GROUP 2 - TERRIERS

Brief History
The Sealyham Terrier originated in Wales and is the only English breed of terrier specifically developed to hunt badgers. His background was the old English Terrier (rough coat), together with the cattle dog of that time, the Welsh Corgi. Around 1860, Captain Edwardes kept a distinct strain of this terrier at his country estate, Sealyham in Wales. A basically white dog, the Sealyham’s colour kept him safe from being mistaken for fox, otter, polecats and other vermin that cohabited badger setts. Sealyhams had to be tough enough to keep up with the hounds in the rocky environment of the River Sealy. Captain Edwardes’ daughter and her husband continued breeding these original lines well into the 1920’s. His legendary Ilmer pack of Sealyhams was continued by another famous Sealyham breeder, Captain Lucas.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 12 to 14 years.

Temperament
The Sealyham is typically outgoing, sociable, and affectionate. They enjoy being around their owners and their friends. Although they learn quickly, they need a firm hand when training. They are fearless and will certainly bark to alert you when there is a strange noise, or a friend or stranger at the door.

General Breed Description
The Sealyham Terrier is a short-legged terrier with a deep chest. Having an oblong shaped body, he has great substance within a small compass. His head and muzzle are extremely powerful and are finished with eyebrows and a shaggy beard. His ears fold flat and his eyes are round and dark. The Sealyhams tail is set at twelve o’clock. Sealyhams are white, with lemon, brown, blue or badger pied markings on their head and ears.

Coat and Care Requirements
With a coat that does not shed, the Sealyham still requires a fair amount of grooming. They need to be brushed and combed at least once per week and the wiry coat needs to be hand stripped several times a year to remove any loose or dead hair. Alternatively, many pet owners clip them. It is also important to trim their nails once or twice a month, if they do not wear them down naturally.

Size
Height: 31cms (12ins) or less.

Weight: Males 9kgs, Females 8kgs.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does. It is always a good idea to respect the fact that being a short- legged breed, care must be taken in avoiding falls and jumping from any heights.

Suitability
Sealyham Terriers are fine in suburbia and make excellent companions for older families, but new owners must show who is the boss when the dog is young. They also need socializing as a youngster and daily walks where they are exposed to noises, people, and traffic, with the safety of a secure lead. The choice of harness or collar is up to the owner.  As with all dogs, young children and Sealyhams should never be left together unsupervised.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/56