Sealyham Terrier

Overview of Sealyham Terriers

  • Sealyham Terriers can be prone to lens luxation (detachment of lens inside eye which can cause blindness), glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA: degeneration of the retina which can lead to blindness), inherited deafness, allergies, intervertebral disc disease (pressure on spinal cord which can cause paralysis), canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and luxating patella (dislocation of the knee cap).
  • Sealyham Terrier was named after the Welsh family estate of its creator, Captain John Edwardes, who set out to develop the ultimate working terrier – one fast and fearless enough to work with his Otterhounds as a hunt terrier as well as tough and agile enough to slip down a badger hole in pursuit.
  • Sealyham Terriers love to be around people, but they are one
    breed that will do well if left alone for periods of time.  They are totally devoted to their families
    and love playing with children.  Still
    friendly, they are more reserved around strangers. 
  • Sealyham Terriers are also special in that they can trace their ancestry to one specific person and were developed by a man named Captain John Edwards at Sealyham House (from which they derive their name) in the mid 1800s.
  • Sealyham Terriers are a fewtimes acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering.
  • Sealyham Terrier temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
  • Sealyham Terriers are believed to be a mix of the now extinct English White Terrier combined with Dandie Dinmont, the Fox Terrier, the West Highland and the Corgi.
  • Sealyham Terrier possesses a lot of hair which results in overheating under extreme temperature; it requires a shaded environment with lots of water available.
  • Sealyham Terriers, or Sealies for short, served as excellent hunters of foxes, badgers, and other small game throughout their country of origin.
  • The Sealyham Terrier is 10 to 11 inches tall (to shoulders) and weighs 18 to 24 pounds.
  • Barking

    A bored Sealyham Terrier will pick up destructive behaviors such as chewing, barking, and digging.Interactive games and activities that make the dog think, are all great ways to do this.Mental stimulation will also need to be factored into their exercise routine.

    Breed

    Although they are said to be less energetic than other terrier breeds, Sealyham Terriers enjoy dog sports such as agility, earthdog trials, tracking, flyball, and obedience as sport that gives them physical and mental outlets while helping them bond with their families, They are also reported to be good with children; however, as with all dogs, extremely close supervision is needed to prevent accidental injury to the child or dog and to avoid the dog’s subsequently developing fear-based defensive aggression.Sealyham Terriers are alert, intelligent and independent.

    Coat

    A stripping knife, wide-toothed combs, grooming rakes, and slicker brushes are all ideal to use on the Sealyham Terrier’s coat.The fur around the anus can be shaven with a size #10 blade to keep the area hygienic.The topcoat, back of the head, neck, and ears are often trimmed and hand stripped, especially for show dogs.

    Energy

    Sealyham terrier is a fairly energetic dog and needs stimulation in order to channel its energy properly.

    Genetic Predispositions

    At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Sealy looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Sealyham Terriers.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.

    Grooming

    In addition, regular baths and nail trimmings are also essential to keep the Sealyham Terrier in good health condition.In order to avoid infections, their ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly.Occasional flea treatment is also required.Sealyham Terrier requires average grooming; its coat needs to be brushed regularly to reduce shedding.

    Health

    A breeder should be able to show you certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that the eyes are normal.Although these ailments are rarely reported in Sealyham Terriers, you still should research breeders and find those who do the appropriate tests on their breeding stock to ensure that you get the healthiest dog possible.

    Infections

    Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, herage, and other factors.Sealyham Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections—the same ones that all dogs can get—such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

    Obesity

    Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk.It is a serious disease that may causeor worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease.Obesity can be a significant health problem in Sealyham Terriers.She’ll feel better, and so will you!Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats.

    Personality

    It does not do well in a noisy environment but makes a wonderful family companion.It is also a very devoted dog to its family but doesn’t do well with strangers and other dogs.Sealyham can be really stubborn but this can also be curbed from childhood, punishing Sealyham Terrier only results in more obstinacy.This breed has a tendency to have a dominant personality if left unchecked but if properly trained, the Sealyham Terrier can be the calmest dog ever.

    Social

    Temperament

    If you need a dog built low to the ground, heavy boned, strong temperament and needs only moderate exercise, Sealyham Terrier is the right fit for you.

    Training

    As with many terriers, Sealyham Terriers have limited patience with very young kids and can get annoyed with them.If you have older kids, though, Sealyham Terriers will be fine and enjoy the company of young people.Sealyham Terriers have a tendency to be stubborn, so it is important to train them while they are young puppies and continue that training throughout their lives.They are not universally good with children, and will do best with older children.They get along well with other dogs generally (though not all of them will due to that feisty terrier personality!) and can be trained to do well with other pets, such as cats, as long as they encounter them as puppies.

    Are Sealyham Terriers Good With Children?

    Sealyham Terriers make a great companion for older children.Play can become a little rough or excitable so smaller children should avoid this.Keep play supervised and always teach children how to treat a dog before allowing interaction.

    Are Sealyham Terriers Good With Kids?

    Although Sealies are calmer than other breeds, they are still too rambunctious for a tiny toddler.That’s why these dogs work best in a household with older children and should be raised around a different people from a young age.

    Are Sealyham Terriers Good With Strangers?

    Sealyham Terriers can be aloof and reserved with strangers.The breed makes a terrific watchdog, but this also means they will constantly be on the alert.Strangers will be viewed as suspicious at first, but given the right socialization, this canine should feel settled.

    Are Sealyham Terriers Ok With Other Dogs?

    Sealyham Terriers have the potential to be dog friendly, after all, they were bred to work in packs.However, if left unsocialized this breed could become aggressive towards dogs they don’t know.

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    Have any questions about health in your breed?

    If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed.They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

    How Does Sealyham Terrier Behave Around Strangers?

    Sealyham Terrier is aloof and suspicious of strangers.They do not trust them easily unless properly introduced.They need early socialization to get along with strangers and to become welcoming of visitors and guest in the house.

    How is the Sealyham Terrier with children and other animals?

    Sealies are good with children, they will play with them and are affectionate towards them, it does help with socialization and with being raised with them.This is a breed better with older children who are more considerate and and know how to touch and play nicely.Because Sealies are possessive of their toys and food that can make them snappy of young children do not respect that.This will need to be controlled with training.With other pets when socialized and if raised with them it is accepting of them in the home but it was bred to be a hunter and can still see strange small animals as prey to chase.Most terriers are dog aggressive and the Sealy is too but less so than many of its cousins.It is more aggressive to dogs it does not know and to ones that are the same sex.It too will pick a fight with a larger dog so may need protecting from itself and supervision.

    Is Sealyham Terrier Child-Friendly?

    The Sealyham Terrier is good with children of all ages.They are friendly and playful with them which makes them an excellent play partner for kids.However, Sealyham Terrier is a small breed so children sometimes can play rough.Therefore, it is necessary to supervise their interaction closely.each your kids to behave around dogs and handle them with love.

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    What Makes Sealyham Terrier Aggressive?

    Sealyham Terrier is not an aggressive dog and are very loving and gentle with everyone even with strangers if socialized and introduced properly.They might get aggressive if someone provokes them or become harsh and forceful on them.Other than that, Sealyham Terriers are generally loving and gentle dogs.

    What will training look like?

    Training Sealies is not especially easy, as it i s an independent thinker so it will be a gradual process and it takes patience, consistency and perseverance.It is important to be a clear and firm leader, always in control, always sticking to the rules you set.Be calm and insistent but avoid negativity like scolding or physical punishment.Being sensitive these would not work anyway.If you bend the rules even once it will take advantage and see that as an invitation for it to become pack leader.Start training as soon as you bring it home and use praise, treats, encouragement and rewards as a way to motivate it.Make the sessions interesting and fun and keep them short so it does not disengage from boredom and you can retain your calm authority.Keep in mind that its sense of humor can mean it will try to find a mischievous way to twist the command.It also loves an audience so will try to make you laugh as a way to get out of it.

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    History of Sealyham Terriers

  • In 1903, the breed made an appearance in the show ring, and the first Sealyham Terrier club was formed in 1908.
  • In 1903, the Sealyham Terrier gained entry into the show ring, as its striking appearance made it a natural for dog shows.
  • In 1910 the Kennel Club of England recognized it and a year later the AKC recognized the breed too.
  • In 1910, the breed was officially recognized by England’s Kennel Club.
  • In 1911, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
  • In 1938 there were 1,038 registrations, fast forward to 2004 there were approximately 60 registrations per year with the Kennel Club!
  • In 1949 Horak successfully created a new breed from these two terriers believing it would make a stronger hunting dog.
  • In 1949, Horak began a breeding program to create the ideal hunting dog and loyal family companion.
  • In 1959 one Sunday newspaper reported in the UK: “A notice has been posted in Clarence House and Windsor Castle giving explicit instructions that when Princess Margaret has breakfast in bed, her two Sealyhams must be brought to the room along with her breakfast tray.” These two dogs were called Pippin and Johnny, and were looked after by the Queen Mother when Princess Margaret fell ill.
  • In 1959, a British newspaper published a story that Princess Margaret would refuse her breakfast in bed each morning if her two Sealyhams were not brought to her at the same time.
  • In 1963, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) granted the breed official recognition.
  • In the 1960s, children’s author Maurice Sendak owned a Sealyham named Jennie, which he featured in his 1967 work Higglety Pigglety Pop!.
  • In the 1980s breeders decided since the Cesky at that time no longer looked like the dogs that had originally been bred by Horak, it needed to be crossed again with the Sealyham Terriers.