Sealyham Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

9-10 kg

Height

27-30 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Sealyham Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Sealyham Terrier is not commonly used as a companion dog. This is such a shame as these dogs make excellent pets!

These little dogs are protective yet friendly and energetic yet always down to relax.

Considering adopting or purchasing a dog can be exciting and stressful, mainly because you want to choose the right dog. This guide will provide everything you need to know about this breed.

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.

What is a Sealyham Terrier breed?

It is a rare breed, and these purebred dogs, despite their great personalities as companion dogs, are not commonly had as pets.

Sealyham Terriers are considered one of the most endangered native breeds and are ranked 145 out of 155 on the English Kennel Club’s list.

Who is a Sealyham Terrier best for?

The Sealyham Terrier is an affectionate breed that is more laid back than other terrier breeds, which are 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.

Sealyham Terrier Grooming & Shedding

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 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 Terriers bark a lot?

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 be in different environments, around other animals and people, and get them to understand and adhere to your commands.

What is the average weight & height 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.

Are Sealyham Terriers easy to train?

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 requires particular training techniques. This can also be started as soon as possible, especially since they can be stubborn.

How do Sealyham Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Sealyham Terrier have any common health issues?

It is always best to familiarise yourself with the health problems that the breed you are considering to have 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: This condition occurs when the lens of the eye becomes displaced, which can lead to vision impairment.
Retinal Dysplasia: A genetic condition affecting the retina’s development, potentially causing vision issues.
Factor VII Deficiency: A blood clotting disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding.
Congenital Deafness: Some Sealyham Terriers may be born with hearing impairments.
Weight Gain: This breed can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their diet and exercise.

What is the lifespan of a Sealyham Terrier?

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

How much does a Sealyham Terrier need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Sealyham Terrier FAQs

Are Sealyham Terrier dogs hypoallergenic?

Sealyham Terriers are not hypoallergenic. They can shed quite a bit, and with them being more indoor dogs, you will most definitely have dog hair all over your home!

Are Sealyham Terriers aggressive?

Sealyham Terriers are friendly dogs but do tend to be aggressive. Their stubbornness and high prey drive can lead to unwanted behaviour in this breed.

These dogs need to be trained as early as possible and require the training to continue throughout their lives to maintain their good behaviour.

Are Sealyham Terriers good with cats?

They are more likely to be aggressive towards other dogs or animals they do not know. These terriers are very good with cats and can be quite friendly towards them, especially if they are in the same household.