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Sealyham Terrier
Toy Breed Dogs
Small Breed Dogs






What you Must Know BEFORE Getting a Puppy
Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice...Read More
Average Weight:22 - 24  lbs.  9.97 - 10.88 kg)
Average Height: 10.5  inches (26.67 cm)
Pronounced:  SEEL-ee-uhm    TEH-ree-er
Group:   AKC Terrier
Life Span: 14 Years
Average Litter: 4
Origin: South Wales

Description
The Sealyham Terrier is one of the lesser known small breed Terriers.  Those who wish to have this small breed dog often need to be put on a waiting list.  Low to the ground, this dog embodies power and determination and has extraordinary substance for its size.  The head is long, broad and powerful.  The skull is slightly domed with a shallow indentation between the brow, while the cheeks are smooth and flat. The teeth are strong and set in strong jaws, meeting in a scissors bite or level bite.  This small dog's very dark , deep set eyes have a friendly expression and the ears, folded level with the top of the head, heave their forward edge hanging close to the cheek.  The hind legs are longer than the forelegs.  The powerful hindquarters protrude well behind the set of the tail, which is docked (where legal) and carried upright.

This Terrier, like many, has a double coat.  The top coat is wiry and the undercoat is soft and thick.

Color

This small dog is either pure white or will be white along with markings.  Markings can be: Badger, black, lemon or tan. 

Personality

This is an outgoing, generally friendly dog who is typically devoted and loyal to his human family members.  It is said that the Sealyham Terrier has a "Big dog" bark, which makes him a great watchdog.  Most are very alert, smart and determined. 

When at home, this dog is normally calm and relaxed, usually getting along well with children because of his playful nature and outgoing personality. 

Since this dog was bred to work in packs, he almost always gets along very well with other dogs, particularly those of equal or smaller size.

History & Origin

The Sealyham Terrier was developed by Captain John Edwardes between 1850 and 1891.  He owned an estate in south Wales named Sealyham, hence the name for this dog.  Captain Edwardes' goal was to create a terrier who would be excellent otter and fox hunters, be small in order to fit into the animals' dens and to be very fast as to not allow them to get away.  Several dog breeds were used to develop the Sealyham Terrier including the:
  • Welsh Corgi
  • Cheshire Terrier
  • Wirehaired Fox Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier
This breed caught on in popularity and in 1911 a breed club with a standard was set up in Wales. At just about the same time Sealyham Terrier dogs were brought to the States.

Health

There are only a few health issues that this particular breed is prone to:
  • Scotty Cramp - This is thought to be caused by a neurochemical deficiency, most puppies are 6 weeks of age and older when first showing signs of Scotty cramp. When exercising or during times of excitement, the puppy tends to 'cramp up' with a characteristic arched back and stiff rear limbs. The dog does not appear to be in pain. If having this, most cases are mild and the dog simply should not be over exercised. In severe cases, medication such as Valium or Prozac have been used to reduce over excitment episodes.  Vitamin E has been shown to help some Scottish Terriers in reducing the frequency, but not the severity of the episodes.
  • von Willbrand's Disease - A blood clotting condition
  • Flea allergies - While typically called this, it is actually the flea's saliva that the dog is allergic to - just one bite can set off a reaction.
Exercise

Daily walks are important, at least 30 minutes is recommended for dogs 1 year and older. This small dog loves to run around and get exercise in a yard or other area where the may run free, however owners must keep in mind that if there are any holes, a Sealyham Terrier may disappear down one very quickly if not supervised. 

Grooming

The wiry coat on this small dog should be brushed and then combed at least a few times per week.  Regular brushing removes loose or dead hairs from the dog's undercoat. This is important, because if they are left, they will become matted into the outer coat. 

If a tangle is found,  you can put a bit of dog conditioner on your hand and try to work out the matted hair. 

Nails should be checked for trimming every 6-7 weeks, baths given as needed (usually every 4 weeks) and daily dental care to keep this small dog healthy and happy.
 

Care & Training

The best home for this type of small dog is one in which the dog will have a good amount of attention and also have opportunity for a fair amount of exercise. A minimum of a 30 minute daily walk is highly suggested. In a multiple dog household, owners should be aware of the dogs' need to have an "Alpha Dog". Many Sealyham Terriers like to dig or run into holes , therefore supervison is needed when outside.  Owners - Click Here for More Detailed Information



                           
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