Sealyham Terriers
Sporty Little Welsh Dogs!
Sealyham Terriers originated in Wales, England. Captain John Edwards is
credited with
the breed's development which took place on his estate in Wales around
1850. The breed takes its name from the town of Sealyham located in the county of Pembrokeshire in Wales.
RickyThough there are no precise records, likely contributors to its lineage include the Corgi, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White, and Wire-Haired Fox Terriers.
The Sealyham is an alert and fearless breed with a long and low body which was well suited to
his job of quarrying small animals in their dens. Today he is still highly regarded as a good
mouser.
Attractive and appealing are words that best describe his appearance. Around his
face he wears long bangs and whiskers, giving him a noble look. His stunning white coat is
frequently admired.
Famous owners of the breed include Alfred Hitchcock, the renowned film director.
Characteristics of Sealyham Terriers
For a terrier, this dog is calmer while still being as active as most of his kin. Owners describe him
as a fearless watchdog and an ideal family companion, being both loyal and loving, as well as
cheerful. He likes to take it easy around the house and enjoys human company.
Although
very sociable - he's often described as "merry", he will reserve judgment of strangers until his owner shows acceptance of them.
Like most terriers, he does have an independent streak - hey, these dogs had to think for
themselves when chasing their prey down a hole!
They also come from a pack background, so
they will be looking around for their leader - that's where you come in. Once they know who's the
boss, consistent and fair training will do the rest.
If you want one of these cute dogs,
you may have to get on a list because they are kinda rare and hard to find. More resources for finding one are at the end of this page.
Courtesy a-z-animalsAppearance And Care
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 22-25 lbs.
Coat Color: Pure white, or with tan or badger markings on head and ears.
Lifespan: Up to 14 years with good care
Sealyham Terriers have a hard and wiry outer coat with an undercoat that is soft and weatherproof.
The coat is worn quite long and regular brushing with a slicker brush and/or a pin brush is necessary to avoid
tangles and mats. Periodic hand stripping should be done to keep the coat is
the best condition.
You can have this done by a professional or learn the technique yourself. For show dogs, it is a requirement.
On the plus side, shedding is minimal, but does make it more important to brush faithfully to remove loose hair in the coat!
Other grooming needs include: daily tooth brushing; ear cleaning and trimming excess hair inside the ear; and trimming nails on a regular basis. You can use a dremel to make the nail job easier if you wish.
Health Issues
- Allergies: This breed is known for having mild skin allergies including Demodex.
While the Sealy is considered an overall robust breed, there are a few issues that may affect him during his lifetime. Those include:
- Lens Luxation: An "autosomal recessive" genetic disease. A DNA test is available to determine if your dog is at risk for becoming affected or for carrying the defective gene.
- Glaucoma: A painful condition that is caused by an increase in the pressure of the fluid in the eyeball. Urgent veterinary attention is needed.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IDD): A degeneration or herniation of one or more disks between the vertebrae causes.
The National Breed Club recommends an ophthalmologist evaluation and that potential buyers of puppies should discuss the health issues with the breeder and ask about testing has been done on their breeding stock.
With good care and sufficient mental and physical stimulation, along with regular check-ups from a veterinarian, pet parents can expect to enjoy their Sealyham for up to 14 years.
How Active is the Sealyham?
Sealyham Terriers can be very active. They need daily exercise to turn them down a notch and make them better pets indoors.
Getting the Sealyham out for regular walks sufficient to burn off some energy as well as for their health and well-being, is important.
Ideal Living Space
Not demanding of space - easily adapts to apartment or house. However, they do need to be taken out regularly and having a small yard for romping and training would be ideal.
Be forewarned, the Sealy can take to barking if left alone too long which would not be welcome if in close proximity to neighbors. This breed loves company so if you are out of the house most days, he may not be the right breed for you.
Sealyham Terriers With Children?
Best with older children who are considerate and sensitive with pets. Being of pack origin, they
like the company of other dogs as well as family members.
The best policy, no matter what the breed, is to have adult supervision whenever pets and children are
are interacting.
Seniors Or Less Active Families?
The loyal demeanor of this lovely breed makes the Sealyham Terrier an excellent companion for seniors or more sedentary family.
That being said, exercise needs to be provided every day. He's a terrier after all and can be quite active indoors if short changed on his walks. Plus he loves to run freely somewhere safe if this is possible.
Find A Sealyham Terrier To Buy Or Rescue
The first step in finding a Sealyham Terrier is locating a reputable breeder who is dedicated to the breed and demonstrates that she is concerned with the quality and health of the puppies.
On the other hand, casual breeders, along with pet shops and puppy mills, should be avoided because they are not concerned with upholding any standard - only about the breed's popularity and making sales.
Here are some places to begin your search:
The American Kennel Club maintains a list of breeders pledged to uphold AKC-endorsed responsible breeding practices.
Available puppies can also be found through the AKC Marketplace
The American Sealyham Terrier Club for available puppies and breeder referrals
American Sealyham Terrier Club Rescue Lists any dogs available for rescue/rehome.
Attending local dog shows and connecting with breeders is an ideal way to get more information and meet the breed.
Expect to pay between
$1,500 to $3,000 to purchase a Sealyham puppy. Sealys are a rare breed and prices can vary depending on the reputation of the breeder, lineage, AKC registration, and if health screening results are provided.
But, be sure to calculate other expenses into your budget including: required dog license, vaccinations, insurance, everyday maintenance costs, which include routine vet visits, food, training, crate, toys, grooming tools and supplies etc.
Health insurance premiums will be less if insurance is purchased while still a puppy, before any health issues have occurred. This is a cost effective approach over the lifetime of your pup to cover the rising cost of veterinary care and unexpected needs.
Do your research before meeting a breeder so you know what to ask. You can tell a lot about a reliable breeder by how willing they are to share health history of the parents and encourage you to meet them.
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