The Sealyham Terrier is a rare small terrier breed with origins in Wales as a working dog that hunted rats, otters, foxes, and badgers. Today, Sealyhams are rare but at one point, they were popular and adaptable terriers that had fans in the British Monarchy and Hollywood stars.
Captain John Edwardes developed Sealyham terriers on the Sealy Ham Estate in Wales in the mid-19th century. Edwardes wanted a small, brave dog that could work with larger dogs to hunt and the Sealyham terriers helped by flushing wild animals like otters out of their lairs. Unfortunately, there are no records that indicate the breed’s ancestors but it is thought that breeds like the Bull Terrier, West Highland white terrier, and Dandie Dinmont terrier may be ancestors. By the early to mid-20th century, Sealyham terriers were very popular in the United States and long before Stache the Sealyham terrier won the 2023 National Dog Show, several other Sealyhams had won several high-profile dog shows. Famous owners of Sealyham terriers included Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, and Cary Grant.
These terriers are relatively small, typically standing 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 22-25 pounds. Their double coats are medium in length but can come down to the ground off their bellies. They have a dense undercoat covered by a wiry top coat and a “fall” of hair that comes off their forehead covering their eyes. The AKC breed standard for Sealyham Terriers list white as the only accepted and standard color of fur with badger, tan, and/or lemon markings all accepted. Regular brushing and the occasional hair trim or bath can keep their coats and skin healthy while nail trims and teeth brushing are vital to their care as well.
Despite their smaller size, Sealyhams are incredibly spunky and robust. They have an alertness and loud bark that make them great watchdogs but without proper training and outlets, they can get annoying with their barks and destructive when bored. Like any terrier, Sealyhams can be stubborn but affectionate with their people, making consistent positive reinforcement training vital. Provided they get enough exercise and enrichment, these terriers are adaptable and fun to have around, making them great family dogs to have in homes or apartments.
Sealyham terriers do have a few potential health problems to keep an eye out for. Allergies, particularly eczema and itchy skin, can be a recurring but mild problem managed through regular grooming, supplements, and/or antihistamines. Salmon oil added to meals or treats can add much-needed omega-3 fatty acids that are good for dry skin while brushing their coats can help keep them clear of mats and remove any build up of dead fur and skin. Sealyhams are also prone to eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye but any reputable and responsible breeder will perform health screenings on potential parents to make sure genetic conditions aren’t passed down. One last common condition associated with Sealyhams is Intervertebral Disc Disease, which causes discs to press on the spinal cord and can lead to paralysis or difficulty walking.
Ultimately, these small terriers are funny, spunky dogs that are adaptable to many different living situations. With the right training and daily schedule, Sealyhams are great dogs to have around and are sturdy, outgoing companions.
