Sealyham Terrier

Sealyham Terrier
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Wales/1800s

This Welsh breed was named for the family home of its creator Captain John Edwardes. His spunky earth terrier was bred for the courage needed to tackle vermin that intimidated other dogs, such as badgers, fox and weasels. The exact mixture of breeds he used to create the Sealyham is not known. Some say it included Corgis, Bassets, Dandie Dinmonts, Bull Terriers and West Highland White Terriers. Whatever he used, the result was a superb hunter. The Sealyham entered the English show world in 1910 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club the following year.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

Back to Top

none

AKC Group: Terrier

Breed Club: American Sealyham Terrier Club

Rescue Club: Sealyham Terrier Rescue

Back to Top

Body Type:

  • A short legged terrier that is the embodiment of power and determination
  • "Chunky" would be a good word to describe the Sealyham
  • Height: 10-12 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 18-20 pounds
  • Button ears are not altered
  • Erect tail is docked

Personality:

  • Friendly and outgoing
  • Alert and watchful
  • Intelligent but tends to add his own little fillip to anything you try to teach him

Coat:

  • Harsh double coat is water resistant. The undercoat is soft and dense and the top coat is hard and wiry
  • Coat is straight. Curly hair is a bad fault
  • White or yellowish white with colored markings allowed on the head and ears Markings on the body are not desirable
  • Does not shed
  • Professional grooming required

Health Concerns:

  • Like most white dogs, the Sealyham may be subject to genetic deafness
  • Lens luxation and retinal dysplasia of the eye
  • Reported to have problems with allergic skin diseases
  • Does not tolerate heat well
Back to Top
Tasty Tidbits:
  • Most charming quality: A sense of humor
  • Long lived but act perpetually youthful
  • Good for allergic people although the non shedding coat requires constant attention
  • Likes to dig, a heritage from its hunting past
  • A rarer breed that may be expensive to purchase or hard to find