Sealyham Terrier

Sealyham Terriers hail from the fields of Wales. Their name derives from the Welsh estate of retired army captain John Edwardes, who first bred them for hunting badgers, foxes, and otters.

The Sealyham’s first recorded show appearance was in 1903 at a local competition in Wales, and the breed was first introduced to the U.S. in 1911, according to the American Sealyham Terrier Club (ASTC). 

Sealys are brave, spunky, and curious, like all terrier dogs, but they’re also known to be more biddable. They’re also known for their unique white coat—the color was intentional to separate them from their prey—that features a long, water-resistant undercoat.

Sealyham Terriers are short, stout, and sturdy; they can stand up to 10 inches tall and weigh up to 24 pounds.

Caring for a Sealyham Terrier

Sealyham Terriers are affectionate, inquisitive, confident, and described as “delightful clowns” by the ASTC. They’re devoted to their humans, and can make great family dogs thanks to their friendly and loveable temperament.

Like all terriers, Sealyhams love to bark, track, and dig, which can be a nuisance to some pet parents. Training with positive reinforcement can help reduce unwanted behaviors.

Their grooming can be more involved than most breeds; Sealyham Terrier dogs have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. But brushing alone isn’t enough—the coat should also be trimmed and stripped every so often.

Sealyham Terrier Health Issues

Sealyham Terriers have a lifespan of 12–14 years and are usually a very healthy dog breed. But there are some health issues to be aware of.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

Terrier breeds are prone to primary lens luxation. PLL is when the eye lens moves out of its normal position. This can cause pressure to build up in the eye, eventually leading to painful glaucoma and blindness.

Symptoms of PLL include:

• Excessive tearing and blinking

• Rubbing at the face

• Asymmetrical pupils

• Red discoloration to the eye

• A blue color on the eye’s surface

Contact your vet if you notice changes in your Sealyham Terrier’s eyes.

Deafness

Although it’s more common in older dogs, deafness in dogs can happen at any age and for several reasons.

Sealyham Terrier puppies can be born deaf, usually due to defects in the inner ear. This is the most common cause of deafness in dogs, but it can only be reliably diagnosed in puppies older than 4 weeks old.

Veterinarians can diagnose deafness through a physical exam. Diagnostic testing such as blood work and imaging techniques can be helpful to find a possible underlying cause for a dog’s deafness.

With a few adjustments, deaf dogs can live long and relatively normal lives.

What To Feed a Sealyham Terrier

Work with your veterinarian to develop a feeding plan for your Sealyham Terrier that’s nutritionally complete and balanced for your pup’s age, weight, and health.

Your vet can direct you to formulas that meet nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Sealyham puppies should eat a puppy-specific dog food before transitioning to an adult formula at around 1 year of age.

How To Feed a Sealyham Terrier

Sealyham Terrier puppies can have high metabolisms and need frequent meals (about three or four a day) to prevent low blood sugar. Full-grown Sealys can be fed less frequently—typically two or three times a day.

Ask your vet about the best feeding schedule for your dog. 

How Much Should You Feed a Sealyham Terrier?

A dog’s exact calorie requirements depend on their age, health, lifestyle, and other factors. Sealyham Terriers are a small dog breed, and it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight to avoid joint and metabolic issues as they age.

Follow the portion recommendations on your dog food’s packaging, and work with your vet to adjust that guidance to fit your dog, if needed.

Nutritional Tips for Sealyham Terriers

Dogs that eat an AAFCO-compliant dog food should receive all the nutrients they need. But your veterinarian may prescribe certain dog supplements depending on your Sealyham Terrier’s health.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s nutrition, and never give your pet a supplement without a vet’s oversight.

Behavior and Training Tips for Sealyham Terriers

Sealyham Terrier Personality and Temperament

Because of their original purpose as hunters, Sealys can be active and outgoing dogs. It’s not uncommon to find them digging or hear them barking; they also have a strong prey drive and love to chase other animals.

Early socialization and training your Sealyham Terrier puppy are vital for this breed to be well-mannered. Sealyhams can do well with cats and other dogs when socialized at a young age.

They are also loyal to their humans and tend to do well with children, so long as younger children know how to interact with pets.

Sealyham Terrier Behavior

Sealyham Terriers are confident, spunky, and natural leaders. They enjoy investigating and going on walks, but because of their tendency for chasing other animals, you must always keep them on a leash.

Be sure to give your Sealy plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise to get out any pent-up energy.

Sealyham Terrier Training

Sealyham Terriers can be independent thinkers, and training will require patience and consistency.

Keeping training sessions short and fun, as if you’re playing a game, is a good way to engage your Sealy. Always use positive reinforcement methods, and begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home.

Fun Activities for Sealyham Terriers

• Agility

• Obedience training

• Nose work

• Short walks

• Playing with toys

Sealyham Terrier Grooming Guide

Sealys are known for their unique coat, which requires involved upkeep. The official breed club offers a detailed grooming guide for Sealyham Terrier pet parents to follow.

Skin Care

Sealyham Terriers don’t require special skin care outside of the occasional bath. Ask your veterinarian how often you should bathe your dog.

Coat Care

Coat care is extremely important for a Sealyham Terrier, especially if you plan to show your dog.

Sealys have two parts to their coat: a coarse, wiry outercoat and a finer, softer undercoat. They don’t typically shed much, but you still need to brush your dog multiple times a week to prevent matting.

The Sealy coat also requires hand stripping (a process where fur is removed at the root instead of clipped) and shaping to stimulate healthy circulation in the skin and initiate new coat growth. This may need to be done by a professional groomer.

Eye Care

Sealys are also recognizable for the hair that grows forward on their forehead. While it’s a distinct look, if left untrimmed it can hinder their eyesight.

In addition, schedule a vet appointment if you notice signs of eye trouble like redness, cloudiness, or pain.

Ear Care

Sealyham Terriers have medium-sized slightly rounded ears. Ask your veterinarian for tips on how to safely clean your pet’s ears to prevent ear infections. A vet can recommend a consistent cleaning schedule and ear-cleaning products to use.

If you notice signs of an ear infection (redness, swelling, pain, or bad odor), make a vet appointment.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Consider yourself lucky if you end up welcoming a Sealyham Terrier into your home. They’re amiable, loving dogs that have become a rare breed. But they’re not a good fit for every family.

Sealyham Terriers need pet parents who are dedicated to consistent grooming and training. Like all dogs, Sealys also need daily mental stimulation, exercise, and play. Expect to have a lively and loud dog.

For those ready to take on the responsibility of a terrier breed—and who don’t mind the barking and digging that comes with a terrier—Sealyhams can be wonderful companions.