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Sealyham Terrier - Terrier


Sealyham Terrier

Family:

terrier


Area of origin:

Wales


Original function:

badger, otter, and fox hunting


Average size of male:

Ht: 10.5, Wt: 23-24


Average size of female:

Ht: 10.5, Wt: 18-22


Other names:

none


  • •••

    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Sealyham Terrier Temperament

One of the calmer terriers, the Sealyham is nonetheless ready for action, always happy to investigate, dig or give chase. She is a well-mannered house dog but needs some daily exercise. She can be reserved with strangers, but devoted to her family. She is stubborn and independent. Some dig and bark.

Sealyham Terrier Care

The Sealyham's exercise needs are not too demanding, consisting of a short to moderate walk or game session every day. If allowed off leash, she should be in a safe area because she may tend to follow her nose. This breed is suited for indoor life, preferably with yard access, although she can live in an apartment. Her wire coat needs combing two to three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Shaping for pets is by clipping, or stripping.

Sealyham Terrier Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: retinal dysplasia, lens luxation
Occasionally seen: deafness
Suggested tests: eye
Life span: 11-13 years

Dogs Related to the Sealyham Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Irish Terrier

Interested in the history of the Sealyham Terrier breed?

Expand

Although some evidence exists of a small, white, long-backed terrier imported into Wales in the 15th century, the documented history of the Sealyham begins only in the mid-1800s. The only reason the earlier observation receives some credence is that the originator of the breed, Capt. John Edwardes of Sealyham, was a descendant of the family said to have imported the particular dog centuries earlier. Regardless, Capt. Edwardes worked from 1850 to 1891 to develop the breed now known as the Sealyham terrier. The breeds that went into her makeup are a mystery; some suggest that the Dandie Dinmont terrier may have played a role. Whatever the ingredients, the result was a plucky terrier that soon gained notoriety for her ability to face badgers, otters and foxes. Her smart appearance made her a dog show natural, and she first entered the show ring in 1903. The AKC recognized the Sealyham in 1911. Demand for these terriers quickly grew, especially because they were still exceptional hunting dogs as well as extremely competitive show dogs. Today the breed's popularity has waned somewhat, but the Sealyham still retains her dual abilities to excel in both ring and field.


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