Sealyham Terrier breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts

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Let’s talk about… Sealyham Terriers: what are they?

The Sealyham Terrier is a delightful breed originating from Wales, where it was bred for hunting foxes and badgers.
They have a charming personality and were popular among British celebrities and royalty in the early 20th century.
Despite their historical hunting background, they make loving and affectionate companions.
The Sealyham Terrier was named after the Sealyham estate in Wales, where Captain John Tucker-Edwardes, the breed's creator, resided.
One distinctive feature of the Sealyham Terrier is its attractive white coat, which is wiry and weather-resistant.
They have an average height of about 30 cm for both males and females.
In terms of weight, they usually weigh between 8 and 10 kg.
Their life expectancy is typically around 12 to 14 years.

Sealyham Terrier Exercise needs 3/5; Grooming ease 3/5; Trainability 3/5

What is the temperament of Sealyham Terriers like?

Sealyham Terriers are known for their spirited and courageous nature.
They possess a lot of confidence and determination, which can sometimes lead to stubbornness.
These little dogs are loyal and devoted to their families, making them excellent companions.
While they can be friendly with familiar people, they may be reserved or cautious around strangers, so early socialisation is beneficial.
They can be good with other pets and other dogs as long as they have been socialised with them from a young age.
As with many terrier breeds, Sealyhams have a prey drive and a tendency to chase small animals, so caution is advised when they are off-lead in unfenced areas.

How much exercise do Sealyham Terriers need?

Sealyham Terriers are moderately active dogs and require around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day.
They enjoy playtime, short walks, and mentally stimulating activities. Regular exercise helps keep them physically fit and mentally satisfied, reducing the likelihood of undesirable behaviours due to boredom. .
To avoid putting excessive strain on their growing bodies, puppies should have controlled play sessions that last around 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Your vet can give you a more specific exercise plan for your Sealyham.
As they mature, gradually increase the duration and intensity of their exercise.
They can usually handle adult-level exercise at around 12 months of age.

Do Sealyham Terriers need a lot of grooming?

Sealyham Terriers have a wiry, weather-resistant double coat that requires regular grooming.
To keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting, brushing should be done at least once a week.
Additionally, they may need to be professionally groomed every few months, or as advised by your groomer to maintain their coat's texture and appearance.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Sealyham Terriers easy to train?

Sealyham Terriers are intelligent dogs, but they can be independent and strong-willed, which may present some challenges during training.
Positive reinforcement methods that include treats, praise, and playtime work best with this breed.
Training should start from an early age to establish good behaviour habits.
It's important to be patient and consistent during training sessions, as they may lose interest if things become repetitive.
Early socialisation is crucial to help them become well-mannered and confident around different people and situations.

What do Sealyham Terriers eat?

For Sealyham Terrier puppies, a balanced and nutritious diet designed for their growth and development is essential. Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the puppy food manufacturer and consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your puppy's age, weight, and activity level.
Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, then reduce to twice daily long term.
As Sealyham Terriers transition into adulthood, they generally do well on high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds. The recommended daily amount can vary depending on their size, age, metabolism, and activity level.
They tend to gradually move on to adult food about 12 months old, or as per advice of your vet or pet food manufacturer.

Are Sealyham Terriers healthy?

Overall, Sealyham Terriers are generally healthy dogs. However, like all breeds, they may be prone to certain conditions. Some potential health issues to be aware of include:

Bones and Joints

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis

Ears

Outer Ear infections - the ear canal, and sometimes the ears flaps have an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast etc. which can cause signs including irritation, inflammation, smell and thickening of the ear canal tissue

Eyes

Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation
Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye

Skin

Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation

This list is not exhaustive, and if you have any concerns about the health of your Sealyham Terrier or want to discuss whether this breed is suitable for you, consult with your veterinarian.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.