4 comments:
A Skye Terrier would be something different for a change
I have read where they might become extinct because there are very few breeders out there that raises these dogs. There also very hard to come by.
I know and I would hate to see them go extinct. They are such wonderful and beautiful dogs. So, I am going to give this a go.
BTW, maltese were also surprisingly on that list too.
OH?? Then maybe I should try Maltese breeding. I did wanna do that years ago.
Part of the reason why some breeds are becoming extinct is because people keep creating designer mutts outta these breeds. That needs to stop!!!
I know. Also more people these days are promoting the "adopt don't shop" mantra. That also needs to stop. And more people are getting pit bulls and other such breeds. No one is looking for the less-popular breeds.
You should breed maltese. That'd be cool.
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