Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is a sturdy and robust dog that is full of energy, courage, and adaptability. With their short legs, they can easily maneuver into small areas. Their coat is designed to withstand the weather, featuring a tough, wiry outer layer and a soft, thick inner layer. This breed is watchful and enthusiastic, showing a strong-willed and friendly personality.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
White or white with colored markings usually found over the ears/eyes and around the tail
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
11 inches
Type
Terrier
Hypoallergenic
yes
Weight
23 to 24 pounds
Family
Terrier

Personality

The Sealyham Terrier is more relaxed and flexible compared to other Terriers. They are social, warm, and happy. While they may be reserved around new people, they are loyal to their loved ones. These dogs have a strong sense of independence and can be quite headstrong, often digging if they feel bored. With a playful nature and a great sense of fun, they thrive in both urban and rural settings.

History

The Sealyham Terrier, which originated in Wales, was developed by Captain John Edwardes during the 1800s. This breed probably comes from a combination of the Wire Fox Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and several other types of dogs. They arrived in the United States in the late 19th century and became symbols of wealth and prestige, but today, they are not as well-known or widely kept.

Ideal Owner

The Sealyham Terrier is lively and smart, and they value these traits in their owners. They are strong and agile, so the best owners will recognize typical Terrier habits. With the right training and socialization, they behave well indoors and are happiest in homes with older kids or no kids at all.

Exercise Needs

A Sealyham Terrier loves to sniff around, take walks, and run freely without a leash. They appreciate training sessions and playing games, but they also have their own ideas and require active involvement from their owners.

Space Requirements

The Sealyham Terrier is a small and sturdy breed that adapts well to living in the city and doesn’t require much room. However, their fur tends to collect mud, so having a spot to dry and clean them is helpful. Ideally, they should have a fenced yard or plenty of opportunities for walks.

Training

It's best to start socializing Sealyham Terriers early and keep it going, especially with other animals. These dogs can be quite bold and eager to take action, so getting them used to other pets is key for building their confidence. They respond well to training when you find the right motivation, often driven by food. They love activities like scent work and digging. Having a reliable recall and a command for "quiet" is also very useful.

Grooming

The coat of a Sealyham Terrier can easily get tangled, so regular brushing is essential to keep it smooth. Make sure to take good care of their beards and mustaches, too. These dogs are known to be hypoallergenic.

Suitability for Family Life

Active families who love the outdoors and want a lively dog will appreciate a Sealyham Terrier. These dogs thrive around older kids who understand and honor their space.

Did You know?

Captain John Edwardes, who created the Sealyham Terrier breed, was related to Admiral Thomas Tucker, known for defeating the pirate Blackbeard. The Queen Mother had a Sealyham Terrier, and so did Alfred Hitchcock, who featured two of his dogs in the 1963 movie The Birds.

Similar Breeds

Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Irish Terrier
Scottish Terrier

Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Small dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog