Sealyham Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Sealyham Terrier?

The Sealyham terrier derives from its place of origin, the Sealyham estate in Southwestern Wales. It was developed in the 1800s by Captain John Edwardes, who dedicated most of his life to breeding this dog.

This breed was originally bred to hunt pesky otters who disturbed the Captain's fishing expeditions. The Captain did not correctly document the breed. It is said that he had crossed other terrier breeds to develop this breed. The Bull terrier, Dandie Dinmont terrier, West Highland White Terriers and Fox Terriers.

The breed became popular in England that even the royal family had a Sealyham Terrier, and in 1908, the first English Kennel Club was created. They were later recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911, after which the American Sealyham Terrier Club was built in 1913.

Who are Sealyham Terrier dogs best for?

The Sealyham Terrier is an affectionate breed that is more laid back than other terrier breeds, which is great for anyone who would love to settle down with their pup at the end of the day.

As hunting dogs, they have an innate desire to chase. If you live where smaller animals roam around, you may want to ensure that your Sealyham is fenced in. They love chasing rabbits and birds.

However, this does not discredit their ability to live in a household with other animals. These dogs are naturally pack animals and get along very well with other dogs and even cats, provided all animals are correctly socialised to be in each other's space.

Sealyham Terriers are fun, intelligent dogs who can be put to work and do a great job but will also be great playmates to children. It is better to have them around older children who know to handle this sassy breed.

They can easily adjust to apartment living, provided they get daily exercise. They are known as the "couch potatoes of terriers", so keep an extra space for them when you are getting ready to lounge about while watching television.

They can easily adapt to both city and country life. The Sealyham is your typical house dog who loves to be indoors.

How much grooming does a Sealyham Terrier need?

Sealyham terriers have a very distinct look. These small dogs have a double coat that is either solid in colour or a solid colour with badger markings.

They have a medium-length coat that must be brushed at least three times weekly. You should also hand strip their coat a few times a year to get rid of dead hair, as it allows new hair to grow. Stripping the coat maintains its wiry texture, whereas the alternative is to clip the coat. Many pet owners choose this method, although it can make the hair soft and increases shedding.

Grooming Sealyham Terriers can be a long process on the days you need to strip or clip them. You can always take them to a professional groomer to avoid this laborious part!

Trim their nails twice a month to avoid scratches and brush their tooth to prevent gum disease. It is always essential to check their ears, nose, and eyes for debris build-up or signs of infections.

Do Sealyham Terrier bark much?

Sealyham Terriers, unfortunately, can be loud. They are vigilant dogs who are pretty wary of strangers and, because of their high prey instinct, will have the habit of barking at any small animal that passes by.

Seeing that they love to stay indoors, the incessant barking at smaller animals may only happen on your daily walk or when you let them outside. They also do not have a tiny voice to match their little body. They have a fierce bark which is problematic if you live in an apartment with easily annoyed neighbours.

If you want to ensure that your Sealyhams barking is under control, socialise and train them from an early age. Doing this will make them used to being in different environments, around other animals and people, and get them to understand and adhere to your commands.

Do Sealyham Terrier bite?

For most breeds, puppies love to bite and chew. The Sealyham Terrier puppy is no different. Whether munching on your furniture, your shoes or even you, they will use their little mouths to inspect it.

Supply your puppy with chew toys to redirect them from munching on your favourite pair of sneakers.

As innocent as this may be, biting can become a severe concern for an adult dog. Your adult Sealyham Terrier could become dangerous if it is not dealt with as they grow up.

This is a very stubborn breed who does not necessarily like to do as told and therefore needs to be well trained and socialised from as young as possible to avoid it becoming a habit that could cause serious outcomes.

What is the temperament & personality of a Sealyham Terrier?

It is a pity that these affectionate dogs are not commonly used as companions. They make excellent pets who love to be around their family members.

As aforementioned, they are affectionately known as the "couch potato terriers" as they have a more relaxed demeanour compared to most terriers. They are highly intelligent hunting dogs, so expect some sass when reprimanding them.

As much as their stubbornness can override their personalities, the Sealyham Terrier's temperament is overall quite friendly. They get along with other animals, children, and even cats!

It is better to know that even the laidback Sealyham can get aggressive. Train them and socialise them as soon as possible to prevent this behaviour.

What is the weight & size of a Sealyham Terrier?

The average weight of a male Sealyham is 9 kg while a female is 8 kilograms. Their average size is 30 centimetres.

How much training does a Sealyham Terrier need?

This breed can be quite challenging to train. They are stubborn but highly intelligent, which makes a very tough combination. On the one hand, they will catch on quickly, and on the other hand, if the training method does not suit them, they will not participate.

They are known to guard their food, which needs to be worked on as this can lead to aggressive behaviour.

These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement techniques as, like most dogs, food rewards will always get them to do what you want them to do!

They need a firm and consistent owner who will take the time to work with this dog from a young age. Puppies need to be crate trained, socialised, and given obedience training. Training should continue throughout your dog's life.

This breed is commonly used in dog shows and sports, which require particular training techniques. This can also be started as soon as possible, especially since they can be stubborn.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Sealyham Terrier?

It is always best to familiarise yourself with the health problems that the breed you are considering having in your home could be predisposed to.

Be sure to take your Sealyham to the vet for regular checkups. If you are considering purchasing a Sealyham puppy, ensure you get them from a reputable breeder. They will provide proof that your puppy and its parent were tested for sicknesses.

Here is a list of the most common health conditions for this breed:

• Lens Luxation

• Retinal Dysplasia

• Factor VII Deficiency

• Congenital Deafness

• Weight gain

What is the lifespan of a Sealyham Terrier?

The average life expectancy of Sealyham Terriers is 12 - 14 years.

How much should you feed a Sealyham Terrier?

These dogs need between 1 - 1 3/4 cups of high-quality dog food. This amount is based on the average size of this breed. A more active or slightly larger Sealy will need to be fed more food.

Consult your vet on the best options for Sealyham puppies, adults, and senior dogs, to ensure that you are giving them the best choice throughout their life.

What is the price of a Sealyham Terrier in Australia?

There is a lot to think about when it comes to price. As a purebred, this dog will most definitely be quite expensive to purchase. You would also have to consider the yearly expenses to sustain and maintain this dog.

That said, the purchase price from reputable breeders in Australia could cost you anywhere between $1,500 - $ 4,500.