While devoted to his family, he is never heartbroken even when being disciplined. He will rarely if ever cower for he is possessed with an indomitable spirit and immense pride. Once he has taken his place in the household he is virtually assured of equal status. Having had one Sealyham in a home is to be satisfied with no other breed, and that is the finest tribute that can be paid to any breed.
Temperament
The Sealyham's temperament has remained one of his most distinctive traits -- friendly and lovable, responsive to human contacts, a constant, loyal and devoted companion. Having had one Sealyham in a home is to be satisfied with no other breed, and that is the finest tribute that can be paid to any breed.
This breed can be easily obedience and field trained. Once strangers are accepted by the owner, the dog is very outgoing and friendly. The breed is a great friend to other dogs and children.
History and Origins
The Sealyham Terrier derives its name from Sealyham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who developed a strain of dogs noted for their prowess in quarrying small game. He crossed Basset Hounds, Bull Terriers, the Fox Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and tested the offspring for hunting ability, culling those who did not prove game.
With the advent of dog shows, the Sealyham became a popular showdog. Today it is primarily a companion dog, no longer used for hunting.
The first Sealyham Terrier association was set up in 1908 and the breed was officially inducted in 1910. The Sealyham Terrier now is recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world. The Sealyham was once one of the more popular terriers and one of the best known Welsh breeds. Today, however, The Kennel Club (UK) lists the Sealyham as amongst the most endangered native breeds.
Size & Weight
The Sealyham Terrier is 10 to 11 inches tall (to shoulders) and weighs 18 to 24 pounds.
Grooming Requirements
Pet coat: His coat only needs to be brushed occasionally and clipped short every few months. Show coat: Brushed for 10 to 15 minutes twice a week to avoid matting and tangling, and stripped (dead hairs plucked out) every few months.
Exercise Needs
Being somewhat a low-energy dog, the Sealyham Terrier requires moderate exercise, such as a short walk, making them a good, low-key companion.
Health Issues
The Sealyham Terrier is prone to Scottie Cramp, which is a type of movement problem. It is also susceptible to skin infection, flea allergies and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Trivia
At the beginning of the Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds, Hitchcock (in his cameo appearance for the film) is walking his two Sealyham Terriers - Geoffrey and Stanley - out of a shop as Tippi Hedren walks in. Hitchcock also owned a third Sealyham named Mr. Jenkins.
Sealyham is the name of the estate belonging to Captain John Edwards, who developed the Sealyham Terrier. Alfred Hitchcock owned Sealyhams. Sealyham Terriers were at the height of their popularity in the 1920s. Sealyhams are descended in part from Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
