Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century by Captain John Edwardes of Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Bred by crossing small terriers with corgis, wire fox terriers, Dandie Dinmont terriers, and West Highland white terriers, the goal was to produce a small, strong, and fearless hunting dog capable of dispatching otters, foxes, and badgers. Recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1911 and by the American Kennel Club in 1911, the Sealyham Terrier became popular as a fashionable companion but is now considered a rare breed.

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A small, sturdy terrier with a long, low-set body and distinctive facial furnishings.

• Weight: 20–24 lbs (male & female)
• Height: 10–12 in (male & female)
• Coat Type: Double coat with a soft undercoat and hard, wiry outer coat
• Coat Colors: Predominantly white, with possible lemon, tan, badger, or black markings on head and ears
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Bushy eyebrows, beard, and mustache; erect or button ears; powerful forequarters

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Moderate to high grooming needs to maintain coat texture and shape.

• Brushing: 2–3 times per week to prevent matting
• Hand-Stripping: Every few months to preserve harsh coat texture
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed
• Ear Cleaning: Weekly to prevent infections
• Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
• Shedding: Low to moderate

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Moderate exercise needs but enjoys active play.

• Daily Exercise: 30–45 minutes of walks, play, or yard activity
• Ideal Activities: Fetch, obedience, indoor play, scent games
• Suitability: Well-suited for apartments or houses with regular activity

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Smart and eager to please but can be stubborn.

• Training Style: Positive reinforcement with clear boundaries
• Socialization: Early socialization helps curb wariness toward strangers and other dogs
• Mental Stimulation: Trick training, puzzle toys, scent work
• Challenge Level: Moderate—trainable but may test consistency

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Balanced diet supports their compact, muscular build.

• Food Type: High-quality dry kibble or fresh/raw diet
• Daily Quantity: 1–1.5 cups split into two meals
• Feeding Schedule: Twice daily
• Diet Tips: Monitor weight to avoid obesity in this small breed

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Rare breed but available through specialty breeders and terrier rescues.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-registered breeders who health-test breeding stock
• Adoption: Check terrier rescue groups and rare-breed adoption networks
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder listings, Sealyham Terrier Club of America

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Generally healthy but can be prone to certain issues.

• Common Issues: Lens luxation, retinal dysplasia, deafness, allergies
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Health Testing: Eye and hearing tests recommended for breeding dogs

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Are Sealyham Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, they are affectionate, playful, and loyal.

Do they bark a lot?
They can be vocal, especially when alerting.

Do they shed much?
No, they shed minimally with regular grooming.

Are they easy to train?
Yes, but they need consistency and patience.

Do they get along with other pets?
Yes, with proper introductions and socialization.

Are they hypoallergenic?
No, but they are low-shedding.

How much exercise do they need?
About 30–45 minutes daily.

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