Sealyham Terrier

Country of origin: Wales

General Appearance:

The Sealyham Terriers are white or yellowish-white with dome shaped skulls, a large nose and powerful jaws with sturdy teeth and very long canines. Its eyes are round and dark and its ears are wide and carried against its cheeks. The neck is long and muscular and the tail is docked and carried upright. Its front legs are short and straight; the hind legs are powerful and muscular. Their coats are bristly, coarse, and long and require stripping.

Temperament:

Sealyhams are loyal, loving, independent, spirited, and affectionate. Sealyham's are not as rowdy as some of the other terrier breeds. They are somewhat reserved with strangers, fairly independent, and generally good with other pets.

Care and training:

The Sealyham terrier has a tendency to be difficult to train. They are quick to learn, but they have also been known to try to undermine their master's authority. For the most part, 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 in activities but they will run off if they decide to chase something. Owners can use food and praise methods as forms of training but do not be surprised if these methods do not work all the time.

Overall Exercise:

This breed needs a daily walk.  Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. The breed is a low energy dog that makes a good walking companion.

Feeding requirements:

No special feeding requirements

Colours:

All white or white with lemon, brown, blue or badger pied markings on head and ears. Much black and heavy ticking undesirable.

Movement:

Brisk and vigorous with plenty of drive.

Size:   Not more then 12 inches (30cm.)

Weight       Bitch   max 9kg
 
                    Dog     max 9kg

Grooming:

Professional  trimming  or stripping is needed. They have a medium-long coat and their tails are customarily docked. They shed little to no hair.

Noise: low

Personal Protection: High

Suitability As Guard Dog: low

Level of Aggression: Low

Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium

Suitablity for Children: High

Health issues: One of the most important Health issues for the Sealyham Terrier is the potential for getting an eye disease that is known as lens luxation.

History:  The Sealyham terrier derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales. Captain John Edwards developed this breed around 1848 as a hunting dog for vermin and fox.
Captain Edwards did not keep any records of his endeavors but later students surmised that the original terriers were probably descendents of white-haired terriers which Edwards' Flemish ancestors brought to Wales at the time of the Norman Conquest. It is also assumed he used a small white terrier resembling a bull terrier which is now extinct to begin the breeding.

The Sealyham's first recorded show appearance was in 1903 at a local affair in Wales and the breed was first imported to the U.S. in 1911.

Often docked:  No

Life expectancy: About 15 years

Average litter size: up to 3 pups