What makes the Sealyham Terrier Unique?
Sealyham Terriers are excellent hunters in the field but they also stand out in the dog show rings as well.
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Is the Sealyham Terrier Right For You?
Although happy in the company of others, they are fine if left alone. Sealyham Terriers are suited for both the town and country. They can be stubborn, vocal, and boisterous but also full of personality. Whilst they make for loyal family companions, they can be trained to be working dogs, making them excellent mousers or ratters. They can also be taught as a puppy to get along with other animals, including cats and birds. Harry Parsons, described his Sealyhams thus: “They make great companions, and the way they bond with their owners is almost magical. I keep six indoors, and if someone rings about an infestation and asks us to go ratting, they will know and are out of the door in a millisecond. If you train them, they’ll retrieve. They’ll do anything to please you.”
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Even Tempered
- Friendly
- Fearless
- Calm
Characteristics
Learn About the Sealyham Terrier
Description
General Description
Sealyham Terriers are short dogs with an athletic appearance and flexible bodies. They are somewhat longer than they are tall. Their build helps them move about easily in confined spaces. Members of this particular breed have domed, somewhat indented skulls and long, wide heads. Black noses with enlarged nostrils are another breed feature. These dogs have square jaws and their teeth form a scissors bite. Their dark eyes are oval in shape and set far apart. Sealyham Terrier should have an alert and intelligent expression on their faces. The broad ears on this breed are folded forwards and hang downwards so that they lie on a dog’s cheeks. Docked tails are yet another feature of Sealyham Terriers in most portions of the world, but this practice is illegal in large portions of Europe.
Size
Males of this breed can stand between 25 and 27 inches (64 and 70 centimeters) in height while females are usually between 20 and 25 inches (58 and 64 centimeters) tall. Ideally, dogs of either gender should be about 10.5 inches tall weigh approximately 24 pounds. This does vary with females ranging between 50 to 65 pounds (23 and 29 kilograms) and males being between 70 and 85 pounds (32 to 39 kilograms)
Coat
Sealyham Terriers have a double coat that is weather resistant. It is comprised of a thick and soft inner layer and a harsh outer layer. Members of this breed are usually white in color but fawn, brindle, pinto, and red hues are all acceptable as well. Markings on the head and ears may also be present.
Short History of the Sealyham
There are some reports that these small white terriers may have been introduced in Wales as early as the Middle Ages. However, these dogs were not officially mentioned until the 1850s. A breeding program was developed in the town of Sealyham by Captain John Edwardes in order to create an alert variety of dog that could be used for hunting small game such as foxes, otters, and badgers. It is thought that the gentleman may have started off using the Dandie Dinmont Terrier as a basis for his new breed. Sealyham Terriers were being shown by 1903 and these dogs received official American Kennel Club recognition eight years later.
Temperament
One of the smaller and calmer terriers, the Sealyham is nonetheless ready for action, always happy to investigate, dig or give chase. It is often aggressive toward other dogs or pets. It is a well-mannered house dog but needs some daily exercise. It is reserved with strangers, but devoted to its family. It is stubborn and independent. It digs and barks. This proud, compact, sturdy little dog makes an ideal companion. Charming and inquisitive, he loves his family, but as a spirited terrier breed, needs something to keep his active mind occupied.
Although happy in the company of others, they are fine if left alone. Sealyham Terriers are suited for both the town and country. They can be stubborn, vocal, and boisterous but also full of personality. Whilst they make for loyal family companions, they can be trained to be working dogs, making them excellent mousers or ratters. They can also be taught as a puppy to get along with other animals, including cats and birds. Harry Parsons, described his Sealyhams thus: “They make great companions, and the way they bond with their owners is almost magical. I keep six indoors, and if someone rings about an infestation and asks us to go ratting, they will know and are out of the door in a millisecond. If you train them, they’ll retrieve. They’ll do anything to please you.”
Caring for Your Sealyham Terrier
General Health
Sealyham Terriers are born in litters of 3 to 12 puppies, with 7 to 8 being the average. These dogs are not prone to many health problems and no specific major concerns were noted as of November 2011. Breed diversity does continue to be a topic of interest as popular sires father numerous litters and reduce the existent gene pool. However, some individuals do suffer from a condition called lens luxation which can cause glaucoma, nerve damage, and blindness. DNA testing can determine if this ailment is present in specific dogs.
Care
Daily
A bracing daily walk is recommended for members of this breed. They additionally benefit from lively play session or hunting excursions on a regular basis.
Weekly
These dogs will need to be brushed twice weekly to keep their coats from becoming matted. Owners may also want to cleanse their dog’s teeth on a regular basis to prevent bad breath and tartar build up as well as other health problems from arising.
Monthly
These dogs will need to be trimmed at least once per month. It is also a good idea for owners to use preventative medications to prevent their pets from becoming infested with parasites such as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. Most of these products should be administered on a monthly basis.
Grooming & Bathing
Sealyham Terriers need their coats shaped four times per year. Members of this breed that are simply kept as pets can kept clipped but show dogs may need to be stripped as well.
Exercise & Training
Sealyham Terriers can do well in apartments if they are given enough exercise. As with any breed, dogs that do not get appropriate amounts of exercise can become destructive and are prone to other behavioral issues. However, they are more often than not rather lazy. Members of this breed should probably live inside but they will need a secure yard to play in. These dogs are likely to follow interesting aromas and should not be allowed off their leashes as a result of this trait. Owners should also be aware that these terriers can be difficult to train. Although these dogs are intelligent, they also are stubborn and not easily cowed. Therefore, obedience training as well as early socialization are thought to be especially beneficial to members of this breed.
Sealyham Terrier Picture Gallery
