Sealyham Terriers, also known as Welsh Border Terriers, are small-sized dogs that stand at about 10.5 inches. However, never underestimate a Sealyham Terrier because of their size, as these dogs are definitely among the strongest of all small dog breeds.
Their well-muscled bodies are covered with a weatherproof coat that mostly comes in white. They are also short-legged dogs with a broadhead with stylish facial hairs.
Sealyham Terriers are known to be adaptable in any living conditions, regardless of city or country life. Despite being a terrier breed, they are still calm and probably the terriers’ couch potatoes.
These dogs make excellent family companions who will make you laugh. Plus, you will surely get lots of love and affection throughout his lifetime.
Sealyham Terrier Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Terrier |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 23-24 pounds (male); slightly less (female) |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Sealyham Terrier Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Sealyham Terrier History
Sealyham Terriers appeared around the mid-19th century in England. They were developed in Sealyham, an estate owned by Captain John Tucker Edwards in Wales, and this is also where they got their name.
The dogs were developed to hunt small games, which included badgers, otters, and foxes. It’s said that it took Captain Tucker 40 years to perfect the breed, which also involved lots of dog breeds – Corgis, Cheshire Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Fox Terriers, and West Highland Terriers.
The breed immediately became popular in England, and by 1903, they made their first appearance in a dog show ring. Seven years later and England’s Kennel Club finally recognized them.
It didn’t take long for the American Kennel Club to also recognize the breed in 1911, and by 1913, the American Sealyham Terrier Club was founded.
Sadly, despite winning lots of awards in dog shows, the breed didn’t become popular in the general public and currently ranks 164th as the most popular breeds in the US. But, it’s still undeniable how great companions they are.
Sealyham Terrier Temperament
Sealyham Terriers are alert and outgoing dogs with a great sense of humor. Unlike other terrier breeds, they are not that rowdy. However, they did retain the typical terrier independence.
These dogs are mostly calm and relaxed indoors, especially if given the right amount of exercise. Take them out for a walk or a romp in the backyard, but make sure that he is on a leash or inside a securely fenced yard. Keep activities to a minimum, too, so he doesn’t get too tired.
If you want to laugh often, the Sealyham Terriers are for you. They are natural clowns, and a great bonus is that they are very devoted and loving to their family. They will make great playmates for kids that grew up with them. However, always keep close supervision to toddlers.
They are generally reserved towards strangers and are not amiable with strange animals. Expect them to bark when he senses something suspicious because these dogs make excellent watchdogs.
Just like with any other dog breeds, Sealyham Terriers need early socialization to make them more well-rounded. This will also help them cater to their feelings towards another person or animal well.
Training should also be given early, particularly in obedience, as they can be very stubborn dogs. It’s essential to be consistent and firm. Don’t be harsh, and don’t tease too. Instead, positive reinforcements are highly recommended and would be a great way to encourage them to follow you.
Sealyham Terrier Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Sealyham Terriers don’t have any special dietary requirements. You just have to make sure that you serve them high-quality and well-balanced meals that consist of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are essential for their growth. Dogs of this size are very easy to overfeed, so you should watch out the number of calories they eat in a day. An overweight dog is more prone to health conditions, so you must be very careful. When buying dog ingredients for a home-cooked meal, always buy high-quality ones, and stay away from any food ingredient your dog is allergic to. Do the same for dog food and dog treats, and make sure to check the label. Stay away from food that contains fillers, additives, and by-products as these have low-nutritional value. If you find it hard to decide on your dog’s meals, don’t be afraid to ask your vet. He’ll be able to give you advice and specific feeding requirements made for your dog’s exact needs.
- Grooming: Sealyham Terriers have medium-length doubled coats that shed seasonally. It needs a thorough brushing at least 2-3 times a week to remove debris, loose hair, mats, and tangles. It would also need to be hand-stripped or clipped, so it remains neat and clean. If you plan to trim the coat, take your dog to a professional groomer to guarantee his safety. This will also help in making their coat maintenance easier. Baths can be given once a month to help maintain their good looks. However, ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent ear infection. Nails should be trimmed regularly too so as not to cause pain and discomfort to your dog.
- Exercise: Sealyham Terriers are playful dogs that would need minimal but regular exercise. If you have a securely fenced yard, making them run around to play should be sufficient. These dogs can’t tolerate hot weather conditions, so make sure to exercise them when the sun is low. Evenings or indoor play sessions will also be a great idea.
- Health: Sealyham Terriers are generally healthy dogs. They are one of the few dog breeds that don’t experience significant health problems. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be careful anymore. Sealyham Terriers are prone to lens luxation and retinal dysplasia, both of which are eye diseases. It’s best to have your dog take some eye tests if you wish to detect the conditions early. Other hereditary diseases may also appear but are not very common. In this case, you can meet one of your dog’s parents to be aware of any conditions your dog may acquire.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Sealyham Terriers is 12-14 years.
Famous Sealyham Terriers
St. Brides Demon: The first Sealyham Terrier who won champions in England in 1911
Fun Facts About Sealyham Terriers
- Sealyham Terriers were developed in Pembrokeshire, Wales in the mid-19th century; specifically in an estate named Sealyham.
- They were developed by a man named Captain John Tucker Edwards.
- Several breeds were used to develop the breed: Wire Fox Terriers, West Highland White Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier and English White Terrier.
- They were originally bred to hunt small game such as pheasants and rabbits.
- They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911.
Check Out Other Terrier Dog Breeds:
Airedale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier