SEALYHAM TERRIER Breed Standards
The Sealyham Terrier originates from Sealyham, Wales, where, between 1850 and 1891, Captain John Edwards developed the strain from what may have been crosses between Corgis, various terriers, and possibly even some hounds. Edwards created his breed with a keen eye to bravery, and eventually his dogs became renowned for hunting otter, fox and badger. The Sealyham's first appearance at show was in October 1903 in Haverfordwest, Wales, where five years later the Sealyham Terrier Club of Haverfordwest formed and created the original breed standard. In October of 1910, the breed appeared in its first championship show at the English Kennel Show, and the Kennel Club officially recognized it in March of the following year. The American Sealyham Terrier club was established May 15, 1913. The Sealyham Terrier has won Best in Show at Westminster four times.
Though fewer then 100 Sealyhams are registered with the AKC each year, the breed does boast some famous owners. Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock all owned Sealyham Terriers; in fact, Hitchcock’s dogs made cameo appearances in The Birds and Suspicion.
SKILLS: The Sealyham should be the embodiment of power and determination, ever keen and alert, of extraordinary substance, yet free from clumsiness. The Sealyham Terrier derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who developed a strain of dogs noted for their prowess in quarrying small game.
SIZE: Height - At withers about 10½ inches.
Weight - 23-24 pounds for dogs; bitches slightly less. It should be borne in mind that size is more important than weight.
COAT: Coat - Weather-resisting, comprised of soft, dense undercoat and hard, wiry top coat. Silky or curly coat bad fault.
Color - All white, or with lemon, tan or badger markings on head and ears. Heavy body markings and excessive ticking should be discouraged.
CARE REQUIRED: Professional trimming or stripping is needed. They have a medium-long coat and their tails are customarily docked. They shed little to no hair.
CHARACTER: The Sealyham Terrier is an intelligent and charming dog, although it can be stubborn and very terrier-like at times.
EXERCISE: Moderate exercise needed. The Sealyham needs a small bit of exercise, say a short walk. The breed is a low energy dog that makes a good walking companion. The over-riding characteristic about Sealyhams is that they are low energy, couch potatoes. They are not "busy"; not "active" and therefore make a low-key companion.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Good for apartment living. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Prefers cool weather.
TRAINING: They are a little difficult to train but they can hunt, track and are good watchdogs. Sealyhams are good at catching mice and rats. They are best with older children who are considerate of dogs.
