Dog Breeds - Sealyham Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is likely to demonstrate towards family members or people they are well acquainted with varies. Some breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat everyone they know as their best friend showing equal warmth and attachment.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The presence of a responsible adult is necessary whenever dogs mingle with young children or those who haven't had much interaction with canines, considering the breed's inherent level of tolerance, patience in face of children's actions and overall affinity towards being family-friendly.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed when it comes to other dogs is an important factor to consider. It is crucial to supervise and manage interactions and introductions between dogs, regardless of their breed. However, certain breeds are naturally more inclined to have positive relationships with other dogs, be it within the confines of their home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a particular breed tends to shed is an important consideration. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will necessitate more frequent brushing to manage the surplus hair. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to cause allergies related to pet dander and will require more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean and tidy.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
It is crucial to take into account the grooming needs of a breed including bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance requirements. The frequency of these tasks varies among different breeds. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care when selecting a breed. Furthermore, it is important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool is a factor worth considering. If you value cleanliness and have a preference for a tidy environment, breeds that are prone to leaving trails of saliva on your arm or causing significant wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Wiry, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness a breed displays towards strangers is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior towards unfamiliar individuals, irrespective of the setting. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally open and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play, even beyond puppyhood is an important factor to consider. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, keeping their playful nature alive. On the other hand, there are breeds that are content with relaxing on the couch and spending quality time with you for a majority of the day.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is another significant characteristic. Some breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it be the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds tend to warm up to strangers who enter the house provided they are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a key consideration. This encompasses their ability to adjust to variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other aspects of day-to-day life. Some breeds are more flexible and can handle changes in their environment and routine more easily, while others may struggle with such variations and require a more stable and consistent lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to be trainable and eager to please their owners showing a strong desire to make them proud. On the other hand, there are breeds that may display a more independent nature preferring to do things on their own terms and be less motivated by pleasing their owners. Understanding these tendencies can help in determining the training approach and the level of patience required.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed is an important factor to consider. High-energy breeds are always eager and ready for their next adventure. They have a natural drive to spend their day engaged in activities such as running, jumping and playing. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to have a more laid-back disposition and are content with lounging around and enjoying long periods of rest. Understanding these energy levels helps in ensuring that the breed's exercise and mental stimulation needs are adequately met.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The vocalization tendencies of a breed are worth considering. Some breeds have a propensity to bark frequently, whether it's at every passer-by or a bird at the window. Other breeds may only bark in specific situations or when they have a specific reason to do so. It's important to note that even barkless breeds can still be vocal and use other sounds to express themselves. Understanding a breed's vocalization tendencies can help determine if their level of vocalization aligns with your preferences and living situation.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires for their overall well-being is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs that have jobs requiring decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities thrive on mental exercise. Without sufficient mental stimulation, they may become bored and find their own ways to keep their minds busy, which may not align with the activities you would prefer. Providing adequate mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, training sessions or engaging activities, helps keep these breeds mentally satisfied and prevents them from creating potentially undesirable projects on their own.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed is likely to demonstrate towards family members or people they are well acquainted with varies. Some breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat everyone they know as their best friend showing equal warmth and attachment.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The presence of a responsible adult is necessary whenever dogs mingle with young children or those who haven't had much interaction with canines, considering the breed's inherent level of tolerance, patience in face of children's actions and overall affinity towards being family-friendly.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall friendliness of a breed when it comes to other dogs is an important factor to consider. It is crucial to supervise and manage interactions and introductions between dogs, regardless of their breed. However, certain breeds are naturally more inclined to have positive relationships with other dogs, be it within the confines of their home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a particular breed tends to shed is an important consideration. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will necessitate more frequent brushing to manage the surplus hair. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to cause allergies related to pet dander and will require more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean and tidy.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

It is crucial to take into account the grooming needs of a breed including bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance requirements. The frequency of these tasks varies among different breeds. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care when selecting a breed. Furthermore, it is important to note that regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool is a factor worth considering. If you value cleanliness and have a preference for a tidy environment, breeds that are prone to leaving trails of saliva on your arm or causing significant wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Wiry, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness a breed displays towards strangers is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior towards unfamiliar individuals, irrespective of the setting. On the other hand, there are breeds that are generally open and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play, even beyond puppyhood is an important factor to consider. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, keeping their playful nature alive. On the other hand, there are breeds that are content with relaxing on the couch and spending quality time with you for a majority of the day.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is another significant characteristic. Some breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it be the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds tend to warm up to strangers who enter the house provided they are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a key consideration. This encompasses their ability to adjust to variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other aspects of day-to-day life. Some breeds are more flexible and can handle changes in their environment and routine more easily, while others may struggle with such variations and require a more stable and consistent lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to be trainable and eager to please their owners showing a strong desire to make them proud. On the other hand, there are breeds that may display a more independent nature preferring to do things on their own terms and be less motivated by pleasing their owners. Understanding these tendencies can help in determining the training approach and the level of patience required.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed is an important factor to consider. High-energy breeds are always eager and ready for their next adventure. They have a natural drive to spend their day engaged in activities such as running, jumping and playing. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to have a more laid-back disposition and are content with lounging around and enjoying long periods of rest. Understanding these energy levels helps in ensuring that the breed's exercise and mental stimulation needs are adequately met.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires for their overall well-being is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs that have jobs requiring decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities thrive on mental exercise. Without sufficient mental stimulation, they may become bored and find their own ways to keep their minds busy, which may not align with the activities you would prefer. Providing adequate mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, training sessions or engaging activities, helps keep these breeds mentally satisfied and prevents them from creating potentially undesirable projects on their own.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Badger Markings	001
Black Markings	002
Tan Markings	012
Lemon Markings	063

About The Breed

The Sealyham Terrier is known for its courageous and lively nature, although it is generally considered less feisty compared to other smaller terrier breeds. These sociable and sturdy companions are easily recognized by the mass of hair, known as the 'fall,' that covers their forehead. Sealyham Terriers are beloved by their owners for their subtle sense of humor. While they stand under 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 24 pounds, they possess a strong and substantial build that sets them apart as small dogs. They have a well-muscled body, low-to-the-ground stature and move gracefully with determined strides.

The weatherproof coat of a Sealyham Terrier is primarily white and their broad head is adorned with generous facial hair. Despite their reputation as a robust breed among short-legged terriers, Sealys are endearing, amusing, affectionate, outgoing and generally responsive to training, although they can sometimes display a touch of stubbornness. Their alertness and deep bark contribute to their aptitude as watchful protectors. With their adaptable nature, Sealyham Terriers are well-suited to both city and country living arrangements.

What to Expect When Caring for A SEALYHAM TERRIER

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Sealyham Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Allergies are a relatively common occurrence within the breed, although they are rarely severe in nature. Prior to breeding, it is highly recommended to test potential sires and dams for various genetic eye diseases. The American Sealyham Terrier Club offers comprehensive information regarding the breed's health. Additionally, due to the long eyebrows of Sealyham Terriers, non-genetic eye issues like tearing and infections may arise. If the dog is kept as a pet, it is advisable to keep the eyebrow fall shorter to mitigate these concerns. While ear infections can occur due to the weight and position of the ears regular ear cleaning is typically sufficient for prevention and maintenance. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	To maintain the weather-resistant, double 'jacket' and abundant leg and body furnishings of the breed, it is necessary to comb and brush the Sealyham's coat every two or three days, as these coats are prone to matting. While these coats do not shed, they require regular hand-stripping or clipping. For pet Sealyhams, keeping them trimmed short with minimal furnishings simplifies their care. It is advisable to bathe them every three to four weeks. However, for Sealyhams in show coat washing the furnishings frequently is crucial. It is important to trim the nails regularly and also check the eyes and ears during grooming sessions.

Exercise

	Sealyhams have a strong inclination to run and play in a securely enclosed space and they greatly benefit from ample exercise. However, they are susceptible to overheating in hot and humid weather, so it is advisable to engage them in physical activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings and evenings. It is common for Sealyhams to acquire grass stains necessitating regular washing and conditioning of their furnishings. Encouraging regular exercise in Sealyhams ensures they experience moderate tiredness without reaching a point of exhaustion resulting in a calmer demeanor at home. Given their natural activity levels exercising them regularly contributes to their overall behavior and makes them more suitable as household companions.

Training

	Like most terriers, Sealys necessitate a training technique that is firm yet not overly harsh. To avoid future dog aggression, it is essential to introduce the Sealy puppy to various dogs people and places early on ensuring they are gentily exposed. Additionally, being food guarders immediate correction is crucial to discourage this behavior. Upholding consistency in disciplining your dog is key.

Nutrition

	To ensure the well-being of your Sealyham Terrier, it is essential to provide them with high-quality dog food. This can either be commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is crucial to select a diet that is suitable for your Sealyham's age, whether they are a puppy, an adult or a senior. If your Sealyham participates in dog shows, it is advisable to steer clear of food containing excessive dye. Dyes have a tendency to stain their beards and can even give their urine a noticeable color, ultimately resulting in a yellowish tint on their fur. Considering that some Sealyhams are prone to gaining weight, it is important to monitor their calorie intake and weight levels. While treats can be helpful in training giving too many can lead to obesity. Educate yourself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, it is always wise to consult your veterinarian. Additionally, make sure that your Sealyham always has access to clean and fresh water.

Historiography

The Sealyham Terrier derives its name from the esteemed Sealy Ham estate located along the Seal River in southwestern Wales. It was on this property that the Sealyham Terrier known for its robustness and confidence, was originally bred. The credit for its creation goes to Captain John Edwardes an army veteran who retired at the young age of 40 and dedicated the rest of his life to developing his vision of the perfect dog.

The primary purpose behind breeding the Sealyham Terrier was to aid Captain Edwardes' Otterhound pack. During that period, otters were seen as pests depleting fish populations on vast estates such as Sealy Ham. Consequently, Edwardes sought to create a terrier that possessed the strength and resilience to dig out otters from their dens, despite their razor-sharp claws. Regrettably, he left no written records of his breeding practices leaving modern experts with differing opinions on the exact lineage of the original Sealyham Terriers.

Theories abound regarding the potential breeds mixed in their ancestry including the Bull Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and West Highland White Terrier. Regardless of the precise combination, Captain Edwardes undoubtedly succeeded in producing a brave and diligent hunter that also proved to be a delightful companion beside the hearth.

The period between the two world wars marked the pinnacle of the Sealyham Terrier's popularity in America. During this time, Sealyhams claimed the prestigious Best in Show title at the Westminster Dog Show three times. Notably, one of the most famous show dogs of the Prohibition era was a Sealyham Terrier named Bootlegger. Additionally, their prominence was enhanced by renowned Hollywood figures like Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper and Cary Grant, who were proud owners of Sealyhams.

Surprisingly, despite their exceptional qualities, the Sealyham Terrier's popularity among pet owners has diminished since those illustrious days. This decline in popularity puzzles many, as the breed possesses numerous admirable traits. One devoted Sealyham lover remarks, 'They could be one of the best-kept secrets in dogs.'

Presently, the breed has evolved to be slightly larger and more amiable compared to the initially spirited terriers bred by Captain Edwardes. Their affable nature now finds valuable application as therapy dogs working in nursing homes and children's hospitals bringing joy and comfort to those they encounter.