"Sealyham Terrier – never heard of it!" Many Sealyham Terrier owners are familiar with this phrase as this breed is quite rare outside of Britain. That's a pity because this small, white terrier possesses many positive characteristics that make it a wonderful family dog. But read on for yourself.
As a typical low-set “earth dog”, the Sealyham Terrier is small and elongated. After all, it was originally bred to fit into badger dens. Its medium-sized ears are set close to the head. Sometimes, you might see Sealyham Terriers with docked tails. While tail docking is generally prohibited inthe UK, it is legally permitted for certain working dogs, a category into which this breed historically falls.
The ideal weight for males is nine kilograms, while females typically weigh around eight kilograms. The shoulder height of this compactly built dog is a maximum of 31 centimeters according to the breed standard.
The Sealyham Terrier has white, coarse fur with a soft undercoat. It may have yellow, brown, blue, or grey markings on the head. According to the standard, black spots are desired. A Sealyham Terrier is especially striking when well-groomed, with the abundant fur around the head emphasizing its broad muzzle.
Character: The “Gentleman among Terriers”
Despite typical terrier traits, the Sealy, as enthusiasts fondly call it, is a sociable and open dog that forms a close bond with its two-legged companions.
Nature of the Sealyham Terrier
In this former hunting dog, social compatibility has always been valued from early on. Dogs prone to fighting were not used in breeding.
Therefore, Sealyham Terriers are among the breeds that generally get on well with their peers. Sealy fans speak excitedly about the infectious cheerfulness of their little companion. The Sealyham is an open-minded, adventurous, and friendly dog. At its core, it remains a terrier, which is evident in its brave and independent nature.
Anti-Barking and Anti-Hunting Training Recommended
This four-legged friend surprises many dog lovers with a strong and sonorous voice that seems too big for its small stature. However, a well-exercised Sealyham Terrier is not prone to nuisance barking.
If it becomes bored or feels responsible for patrolling the territory as a watchdog, that can change. Therefore, in training, ensure you guide your Sealyham Terrier’s barking correctly: a brief alert is okay, but constant barking is not desirable.
Another training focus should be good anti-hunting techniques. Some Sealys still have a strong instinct to hunt and enjoy searching for small prey in the forest and fields.
The Sealyham enjoys working together with its human and is considered among the easiest terriers to train. As with all four-legged friends, loving consistency and good socialisation as a puppy are important.
A Sealyham puppy: Representatives of this breed remain friendly and playful into their old age.
Keeping
This former hunting dog is now almost exclusively a family companion. As such, it’s happy in the countryside and in the city, especially if it gets enough exercise.
This terrier also adapts well to apartment living. If you have a garden, make sure it’s securely fenced to prevent the Sealyham from going after a rabbit when unwatched. But be warned: many representatives of the breed love to dig.
A Sealyham Terrier is suitable for beginners, families with children, and older dog enthusiasts who prefer a more laid-back approach. “Laid-back” means enjoying nature, but not needing to complete a 10-km run with your four-legged friend. The Sealyham Terrier also gets along well with cats and is friendly toward its counterparts – although there may be some exceptions.
What Should I Note About Coat Care for the Sealyham?
The coarse fur of the Sealyham Terrier needs regular trimming. Either get a professional like the breeder to show you how, or visit a dog groomer three to four times a year with your pet.
Caution: Clipping damages the fur structure. Only with regular trimming will the Sealyham feel permanently comfortable in its skin.
Beneath the top coat, there’s a soft undercoat. Many breeders therefore recommend combing your dog at least twice a week. Stick to this, and you can maintain your Sealyham’s coat easily and enjoy a home free from dog hairs.
Being a natural outdoorsy type, the Sealyham also has a self-cleaning fur. Once the dirt has dried, you can generally brush it out well. If you must bathe it, use a shampoo crafted for white dog fur.
Sealyham Terriers are known for being adventurous and always up for a bit of fun. Though they are not often used for hunting nowadays, they have a natural aptitude for it.
Furthermore, the Sealyham enjoys working with and for its human companion. As such, they might enjoy learning dog tricks or fetching. Nose work appeals to these clever dogs too, which is why activities such as Mantrailing or dummy training suit the small terriers admirably.
Joint ventures, from walks to cuddling on the sofa, are particularly important, as the Sealyham Terrier loves being in the company of its human friends.
Health
The Sealyham Terrier is considered a hardy breed. However, it can be predisposed to certain hereditary conditions, particularly lens luxation. Responsible breeders can rule out this eye disease in breeding animals through DNA testing.
Due to the breed’s small gene pool, it’s also essential to keep the inbreeding coefficient as low as possible to avoid the Popular Sire Effect, which can reduce a breed’s biological fitness.
Some Sealys are also prone to obesity, which can negatively impact their overall body, especially their joints.
A healthy Sealyham Terrier has an average lifespan of up to 15 years.
Purchasing a Sealyham Terrier: What you should look out for
When purchasing a Sealyham Terrier in the UK, it is important to be aware that they are a rare and vulnerable native breed. The most responsible way to acquire one is through a reputable and ethical breeder. You should start by checking The Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme, which lists breeders who meet high standards of care and health testing.
A good breeder will be open about the puppy’s health, temperament, and family history, and will be happy to show you the puppy with its mother in a clean and safe environment. They will also provide all necessary documentation, including a contract of sale and registration papers.
Be prepared for a wait, as litters are infrequent, and expect a price reflecting the rarity and quality of the dog. Adopting from a breed-specific rescue organization is also an excellent option, though opportunities may be less common.
There are many small terriers, but what sets the Sealyham Terrier apart is its good social compatibility. The Czech Terrier (Český Teriér) shares some physical and temperamental similarities.
If you prefer the more rugged terrier charm, there are many other small terrier breeds of similar size. At a glance, dogs like the West Highland White Terrier may look similar but can be more challenging to train than the Sealy.
History
Originating from the Welsh estate of Sealy Ham beside the Sealy river in the second half of the 19th century, Captain John Owen Tucker-Edwardes selectively bred various breeds, including the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Basset, and the Fox Terrier, to create the Sealyham Terrier. The goal was to optimise a four-legged friend for pack-based badger hunting, and Edwardes was sometimes brutal in his methods, shooting dogs that ran away from him at six months old or failed a hunting test.
The breed was officially recognised in 1910. After a few decades of great popularity, the Sealyham Terrier’s fame declined rapidly. Today, it’s mainly found in Britain and South Africa, where it’s also known colloquially as the “Welsh Border Terrier” or “Cowley Terrier”.
Sealyham Terrier: Not Just the Hairstyle Impresses
Friendly, agreeable, and keen to join in: The Sealyham Terrier is an insider’s tip for dog enthusiasts looking for the gentler terriers. Perhaps the most peculiar aspect of this four-legged friend is its modern show-look, which, however, is not compulsory. Even with less conventional hairstyles, the Sealy requires regular coat care. It’s certainly worth rediscovering this all-but-forgotten dog breed.
The zooplus forum was my entry into freelance writing: Here, interested cat lovers came together in 2011 to develop their own print magazine called "Pfotenhieb." In addition to my German studies, I was allowed to write some articles for the "Pfotenhieb". Today, as a happy dog owner, I devote myself mainly to animal and health topics.
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