Sealyham Terrier

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Sealyham Terrier

Weight
20-45 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group
AKC Terrier
Best Suited For
Families with children, singles, seniors, apartments, houses with/without yards
Temperament
Playful, comedic, loving, confident
Comparable Breeds
Dandie Dinmont Terrier, West Highland White Terrier
Height
10-11 inches
ADVERTISEMENT

Sealyham Terrier Basics

Fun-loving and typically the clown of the family, the Sealyham Terrier is playful and comedic. His funny antics will melt even the hardest of hearts. Although this breed loves his family tremendously, he is quite content to be left alone while the humans are gone for the day. Sealyham Terriers are confident and sure of themselves. Although not technically watchdogs, this breed will surely alert you when anyone or anything is around.

Known to those who love them as Sealies, they do require consistency or they will overtake the home. Training and socialization started at an early age will help keep this feisty pup in line.

Fun-loving and typically the clown of the family, Sealyham Terriers are playful and comedic.

Origin

Originating in Wales, the Sealyham Terrier was named for the estate of the gentlemen acclaimed for its development in the 1800s. The breed was used to hunt fox, badger and otters on and in the ground. His size and tenacious nature made him perfect for the job as well as a wonderful household companion.

Pedigree

ADVERTISEMENT

It is believed that the Sealyham Terrier was developed by Captain John Edwardes. The combination of Dandie Dinmont Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Wirehair Fox Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Welsh Corgis and the now extinct Cheshire Terriers resulted in the breed we know today.

Food/Diet

Because the Sealy is small but active, he needs a diet of high-quality, dry food. Feeding dry kibble can help to prevent oral hygiene problems such as bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to feed the Sealyham Terrier the proper amount of food as indicated on the bag as Sealies have a tendency to overeat and become overweight.

Sealyham Terriers are feisty and strong-willed dogs.

Training

Sealyham Terriers are feisty and strong-willed dogs. They require an assertive but kind family that won’t let the dog walk all over them. The Sealy needs regular training sessions to keep him from misbehaving. Consistency, along with loads of praise and treats, is best when working with a Sealy. Training should begin from the time you get the new puppy. This should go on throughout the dog’s life to ensure that he never forgets his place within the family.

Sealies were bred to hunt small animals so they do remarkably well at Earthdog competitions. Being the mellowest of the terriers, this breed can be wonderful therapy dogs as well as family companions. Of course, with a lot of hard work, the Sealy can do well in obedience trials as well as in the breed ring.

Weight

The Sealyham Terrier should ideally weigh between 20 and 25 pounds and stand 10 ½ tall at the withers.

Temperament/Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT

An independent dog, the Sealy is perfectly fine with being left alone while his humans work but he is also thrilled to snuggle up on their laps when they get home. This breed does tend to be relentless barkers however; they are not quite as bad as other terrier breeds. Their personalities and clown-like antics will keep the family laughing for hours.

The Sealy might be small but he doesn’t understand the concept of this. Because he can be food and toy aggressive, this breed is not appropriate for families with young children. Considering his strong instinct to chase, he should not live with cats or other small animals. If raised with another dog in the home, the Sealy will get along famously with it, but can be aggressive toward strange dogs.

Common Health Problems

Sealies are pretty healthy dogs however; they do have some health issues that are common within the breed. Progressive retinal apathy, lens luxation, cataracts, glaucoma and lacrimal punctual aplasia seem to be problematic for this breed. Sealyham Terriers are also prone to having back problems which can be very debilitating.

Life Expectancy

Sealyham Terriers usually live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Exercise

Although Sealies need daily exercise, they don’t need a lot of it. A vigorous walk around the block each day or tossing a ball in the yard is certainly enough exercise for this playful dog. Sealyham Terriers can live happily in a small apartment or on a sprawling ranch; they aren’t picky about their outdoor options because they prefer being inside. He only requires a minimal amount of exercise therefore; he will be happiest with a family that predominantly hangs out indoors and chills out on the sofa.

An independent dog, the Sealy is perfectly fine with being left alone while his humans work but he is also thrilled to snuggle up on their laps when they get home.

AKC

The American Kennel Club states: “This proud, compact, sturdy little dog makes an ideal companion. Charming and inquisitive, he loves his family, but as a spirited terrier breed, needs something to keep his active mind occupied. The breed may enjoy hunting on the farm, but can thrive anywhere if they are allowed to enjoy a brisk daily walk. Brushing and combing is necessary at least twice a week to remove mats and trimming is necessary every month.” The Sealyham Terriers was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911.

Coat

Sealies have medium-length, double coats that are weather resistant. The coat was established to keep him protected while hunting badger, otters and foxes. The outer coat is quite wiry while the undercoat is very soft to the touch. This breed should be completely white however; lemon or tan markings can often be found on the ears and head. The markings are called points.

The coat actually needs to be hand stripped seasonally, if being shown but the average pet can have the coat intact. Hand stripping is very time-consuming. If the coat is clipped, it will feel a lot softer but the dog will shed more often. Bathing should be done seasonally unless the dog becomes filthy or smelly. The average Sealyham Terrier should be brushed thoroughly several times each week. This will help to prevent the coat from getting tangled and matted.

Puppies

Sealy puppies are bundles of energy and tend to be nippy and jumpy. For this reason puppy kindergarten classes should begin immediately after vaccinations. Training classes will help the puppy become socialized with other people and dogs, which is necessary for this breed. Be sure to puppy proof your home as Sealyham Terrier pups tend to chew on electrical wires.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Our Guide to the Best Cat Harnesses

Do you want to take your feline on some outdoor adventures? Then you’ll need a leash and harness designed for cats.

Opie & Dixie Snoutstick Keeps Adorable Pooch Noses Hydrated

The coconut balm for doggy noses is the latest to join the line up of certified organic, vegan, and holistic products of the company.

5 Purrfect Jobs for Cat Lovers

You never work a day in your life when you have a job you love. If you love cats, think about changing to a new kitty career like the ones we''ve featured.

Study Finds That Classical Music Calms Kennel Dogs

Pump up the tunes. Music soothes the stressed-out beast… or in this case, an anxious pooch. Whoever said “music hath charms to sooth the savage…

Dameranian

The lovely Dameranian will charm you from the get-go! They are a good choice for seniors and families with older children, as well as apartment dwellers.

Petco Officially Pulls All Made-in-China Treats From Shelves

Three cheers for Petco! They no longer sell any made in China pet treats, which could pose a health risk to our furry friends. As we reported last year, Pet…

Midland Painted Turtle

The Midland Painted Turtle is a good option for beginner turtle keepers, as is is tame, hardy, and enjoyable to watch. They come in a range of colors.

Best Pet Cameras

Pet cameras are a great way to be able to keep an eye on your pet when you''re not at home, but also a tool to help you make your cat or dog feel less alone.

Boxfish

Known as trunkfish, cowfish and cofferfish; boxfish are a family of bony marine fish. They are known for their square shaped body and heavy armored scales.

Ratshi Terrier

Curious to see if the Ratshi Terrier is the dog for you? Read on to learn more about the Shih Tzu and Rat Terrier mix before deciding!

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Opinions Breed Ignorance

Everyone has an opinion, but when they''re uninformed, they''re a pain in the butt! The Hairy Dogfathers weigh in on people who comment on your dog''s size.

Home Away From Home: Best Outdoor Dog Houses

The best outdoor dog houses should provide shelter from the elements and a safe haven to retreat to and rest when playing outside.

Cat Declawing Now Banned In Denver, Colorado

It’s official in Denver, Colorado–veterinarians are now banned from declawing cats unless the procedure is medically necessary. Veterinarian Aubr…

ChiChon

The adorable ChiChon brings together the spirited Chihuahua and the playful Bichon Frise. A great dog for first-time dog owners.

10 Luscious Gifts for Labrador Retriever Lovers

Labrador Retrievers have charmed their way into the hearts of dog lovers. Show off your Lab love with these retrieving trinkets.