Alternate Names
None
Appearance:
Body: Long with a level back, deep, wide chest, well laid back shoulders, and powerful thighs.
Coat: Long, hard, wiry, and weather resistant topcoat with a soft, dense undercoat.
Color: Pure white or white with lemon, tan, or badger markings.
Ears: Medium sized, thin, rounded at the tips, and folded forward.
Eyes: Medium sized, oval-shaped, and dark; set deep and wide apart.
Feet: Large, round and cat-like with thick pads and strong nails.
Head: Long and broad with a slightly domed skull, powerful, square jaw, and black nose.
Neck: Long, thick, muscular and firmly set into well laid back shoulders.
Legs: Forelegs are short, straight, and well-boned. Hindquarters Strong with deep thighs and well let down hocks; hind legs are longer than forelegs.
Size:
Height is 9 – 10.5 inches
Weight is 22 – 24 pounds
Tail: Docked, set up and in line with the topline; held erect
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers.
Can be aggressive with other dogs and other small animals.
Like to dig.
Can be territorial.
Many are sensitive to loud noises.
Besides his quick gait and short-legs, the Sealyham is known for his white coat and distinguished beard. When inside the home he is a quiet, good-natured, loving lap dog. Once outside he displays all of the typical terrier-like instincts for hunting and chasing any small animal that runs across his path.
The Sealyham is an intelligent dog with an ego that befits his breeding purpose of independently taking care of the badger and otter population. The ability to work without supervision has, in his mind, earned him the right to be the boss in all situations. This inbred attitude can also result in aggression towards dogs, rabbits, and other small animals.
AKC Standard says, “With terrier temperament and strength of will, the individual dog can be stubborn. That obstinate behavior is tempered, however, by a sly sense of humor.”
Named after the Sealyham family estate of Captain Edwardes in Wales. It’s said that if any puppy was unable to pursue and stand up to the prey he was bred to hunt, Captain Edwardes would have the puppy shot. This was his way of weeding out the weaker dogs.
As tough as he is mentally, The Sealyham is still somewhat fragile physically. When young children are around him they should be supervised to be sure they don’t unintentionally injure him. Small dogs frequently end up with broken bones from being dropped, stepped on, or rolled onto in bed.
Begin training and socializing him at an early age. Sealyhams learn best when in the hands of an experienced owner with a firm but respectful approach to training. Verbal commands, food rewards, and lots of praise for a job well done is recommended.
Be sure he is kept on a leash or in a securely fenced in yard to protect him from chasing prey into traffic or other dangers.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Used to hunt badgers, fox and otters.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Daily walks and play time will keep him happy and fit.
Grooming: Brush his coat two to three times weekly and his beard daily. Some owners have their dog stripped (dead hairs plucked out) two to three times yearly.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 16 Years
Possible problems:
Allergies – often lead to ear infections.
Bladder infections
Disc problems
Lens Luxation – detachment of the lens from the outer eye.
Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes
Country of Origin
United Kingdom (England) – 1870