Karen Turnbull shares her 50-year journey in preserving and promoting the rare Skye Terrier through breeding, showing, and mentorship.
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Karen Turnbull
1. My love of the Skye Terrier began over 50 years ago when I was lucky to find a Skye for my baby daughter, and that little Skye was only available as a co-own show prospect. Thus began a life dedicated to my beloved Skye Terrier as a breeder, exhibitor, mentor, and active and passionate advocate for this lovely, rare breed. My next two show dogs were Skyes carrying the famed Glamoor bloodlines of Walter Goodman, and I spent many a show following Walter around learning all I could. Walter was a gracious mentor, and I feel fortunate to have learned from him and owned some of the best. That experience truly gave me a solid foundation over the years to breed Skyes of quality on the East Coast, then California, and finally, Colorado, with the Royalist prefix. Those early years were also a time when the Skye world still had a few large, famous kennels both in the US and Canada, such as Talisker and Iradell, and I was able to visit them and continue my quest to learn about all things Skye.
While breeding on a limited basis, I have bred numerous Champions, with many National and Regional Specialty wins, numerous Group wins and placements, and Bests in Show and Reserve Bests in Show, with all these wins mostly breeder/owner-handled.
I am passionately dedicated to paying forward the knowledge I have gained over these many years through breed mentorship and judges education, with the hope of educating others to fully understand and appreciate the beauty and nuances that make the Skye Terrier so wonderfully unique and lovely.
I also currently serve as President of the Skye Terrier Club of America (STCA) and the Columbine Skye Terrier Club. I have served every office of the STCA (except Delegate) multiple times. I have also helped found regional Skye Terrier clubs in Maryland
and Colorado.
I find my most important job now as I age is to work to save the breed from extinction. Much needs to be done, but the STCA is committed to this goal.
2. The Skye is a dog of great style and presence, best known for “the 3 L’s”: Long Low, and Level. When moving, this picture is enhanced by his beautiful flowing coat and floating motion, giving the picture of elegance and style, but there is never a doubt he is a Terrier at heart, as he’s smart and game and always ready to take on a squirrel or a good game of catch. He is legendary for his loyalty and devotion, and fiercely so. Historically, Skyes were bred on the Isle of Skye to go to ground after vermin. From a form and function aspect, Skyes were bred long and low to fit into dens and to possess strong drive from the rear and reach in the front to dig; the veil of hair was to protect the eyes and body from prey altercations. The abundant coat also protected the Skye from the harsh climate on the Isle of Skye.
3. This looks to be a fortunate year for Skye litters. As an extremely low-entry breed, this is very encouraging news.
4. As Skyes are a very low-entry breed, it is imperative to breed thoughtfully more than ever; studying COIs (Coefficient of Inbreeding) for a sensible match to achieve a litter for the future, striving for sustainability, and selecting pairs with diversity.
5. Yes, of course. The increase in doodles, designer mixes, and rescue dogs is still in high demand regardless of cost and inherent problems. The “Adopt, Don’t Shop” narrative is very much how people acquire their dogs. I would like to see the AKC (American Kennel Club) do more to promote responsibly bred purebred breeds. And how about the many at-risk breeds and the narrative to save a breed from extinction? AKC could do more, in my opinion. Too many breeds are shrinking in numbers, especially the Terrier Group!
6. I love the trend in all the new types of sports and Performance events! Versatility opens the door for many to earn a ribbon or title certificate for their dog while enjoying fun, noncompetitive events. It opens the door for everyone and their dog to train and try something fun and different together!
7. Overall, I think quality and presentation have evolved for owner-handlers. I’ve owned a training center, instructing Conformation and sports. Owner-handlers are seeking tools to help them compete with confidence and achieve success at higher levels. I also feel that social media has built more of a community among exhibitors.
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