Sealyham Terrier

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
As needed
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The breed was developed between 1850 and 1891 by Captain John Edwardes, at Sealyham House, near Wolfscastle in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire. Originally the breed was used for pest control, to hunt small game, and to eliminate vermin, particularly badgers, which he usually relocated. The Welsh Corgi, Fox Terrier (Wire), and the now extinct English White Terrier all played a part in the makeup of the Sealyham although Edwardes did not keep records. He wanted a small white dog with a strong jaw, and a wiry coat. The white coat was particularly prized, as it meant that the hunter in the field could distinguish the dogs from the quarry. 1.

Appearance

Sealyham Terriers have a white double coat which requires regular brushing with a wire comb in order to prevent matting. It has a dense undercoat, while the outer coat is wiry and weather resistant.

Markings on the face can be in a variety of colours including lemon, black, brown, blue, and badger, which is a mix of brown and black. Heavy body markings or patches or excessive ticking on the coat are discouraged Sealyhams are low to the ground, and in muddy weather their long coats can become quite dirty. Sealyham coats are groomed by hand stripping, in order to keep the coat from becoming too soft. 1.

Sizes: Ideal weight: Dogs approx. 9 kgs (20 lbs). Bitches approx. 8 kgs (18 lbs). Height: should not exceed 31 cms (12 ins) at shoulder. 2.

Temperament

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.

While 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. 1.

Suitability & Maintenance

The long, profuse, double, weather resisting coat needs regular combing right down to the skin. The coat on the back can be stripped or clipped, and grooming must be done on a regular basis.

If your Sealyham Terrier becomes overweight, he can develop back problems. Be sure to monitor his food intake and give him regular exercise to keep him in shape.

Sealyhams have a wonderful sense of humour and are always ready to play. Because they were bred to hunt in a pack, they typically gets along well with other dogs in the home, as well as people. Although loyal and affectionate with their families, Sealyham Terriers can be a bit reserved around strangers and therefore make good watchdogs. Their bark is surprisingly loud and deep, but they can be trained to be quiet on command. They are fond of chasing rabbits, birds, and even other dogs and cats. Be sure to keep your Sealyham Terrier on leash when he’s not in a secure area.

Although Sealyham Terriers do well outdoors when it’s cool (they don’t like heat), they should be kept in your house when you can’t supervise them.

Sealyham Terriers are happy little dogs, but they can have a dominant personality if not kept in check by a firm, consistent master. Successfully training them requires firm, consistent handling. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, praise, and play. All Terriers are rambunctious, even the laidback Sealyham. This breed is best suited to families with older children who understand how to handle and interact with dogs. Sealies are generally good with other pets, including cats, especially if they’re raised with them, however, they can be aggressive toward dogs they don’t know. 3.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Sealyham Terrier and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Sealyham Terrier and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
Tom Horner - English Author & Judge.

Image: Shutterstock.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 05 Aug 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Free moving, active, balanced and of great substance in small compass. General outline oblong, not square.

Characteristics

Sturdy, game and workmanlike.

Temperament

Alert and fearless but of friendly disposition.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull slightly domed and wide between ears. Cheek bones not prominent. Punishing square jaw, powerful and long. Nose black.
Eyes	Dark, well set, round, of medium size. Dark, pigmented eyerims preferred but unpigmented tolerated.
Ears	Medium sized, slightly rounded at tip and carried at side of cheek.
Mouth	Teeth level and strong with canines fitting well into each other and long for size of dog. Jaws strong with regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Fairly long, thick and muscular on well laid shoulders.
Forequarters	Forelegs short, strong and as straight as possible consistent with chest being well let down. Point of shoulder in line with point of elbow which should be close to side of chest.
Body	Medium in length, level and flexible with ribs well sprung. Chest broad and deep, well let down between forelegs.
Hindquarters	Notably powerful for size of dog. Thighs deep and muscular with well bent stifle. Hocks strong, well bent and parallel to each other.
Feet	Round and catlike with thick pads. Feet pointing directly forward.
Tail	Docked: Medium length. Thick with a rounded tip. Set in line with back and carried erect. Quarters should protrude beyond set of tail.Undocked: Medium length of tail to give a general balance to the dog. Thick at root and tapering towards tip. Ideally carried erect, but not excessively over the back, with no curl or twist. Quarters should protrude beyond set of tail.
Gait/Movement	Brisk and vigorous with plenty of drive.
Coat	Long, hard and wiry topcoat with weather-resistant undercoat.
Colour	All white or white with lemon, brown, blue or badger pied markings on head and ears. Much black and heavy ticking undesirable.
Size	Ideal weight Dogs approx. 9 kgs (20 lbs)Bitches approx. 8 kgs (18 lbs)Height: should not exceed 31 cms (12 ins) at shoulder.General conformation, overall balance, type and substance are main criteria.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.