Sealyham Terrier

In my own words

I’m a Sealyham terrier but you can call me ‘Sealy’. I am proud to be a Sealy: we are a bold and charming type of terrier. I was the prized pet of the Hollywood golden age with cameo roles in Hitchcock films. That’s not why I’m loved today. My family love me for my constant displays affection. I just love being part of the family and being with them all the time. Unlike a lot of terriers I’m not so rambunctious, you will often find me lazed on the couch or fondly snuggled in my owners lap.  

Information essential about the Sealyham Terrier

Kennel Club Group

Terrier

 

This rare breed of dog is currently listed on the KC’s list of vulnerable native breeds as registrations of pups are consistently less than 300 per year, with a meagre 48 being registered being registered in 2008.

Category:-

Size:

Weight: Male: 23-24; Female: 18-22 lbs Average height to withers: Males and females both up to 10 inches.

Popularity:

During the 1930’s the Sealyham terrier soared in popularity within the US elite of Hollywood. The Sealyham terrier features in a number of films at the time, including the Hitchcock thriller ‘the Birds’. A number of British Royalty, were also fans of this breed, most notably Princess Margaret.

Breed History:

The Sealyham terrier originated in Wales in the middle of the 19th century. Sealyham terriers were developed through crosses with the now-extinct small white Cheshire Terrier. Moreover, West Highland Whites, Fox Terriers and Corgis are all thought to have contributed to the development of this breed.

Captain John Edwardes developed the breed but unfortunately did not keep records of the breeding lineage. His aim was to produce a distinct, white haired Terrier, which he could see easily in the field while hunting. By 1908 a club dedicated to this dog was opened and 3 years later the UK Kennel Club recognised the breed. Over the years, Sealyham Terriers have been used to hunt otters, badgers, foxes, vermin and stoats. They were bred to be a very tough dog, and to do this, breeders used to cull the weaker pups and just keep the stronger ones for breeding purposes to establish a well-defined set of physical and behavioural traits.

At one time they were one of the most popular Terrier breeds. Today, however, they're uncommon and are considered by Great Britain's Kennel Club to be one of that country's most endangered native breeds.

Character:

The Sealyham terrier is a hardy and muscular breed. They are proud, compact, and charming. They are lively, bold, vigorous, and exhibit a robust nature. The Sealyham is a jaunty and jovial companion that has a deep depth of devotion to their owner and family. The Sealyham terrier is highly intelligent and affectionate. They are extremely loyal, independent, and spirited. They are not rambunctious as is usually a trait of the terrier breed. The Sealyham terrier is very vocal and makes a good watchdog. They thrive on being an integral part of the family. He will want to be with you wherever you go, and enjoys snuggling up to you on the sofa. He is friendly, calm, and relaxed, and does wonderfully with respectful children.

Temperament:

The Sealyham's nature and temperament enchants people. While it is less active than the most Terrier’s, this breed has the adopted name of the ‘couch potato of terriers’. At the same time though, this breed has a wonderful sense of adventure and fun and is always ready to play! Due to its hunting heritage, it typically gets along well with other dogs in the home, as well as people, although it can be reserved toward strangers until it knows and trusts them. He is playful well into his elderly years. He can be quite wilful, but he wants to please his owner and once trained, is quite obedient. He is an intelligent dog and needs something to keep his active mind occupied. Although they are intelligent and very charming, Sealies can sometimes exhibit the stubbornness that most Terriers are well known for. To maintain your position as leader of the pack, you must display a firm and consistent hand and the ability not to laugh at their comic antics as you reprimand them! As a pet and companion, you won't be disappointed. They are real people pleasers and like to be around children and this little dog adapts well to modern lifestyles and is comfortable in both city and country. Inquisitive, self assured, loyal and happy, this dog always delights.

Conformation:

Sealyham Terriers aren't big dogs, but they have long, broad and powerful heads coupled with well-muscled bodies. Their eyes are dark, deep set and sparkle with intelligence. The ears are folded level with the top of the head and the forward edge lies close to the cheek. The white coat is dense, wiry on top, with a downy undercoat providing a warm and quite weather resistant layer.. Being quite low-slung dogs with long hair, they are typically found with a line of mud around their midriffs where the hair can trail along the ground – unless groomed and cut.

Colour:

Any solid colour including sable. Markings on the face can be in a variety of colours including lemon, black, brown, blue, and badger, which is a mix of brown and black

Training:

The Sealyham terrier has a tendency to be difficult to train. They are quick to learn, but may try to undermine their master's authority. They do well with early socialization and obedience training. Sealyham Terriers respond best to firm, fair, and consistent direction. They enjoy agility exercises and are enthusiastic participants. However, you will need to be extra patient when Training him.

Care:

The Sealyham terrier requires professional trimming and stripping of the coat. They need to be brushed twice weekly to prevent mats from forming. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. Dry shampoo as needed. This breed does best in cooler climates. The Sealyham terrier sheds practically no hair at all. You'll virtually never find a hair in your house. The Sealyham terrier also enjoys its food, so the owner needs to keep a close eye on its weight! The Sealyham terrier requires moderate exercise. They enjoy securely leashed walks. They thrive on family activities and play sessions. The Sealyham is well suited for apartment and condominium living, but is equally at home in the country setting. He has moderate exercise needs and does fine with just a brisk daily walk. He also loves to play ball and enjoys earth dog competitions.

Health:

Sealyham Terriers have very few health problems. They are allergic to fleas, are prone to deafness, and may have skin sensitivities.

Overall the Sealyham is a robust dog, which suffers from few conditions or diseases. It can be prone to an eye condition called ‘lens luxation’. This is caused by a weakening in the fibres which hold the lens of the eye in place, causing it to slip out. It can cause permanent optic nerve damage if left untreated. In good health, it can live up to 15 years of age, sometime longer.

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