The ears are generally well feathered and, in prick-eared examples, the hair normally falls like a fringe, accenting the form, and blending with the side locks.

[2] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.4 years from a sample of 39 deaths for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

Some confusion exists in tracing its history because, for a certain time, several different breeds had the same name "Skye Terrier".

The loyal dog, said to have been present under the petticoat of Mary, Queen of Scots at her execution, has been ascribed as a Skye Terrier.

In 1840, Queen Victoria made the breed fancy, keeping both drop-(floppy) and prick-(upwards) eared dogs.