Why Sealyham Terriers are great
The charming Sealyham Terrier was bred for hunting but they make wonderful family dogs and have a surprisingly laid-back nature. This loyal and devoted companion is not as boisterous as other terriers and tends to be calm and quiet when indoors. They make a great first-time pet as they are friendly, people-orientated and good with children.
Some highlights:
- Great family dog
- Highly adaptable
- Gentle natured
- Low shedding
Things to consider when looking at Sealyham Terriers for Sale
As with all breeds, there are certain characteristics of the Sealyham Terrier that should be considered when deciding whether or not this is the breed for you and your lifestyle. The Sealyham Terrier is quite an independent dog and has a very strong will which can make them challenging to train at times.
Some downsides to the Sealyham Terrier:
- High prey drive
- Can suffer from separation anxiety
- Can bark excessively
History of Sealyham Terriers
Sealyham Terriers originated in Pembrokeshire in Wales. The breed was developed by Captain John Tucker-Edwardes who lived in Sealyham House overlooking the River Sealy. The Captain embarked on a mission to develop a small terrier hunting dog that was white in colour and had a strong jaw.
1848 marks the beginning of these breeding efforts and it is believed the Pembrokeshire Corgi, West Highland White Terrier, Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier and Dandie Dinmont all contributed to the breed known today as the Sealyham Terrier. The captain spent over 40 years perfecting the breed, ensuring they were efficient and effective at hunting badgers, foxes and otters and were able to “go to ground” after the animal they were hunting.
The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1910 and after the Second World War grew to be very popular within Hollywood which contributed to the public’s interest in the Sealyham Terrier. The breed was also famously adored by Princess Margaret. Despite the Sealyham having achieved popularity within royal and rich societies, it soon suffered a considerable decline and today, the Sealyham is a rare breed.
Due to the vulnerable status of the Sealyham Terrier, anyone interested in welcoming one into their family will likely be placed on a waiting list.
Appearance
The Sealyham Terrier is a sturdy dog with short legs, a wide head and powerful jaws. They have a weather-resistant double coat with a soft undercoat and a wiry outercoat - the white colour of the coat was an important factor during breeding as it ensured the terrier was easily distinguished from the prey when hunting. The Sealyham has bushy eyebrows, a black nose and wedge-shaped rounded ears that fold forward.
How big is the Sealyham Terrier?
A fully-grown Sealyham Terrier stands at 30cm at the withers.
How heavy is a Sealyham Terrier?
An adult Sealyham Terrier weighs up to 9kg.
What Colour is the Sealyham Terrier?
Sealyham Terriers come in the following colours:
- Solid white
- White with black markings
- White with blue markings
- White with tan markings
- White with badger markings
Temperament
The Sealyham is a calm, quiet and laid-back terrier that is very loving towards their family. They are sometimes described as couch potatoes as they are more than happy to relax and take it easy.
Do Sealyham Terriers make good guard dogs?
Sealyham Terriers are good watchdogs as they are always alert and will bark to let their owners know of strangers or anything out of the ordinary.
Do Sealyham Terriers bark a lot?
Like many terriers, Sealyham Terriers do seem to like the sound of their own voice and bark frequently although this can be resolved with training.
Are Sealyham Terriers easy to train?
Sealyham Terriers are quick to learn and respond well to training. They can be stubborn and do have a tendency to pick up bad habits so it is important that training is consistent and fair.
Are Sealyham Terriers playful?
Yes, Sealyham Terriers are very playful and entertaining to be around. They have a mischievous side to their characters.
Are Sealyham Terriers good with children?
Sealyham Terriers are good with older children, they are not particularly well suited to younger families as they can get too excitable and boisterous around very young children.
Are Sealyham Terriers good with other pets?
They generally get on with other dogs but Sealyham Terriers have a high prey drive and will often chase smaller pets including cats. It is, therefore, best to avoid contact with smaller animals.
Can I leave a Sealyham Terrier Alone?
Sealyham Terriers can handle being alone for short periods of time. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and doing so can cause them to suffer from separation anxiety. They are best suited to living in households where there is usually someone at home with them.
Do Sealyham Terriers like water?
Although not known as being water dogs, some Sealyham Terriers enjoy the occasional swim.
Health
How long do Sealyham Terriers live?
The average lifespan of a Sealyham Terrier is 12 – 14 years.
How much exercise does a Sealyham Terrier need?
The energetic Sealyham Terrier needs a walk of between 40 – 60 minutes each day. They enjoy being off the lead but because of their high prey drive it is important they are only let off lead in secure areas. Sealyhams also enjoy spending part of their day playing and roaming in a fenced garden.
What are Sealyham Terriers Common health issues?
Although there are no significant health problems that impact the hardy and robust Sealyham Terrier they do tend to be prone to retinal dysplasia, lens luxation and congenital deafness.
Care
How much space do I need for a Sealyham Terrier?
The Sealyham Terrier is a highly adaptable dog that can live in an apartment as long as they are walked each day and are given enough mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
What should I feed my Sealyham Terrier?
When you bring a Sealyham puppy home it is always important to follow the breeders feeding schedule. Any changes you make to your dog’s diet should be made gradually to avoid causing an upset stomach or digestion issues. As a rough guide, an adult Sealyham Terrier of 8kg can be fed 115 – 130g of high-quality dog food each day.
How much grooming do Sealyham Terriers need?
The double coat of a Sealyham Terrier is high maintenance as it needs daily brushing and professional grooming every couple of months.
Do Sealyham Terriers shed?
Sealyham Terries shed a minimal amount throughout the year. There may be increased shedding in Spring and Autumn.
Average costs
How much does it cost to keep a Sealyham Terrier?
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £800+ for a well-bred Sealyham Terrier puppy
Other costs (Vet, Food etc): £65 per month
Specific Buying Guide
You can read our general buying guide here (
/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/), with the most important thing being going to view your Sealyham Terrier Puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
More specifically, here is some Sealyham Terrier puppy buying advice:
- Sealyham Terriers are very rare so it is likely you will be placed on a waiting list for a well-bred puppy.
- There are a number of amateur Sealyham breeders who aim to make a quick profit without taking the necessary steps to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of the dogs and puppies in their care. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who can provide you with the relevant paperwork.
- Avoid online scams by not paying for a puppy that you have only seen online. Meet the breeder and ensure they are genuine before any money changes hands.
Other reading, Adopting Sealyham Terrier Puppies and Rescue Organisations
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sealyham-terrier/
https://www.sealyhamterrierbreedersassociation.com/
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=3077
