Sealyham is a type of Terrier that was originally bred to hunt. They are known for their short, wiry coat and their otter-like head. Sealyhams are considered to be one of the oldest terrier breeds in the world. They were originally used to hunt badgers and foxes, but today they are most commonly used as companion animals.
History of the Sealyham Terrier
The beginnings of Sealyham Terrier goes back to the 1800s when captain John Edwards, a businessman in Wales, developed and bred the Sealyham Terrier. The name of the breed comes from the name of the Sealyham, Haverfordwest in Wales, where captain John Edwards lived.
A Good Hunter and Watchdog
The main purpose of Edwards was to create a dog breed that was both a good hunter and an excellent watchdog. Sealyham Terriers were used to hunt foxes, badgers, otters, and other small game. It is believed that among them were Cheshire Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Welsh Corgi. It was important that the new breed was white in order to differentiate it from the prey. In 1911 the breed was registered by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdon and Sealyham Terriers became popular as both pets and working dogs.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Sealyham Terriers are small dogs that weigh between 23 and 24 pounds and are about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. Female dogs are slightly smaller. Sealyham Terriers have a long, narrow head with a muzzle that is slightly pointed. Their ears are V-shaped and fold over close to the head. They have dark eyes and a black nose with quite large nostrils. The hair on their muzzle is usually longer, which creates a characteristic beard. Their tail is short, docked and held erect. They give the impression of being a very alert and fluffy little dogs.
Coat
They have a weather-resistant double coat of wiry hair that is white, but they can have markings in different colors, including lemon, tan, black and badger markings. The double coat is designed to protect the dog from the environmental elements.
Maintenance and Grooming
This breed has a water-resistant, thick double coat, which makes it a bit high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Sealyham Terriers should be brushed at least twice a week to remove dead hairs and keep their coat healthy and shining. This breed does not shed a lot in general, however, they may shed a bit more during the change of seasons. Sealyham Terriers should also be bathed once every month or so, and their nails trimmed regularly. Dental hygiene is also important for this breed, and Sealyham Terriers should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar buildup.
Diet
Sealyham Terriers are small dogs, and they do not require a lot of food. A Sealyham Terrier’s diet should consist of high-quality dog food that will provide the dog with all the nutrients that they need. The amount of food per day can vary, depending on the sex, age and activity level, but a Sealyham Terrier should generally eat about 200-220 grams of food per day. To get an exact amount of how much food your Sealyham Terrier should be eating, consult your veterinarian.
Activity Level
Sealyham Terriers adapt quite well to apartment living due to their small size, however, they do need regular exercise. A long walk or a game of fetch in the yard will keep them happy and healthy. At least 30 minutes of exercise each day is recommended. Although they’re small, Sealyhams are very sturdy dogs and can handle a fair amount of activity.
Training
Sealyham Terriers are known to be very trainable and their desire to please the owner is strong. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train these dogs, as they respond well to encouragement and treats. They prefer short, consistent training sessions. Sealyham Terriers may be a little stubborn at times, so it is important to be consistent with your commands and remain firm but fair when training them.
Sealyham Terrier Temperament and Personality
Sealyham Terrier is a small, sturdy dog that is full of energy. Sealyham Terriers are also good with other pets. They have a high intelligence and love to play fetch or catch Frisbees. But with proper training, Sealyham Terriers can be wonderful companions. Sealyham Terriers are also good watch dogs, as they will bark to let you know when there is someone at the door.
Sealyham Terrier as a Family Dog
They are friendly and make great pets for families, although small children may not be able to handle their exuberance. These dogs are intelligent and can be easily trained. Sealyham Terriers love to play and have a lot of energy, so they are best suited for active families. They can be a little stubborn at times and cautious towards strangers. Since they are a hunting breed, they may also consider other pets, little babies and small animals as prey, so proper socialization is important.
Sealyham Dog Breed: Health
Sealy lives about 11-13 years and generally is considered to be a very healthy breed of dog, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the health concerns that may affect Sealyhams include:
- retinal dysplasia;
- lens luxation;
- bacterial and viral infections.
Retinal dysplasia is a congenital disorder that affects the development of the retina, and can lead to blindness. Lens luxation is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes dislodged from its normal position. Bacterial and viral infections can cause serious health problems in dogs, including blindness, seizures, and even death.
Health Care
It is important to have your Sealyham screened by a veterinarian regularly and to keep up with their vaccinations to help ensure they stay healthy. Do not buy a Sealyham from a breeder who does not screen their breeding stock for health problems. Regular veterinary care and preventive measures will help keep your Sealyham healthy and happy for many years.
For Whom?
Sealyhams are perfect for those looking for a small yet sturdy dog that is good with children. They adapt well to apartments, but proper exercise is still needed. They are quite reserved with strangers, and they may bark to announce a visitor, but they are not aggressive. Furthermore, they are perfect for families with older children, seniors and singles. They may develop separation anxiety, so they are not recommended for those who work long hours and are not home often. Being born hunters, they may consider other small animals or little children as preys, so it is important to start training as early as possible.
Sealyham Puppy Price
The price for a Sealyham Terrier can vary depending on the breeder, but generally due to the declining popularity and availability of this breed, they can be expensive. Some Sealyham Terriers have been known to sell for upwards of $1,000 with the price reaching as high as $3,000 in some cases. The price of a Sealyham Terrier is also contingent on their pedigree, with dogs with more champion bloodlines typically commanding a higher price than those without any titled ancestors.
Trivia
- Sealyham Terrier was a favorite breed of many famous people in Hollywood, including Alfred Hitchcock (this breed appears in two of his movies), Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor and Humphrey Bogart.
- Although their popularity was high during the early 1900s, Sealyham Terrier numbers dwindled in the latter part of that century. This led to their being designated as an endangered breed by the United Kennel Club.
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