Sealyham Terrier

Sealyham Terrier History

"The happy union of gaiety and courage," one could not find a better definition of the Sealyham Terrier, a small, white Fox Terrier developed by Captain John Edwards of Sealyham Castle. Wales, starting in 1848. Although it was bred to be a spirited hunter of vermin, the Sealyham has also kept the gay humor he inherited from his ancestor the Dandy Dinmont.

The Sealyham is believed to be a blend of Flanders Basset Hound, Dandy Dinmont, Corgi, and the rough-haired West Highland White Terrier resulted in this adorable little dog with short legs and a special instinct for underground hunting.

Originally the Sealyham's coat was reddish. Thus he was easily confused with the fox and got many of the bullets intended for it. He was also in danger of being bitten or even killed by the Bloodhounds with whom he hunted. Further breeding with the Bull Terrier gave him an all-white coat, and such errors were no longer possible. His hair, therefore, is white or white marked with yellow.

Sealyham Terrier Description

With an all-white coat or white marked with yellow, the Sealyham Terrier's coat hard and wiry as the bristles of the boar, over a soft undercoat. His thick. prominent beard gives him a highly individual look. The breed's average height is 10 inches, weight is around 23 pounds. Bitches are slightly smaller.

The Sealyham Terrier has lively. almond-shaped eyes, ears which fall forward onto his cheeks, short powerful legs, a docked tail which is held erect, and a compact agile body.

Like almost all the terriers, the Sealyham Terrier has become a pet over the years. He is affectionate, funny, intelligent, and easy to train.