Sealyham Terrier (Sealy): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Sealyham terrier is a small terrier breed from Wales with a wiry double coat, white fur, short legs, and long facial hair that grows in tufts above the nose and under the chin. Once exceedingly popular, the Sealyham is now one of the rarest terrier breeds. Known for their fun-loving and playful personalities, their terrier traits shine through their spirit, courage, and sometimes stubborn nature.

Learn more about caring for these terriers who make great family pets.

Characteristics of the Sealyham Terrier

Given the Sealyham's hunting background, it's no surprise that these dogs are known for being brave, adaptable, spunky, and full of character. They were also known for having companionable personalities toward their owners, and these loyal, affectionate traits remain present in the breed today. Sealyham terriers love to play, and they can be very goofy and endearingly humorous. This is one of the traits that enthusiasts of the breed fall in love with.

While Sealyham terriers do enjoy the company of their people, they can be reserved and sometimes suspicious of strangers. They often make excellent small guard dogs, although care should be taken not to let this characteristic get out of control. Like other terriers, they can be noisy alert barkers and are known to guard prized possessions and food. Sealyham terriers may do well with respectful kids, but socialization is essential to ensure harmony in the home.

History of the Sealyham Terrier

Originating in Wales, the Sealyham terrier was once one of the most popular terriers, especially in the '30s and '40s. It is not clear why their population has increasingly declined, but these dogs are now considered an endangered breed despite their previous popularity as hunting companions and family pets.

Sealyham Terriers were first bred on the Sealy Ham estate in the mid-1800s by an army captain named John Edwardes. Edwardes was looking for a small, robust, and brave dog that could support his Otterhound pack by flushing the animals out of their lairs. Otters were viewed as pests that drastically decreased fish populations in his estate rivers.

It is thought Edwardes may have crossed breeds like the Bull terrier, West Highland white terrier, and possibly even Dandie Dinmont terriers and Pembroke Welsh corgis to create the Sealyham. There are, however, no official records to confirm their ancestors.

The original breed was thought to be slightly smaller and more feisty than the modern-day generations. The American Kennel Club officially recognized these terriers in 1911.

By the early- to mid-1900s, the breed became extremely popular in the United States. Sealyham terriers were regular winners of high-profile dog shows and a favorite breed among famous movie stars. Some well-known Sealy owners included Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, and Cary Grant.

Sealyham Terrier Care

Sealyham terriers are fairly low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but their grooming and training needs mean that this breed is best for experienced owners. With the proper care, these dogs can be very well-mannered and happy companions.

Exercise

Your Sealyham terrier will do best with about an hour per day of moderate exercise. These dogs aren't the most energetic of the terrier breeds, so activities like walks, play sessions, or short jogs are typically sufficient to keep them in shape. Because they can be prone to digging, pet parents might also benefit from placing a sandbox in the backyard. This gives your dog an outlet for their instincts while keeping your yard intact.

Grooming

Sealyham terriers have thick double coats with water-resistant qualities. These dogs don't shed much, but their coats can become matted and tangled if not brushed out regularly. Regular hand-stripping or fur trimming is also recommended.

These terriers are known for the large quantities of hair that grow forward from their forehead. While this signature tuft is a staple of the breed's look, it can also impede the dog's eyesight when left untrimmed. Owners should keep up with facial hair trimming as well as nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning to keep their Sealyham Terriers healthy.

Training

Sealyham terriers are intelligent and respond very well to positive reinforcement training. Basic training can begin when puppies are about eight weeks old. It's important to teach your Sealy beyond the basic commands, including recall, digging in appropriate places, and techniques to minimize alert barking—especially if you live in an apartment.

To prevent resource guarding or other undesirable behaviors, Sealyham terriers need to be socialized from an early age. Care should also be taken when introducing them to other small animals. This breed's hunting background means it can have a high prey drive, so they might be inclined to chase cats or other small animals (and even kids) in the home. Always teach children how to properly interact with dogs.

At home, these terriers enjoy the affection of their owners, but they are also quite independent. They're known to have a typical terrier stubbornness about them, so working on obedience lessons throughout the dog's life is usually necessary.

Common Health Problems

The Sealyham terrier is generally regarded as a healthy breed, but they are still prone to a few inheritable health conditions. Ask your breeder to provide the litter's medical history and the results from any genetic tests to help increase the chances of your dog living a long, healthy life.

The following are common conditions associated with Sealyham terriers:

• Allergies: This breed is known for having skin atopy allergies, although these are usually relatively mild and can be well-managed.
• Eye problems: Responsible breeders will perform ophthalmic screening tests on potential parents, as Sealyham terriers are prone to a number of eye conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This condition causes discs to press on the spinal cord, and it can lead to paralysis. Owners should be on the lookout for signs like difficulty jumping, walking, or even dragging the back legs in severe cases.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your Sealyham Terrier a diet of high-quality dog food, either commercially made or home-prepared under the supervision of your veterinarian. This breed is prone to weight gain, so it's important for owners to monitor their dog's weight by measuring portions and giving treats in moderation to prevent obesity and its related diseases.

If your dog has food allergies, consult your veterinarian for recommendations for your dog's specific needs. Your vet can also help you determine a meal schedule based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Sealyham Terrier

Because Sealyham terriers are a rare dog breed, it's not likely to find these dogs in most shelters. However, breed-specific rescues exist to help them find forever homes. You can also visit your local shelter to meet similar terrier breeds waiting for families in your area.

If you plan to adopt a Sealyham terrier as a puppy, research responsible breeders and ensure you're provided with your new puppy's medical history. These dogs typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000, but prices can vary based on pedigree and availability. Owners should prepare to join a waiting list or travel to adopt from reputable breeders.

The following resources for the national breed club, breed-specific rescues, and the AKC can help you start your search:

• American Sealyham Terrier Club
• Sealyham Terriers Forever Foundation
• AKC Sealyham Terrier Breeders

Sealyham Terrier Overview

There are many pros and cons to owning a Sealy, but it all depends on your particular home and lifestyle. Some potential pros and cons include:

Pros of the Sealyham Terrier

• Affectionate and playful toward owners
• Low-shedding coat
• Calmer than other terrier breeds
• Doesn't require as much exercise as other breeds

Cons of the Sealyham Terrier

• Tends to be stubborn
• High-maintenance coat that requires frequent grooming
• Not always suitable for homes with other pets
• May need extra training to discourage resource guarding, barking, or digging

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you love the Sealyham terrier, you may also like these similar terrier breeds:

• Soft-coated wheaten terrier
• Cardigan Welsh corgi
• Cairn terrier

There are plenty of different dog breeds out there that can join your family. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.