The Sealyham Terrier is a Welsh dog breed developed in the mid-18th century. It was born as a working dog and gets its name from the Sealyham House owned by Captain John Edwardes, the breeds creator. It was first known as the Cowley Terrier or Wels Border Terrier.
Well before becoming more of a companion breed, it was used to hunt badgers, squirrels, stoats and otters, as well as getting rid of vermin, like rats, for example. Its solid white coat making it very visible to the hunters.
The breeds popularity went on an ascending spiral after the First World War, being associated with the British Royal Family as well as a number on Hollywood celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davies or Humphrey Bogart. Despite this, its numbers started to drop till the point where the breed was declared vulnerable by the Kennel Club. The most worrying situation occurred in 2008 when a number of 43 puppies were present in the UK.
Although it is a small dog, measuring not more than 30 centimeters and weighting around 9 kilograms, the Sealyham Terrier has a well-built stature. The head is broad and long, slightly large compared to the body. The skull is domed, with a moderate stop and black nose. The jaws are square and meet in a scissors bite. The dark eyes are wide-set and oval. The wide ears are carried against the cheeks and folded forward.
The dogs coat is double-layered, with a dense undercoat and a weather-resistant, wiry outer coat. The main color is white and can sometimes have tan, lemon or badger markings on the ears and head.
The coat must be periodically brushed with a wire comb in order to prevent it from matting. Being low to the ground, the Sealyhams coat can become dirty in muddy weather. It must be trimmed or hand stripped to prevent it from becoming too soft.
These terriers are affectionate, loyal, independent, but loving dogs. They are sometimes reserved with strangers, but good with other dogs and pets. They also have good relationships with children. A Sealyham needs an owner which it can see as a pack leader, preventing the occurrence of the Small Dog Syndrome.
The breed is not known to be prone to specific diseases, having a reputation of a healthy breed.
These dogs are well adapted to apartment living, a yard not being necessary. They are also fans of cool weather.
Like most canines, these too require a daily dose of exercise. Although playing will not fulfill all the dogs needs, it will take care of some of its exercise requirements. Exercising a Sealyham isnt such a big deal, as they are rather low energy dogs, with a low amount of energy and desire to move.
Knowing all of these about the Sealyham Terrier will make living beside this dog a wonderful experience knowing, you have a loyal and affectionate companion by your side all the time.
