The motto of the Skye Terrier Club of Scotland – “Wha Daur Meddle Wi’ Me?”  “jives” with a motto written in Latin found on the royal coat of arms in Scotland: “Nemo me impune lacessit.”  One means, “Don’t mess with me,” while the other translated from Latin into English means, “Nobody interferes with me with impunity.” The meaning of both is plain, and why a terrier club would adopt it is even plainer. Though the Skye Terrier is a glamorous dog with its beautiful coat and epic ears, it’s still a terrier, and as such, deserves a saying that alludes to the fact Skyes are tough dogs that dare to be challenged.

As it happens, “Wha daur meddle wi’ me?” is also the title of an anonymously written poem that was often repeated by one of the Anglo/Scottish border families, the Elliots, who not only fought their neighbors, but were among the first lines of defense against thieving English invaders.

 Image: “Skye Terrier Tilt” by Janice MacLellan is available as wall art, personal items and home decor here.