Small, smart and strong – here comes the Sealyham Terrier!
History
The Sealyham Terrier breed was developed between 1850 and 1891 by Captain John Edwardes, at Sealyham House in the county of Pembrokeshire in Wales.
Originally bred for pest control and to hunt small game, vermin and badgers, it is believed they are a mix of Wire Fox Terrier, West Highland Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the extinct English White Terrier.
Sealyham Terriers were recognised as breed by the UK Kennel Club in 1911. They became popular as show dogs and trendy companion dogs in the 1930s and 40s.
Unfortunately, today Sealies are considered a vulnerable breed by the UK Kennel club.
Appearance
The Sealyham has a white coat that comes in two varieties: smooth or rough. The rough variety is more common than the smooth one. The white coat ensured the dogs would stand out against the rugged brown and gray colours of the landscape where they hunted. Some dogs have lemon, tan or black markings on the head.
They have long facial hair with tufts above the nose, a hefty beard and big, big eyebrows. Their head is large with a big skull and wide forehead. They don’t shed too much but need regular brushing to avoid becoming tangled and matted.
Temperament
A friendly, brave little dog, Sealyham Terriers make good family pets. They are affectionate dogs who get along well with children, however, they may be shy or scrappy around other dogs.
They make excellent watchdogs. And for a small dog, they have a deep bark – perhaps the Barry White of the canine world.
They require daily moderate exercise – walks and play sessions keep them fit. Due to their hunting background, they can have a high prey drive so care must be taken around other small animals.
Do you have a Sealyham Terrier dog? What do you love most about them?
