Sealyham TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the breed was created between 1850 and 1891 by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House, near Wolfscastle, in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was used to hunt small game and vermin, especially badgers. Edwardes wanted a small white dog with strong jaws and a harsh coat; the white set it apart from the quarry. He kept no records, but the Welsh Corgi, the Wire Fox Terrier and the extinct English White Terrier are thought to have contributed to the breed.

The breed was first shown in 1903, its club was founded in 1908, and the Kennel Club recognised it in 1911. After the First World War it became very popular in Britain and the United States. Today it is a rare breed: in 2008 only 43 puppies were registered in the United Kingdom.

How the breed developed

• 1850–1891 – John Edwardes creates the breed at Sealyham House.
• 1903 – The first show.
• 1911 – Recognition by the Kennel Club.
• 19 October 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 2008 – An all-time low: 43 puppies registered in the United Kingdom.
• 2009 – A Sealyham wins Best in Show at Crufts.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a free-moving, active, balanced dog with “great substance in small compass”, rectangular rather than square in outline. The AKC says that at under 28 cm and about 11 kg it is not big enough to count as medium-sized, but it is among the strongest of small dogs.

General appearance

It has square, powerful, long jaws. The coat has a long, harsh, wiry topcoat and a weather-resistant undercoat.

The standard accepts all white or white with lemon, brown, blue or badger markings on the head and ears. Black patches or heavy ticking on the body are not wanted.

The standard describes it as sturdy, courageous and a good worker, alert and fearless, but friendly. The AKC says it can be stubborn, but has an amusing sense of humour.

The AKC recommends firm but not harsh training and early socialisation with many dogs, people and places, so that it does not become quarrelsome with other dogs. It may guard its food, and this habit should be corrected at once.

Tips for effective training

• Be firm, but not harsh. It is a stubborn terrier.
• Socialise it early. It prevents quarrels with other dogs.
• Correct food guarding. The AKC says not to let it get away with it.
• Use its sense of humour. Games motivate it.

The AKC says it loves to run in a safe, fenced area and needs plenty of exercise. It can overheat in hot, humid weather, so walks are best early in the morning and in the evening. It should be moderately tired, not exhausted.

Tips for a balanced life

• In summer, walk it in the morning and evening.
• Keep it on a lead in the street.
• Be prepared for a lot of brushing.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the double coat and the abundant hair on the legs and body need combing and brushing every two or three days, as they tangle easily. It does not shed much, but it needs regular hand-stripping or clipping. Pet dogs can be kept clipped short to make grooming easier.

Common health problems

Wikipedia says the breed has few specific diseases, the most common being lens luxation and degenerative myelopathy. The AKC adds:

Other care

• Ask for the DNA test for lens luxation.
• Wipe the area around the eyes.
• Wash the beard after meals.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to its age. For show dogs, food without colourings is better, as they stain the beard.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• White so it could be seen. This is how the hunter told it apart from the quarry.
• Hitchcock's dog. Alfred Hitchcock appears with two Sealyhams at the start of “The Birds” (1963).
• An actor's name. Cary Grant named his dog Archie Leach, his real name.
• Small and very strong. The AKC counts it among the strongest of small dogs.
• Crufts champion. In 2009, a Sealyham won Best in Show at Crufts.

Hollywood

Wikipedia says that after the First World War the breed was fashionable in Hollywood: Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor and the writer Agatha Christie all had Sealyhams.

Hitchcock's films

Alfred Hitchcock showed one of his dogs in “Suspicion” (1941) and appears with two Sealyhams at the start of “The Birds” (1963).

The British royal family

King George V had a Sealyham called Jack, and Princess Margaret had two, Pippin and Johnny.

Is it a rare breed?

Yes; the Kennel Club lists it among the Vulnerable Native Breeds.

How much does it weigh?

Males about 9 kg, females about 8.2 kg.

Does it shed a lot?

No, but the coat needs frequent brushing and regular stripping.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.