Description

The Sealyham Terriers are white or yellowish-white with dome shaped skulls, a large nose and powerful jaws with sturdy teeth and very long canines. Its eyes are round and dark and its ears are wide and carried against its cheeks. The neck is long and muscular and the tail is docked and carried upright. Its front legs are short and straight; the hind legs are powerful and muscular. Their coats are bristly, coarse, and long and require stripping.

Origin

The Sealyham was developed in Wales in the middle of the 19th century by Captain John Edwards through crossing hounds, the Dandie Dinmont, the Basset of Flanders, the Corgi, the West Highland Terrier, and the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. It was officially recognized in 1910, and the American Sealyham Terrier Club was founded in 1913, five years after its British counterpart.

Temperament

Sealyhams are loyal, loving, independent, spirited, and affectionate. They are brave little dogs. It has been descried as "the most beautiful union between cheerfulness and courage." Sealyhams are not as rowdy as some of the other terrier breeds. They are somewhat reserved with strangers, fairly independent, and generally good with other pets, although they can get very dog-aggressive. Sealyhams like to bark. They are a little difficult to train but they can hunt, track and are good watchdogs. Sealyhams are good at catching mice and rats. They are best with older children who are considerate of dogs. Sealyhams are "pack" dogs. They appreciate being a key part of a family and welcome companionship with other dogs.

Height

Height: Not more then 12 inches (30cm.)

Weight

Weight: Maximum 20 pounds (9kg.)

Known Health Problems

Fairly healthy.

Conditions for Living

Good for apartment living. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Prefers cool weather.

Exercise Requirments

their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. The breed is a low energy dog that makes a good walking companion. The over-riding characteristic about Sealyhams is that they are low energy, couch potatoes. They are not "busy"; not "active" and therefore make a low-key companion.

Life Expectancy

About 15 years.

Grooming

Professional trimming or stripping is needed. They have a medium-long coat and their tails are customarily docked. They shed little to no hair.

Group

Terrier, AKC Terrier