HAS THE DOG HAD ITS DAY?
Project to save the much-loved Skye terrier as breed numbers in decline
ITS reputation for loyalty is immortalised by a statue in Edinburgh’s Old Town whose nose is stroked for luck by thousands of visitors each year.
But the goodwill generated by the tale of Greyfriars Bobby does not appear to be rubbing off on other Skye terriers as the breed is threatened with extinction.
There are now thought to be fewer than 200 Skye terriers in the UK, while only 53 puppies were registered in 2019.
Pedigree terriers are prone to hepatitis, leaving them with liver problems and the decline has prompted the launch of a project to rejuvenate the breed.
The Skye Terrier Club is introducing liver screening to eliminate the faulty genes that cause the health problems and will pay £1,000 to owners who import terriers with good genes.
Allan Stephenson, president of the Skye Terrier Club, said: ‘Numbers have declined.
‘The club has encouraged people to look for genetic lines in the pedigree that are healthier so we can use them to rejuvenate the breed. If someone imports a Skye terrier from abroad, which can improve the health of the pedigree, then we award them £1,000 as an incentive. But we are hoping DNA testing will enhance the
‘They’re very compassionate’
breed standard and remove the things which trouble the terrier.’
Mr Stephenson said the dogs are screened for liver problems, and the club has offered to swab the animals to try to prevent those identified with faulty genes from passing them on.
The screening programme has been developed in partnership with Liverpool University and the Animal Health Trust. Not all owners are keen to have their dog screened, however.
Mr Stephenson added: ‘It can be a touchy subject. Owners are understandably protective of their dogs. But it’s about helping to ensure the pedigree thrives.’
Skye terriers are adored, partly because of Greyfriars Bobby, who guarded his master’s grave in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years. The famous tale inspired a hit Disney film in 1961. Dr David Sargan, of Cambridge University, is an expert in reducing animals’ inherited diseases. He said: ‘Breeders have been good at eliminating diseases by not breeding dogs which have these conditions.
‘However, some dogs carry genes but don’t express these diseases. A genetic test can identify which dogs have these genes.’
Mr Stephenson fell in love with the dogs while watching them at Crufts. ‘From that moment all I wanted was a Skye terrier,’ he said. ‘It’s their personality. They’re very compassionate.’