Sealyham Terrier

Although small, the Sealyham Terrier is the embodiment of power and determination – a true terrier! The Sealyham’s wiry, weather-resistant double coat should be all white. Lemon, tan or badger-colored markings are allowed on the head and ears. Very keen and alert, the breed was used as a hunter in the past, although today they excel as a family pet and participant in Earthdog competitions.

A Look Back
Originally bred in Wales, the Sealyham was developed from the West Highland White Terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The breed derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who created this breed to quarry badger, fox and otter. Always game and very quick, the Sealyham’s white coat was necessary so that they could be distinguished from the varmint they went to ground to capture!

Right Breed for You?
This proud, compact, sturdy little dog makes an ideal companion. Charming and inquisitive, he loves his family, but as a spirited terrier breed, needs something to keep his active mind occupied. The breed may enjoy hunting on the farm, but can thrive anywhere if they are allowed to enjoy a brisk daily walk. Brushing and combing is necessary at least twice a week to remove mats and trimming is necessary every month.

If you are considering purchasing a Sealyham Terrier puppy, learn more here.

Terrier Group; AKC recognized in 1911.

Ideal size about 10½ inches tall at the shoulder and approximately 24 pounds.

Badger/otter/fox hunter.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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Sealyham Terrier Breed Standard

Terrier Group

The Sealyham should be the embodiment of power and determination, ever keen and alert, of extraordinary substance, yet free from clumsiness.

Height
At withers about 10½ inches.

Weight
23-24 pounds for dogs; bitches slightly less. It should be borne in mind that size is more important than weight.

Head
Long, broad and powerful, without coarseness. It should, however, be in perfect balance with the body, joining neck smoothly. Length of head roughly, three-quarters height at withers, or about an inch longer than neck. Breadth between ears a little less than one-half length of head. Skull - Very slightly domed, with a shallow indentation running down between the brows, and joining the muzzle with a moderate stop. Cheeks - Smoothly formed and flat, without heavy jowls. Jaws - Powerful and square. Bite level or scissors. Overshot or undershot bad faults. Teeth - Sound, strong and white, with canines fitting closely together. Nose - Black, with large nostrils. White, cherry or butterfly bad faults. Eyes - Very dark, deeply set and fairly wide apart, of medium size, oval in shape with keen terrier expression. Light, large or protruding eye bad faults. Lack of eye rim pigmentation not a fault. Ears - Folded level with top of head, with forward edge close to cheek. Well rounded at tip, and of length to reach outer corner of eye. Thin, not leathery, and of sufficient thickness to avoid creases. Prick, tulip, rose or hound ears bad faults.

Neck
Length slightly less than two-thirds of height of dog at withers. Muscular without coarseness, with good reach, refinement at throat, and set firmly on shoulders.

Shoulders
Well laid back and powerful, but not over-muscled. Sufficiently wide to permit freedom of action. Upright or straight shoulder placement highly undesirable.

Legs
Forelegs strong, with good bone; and as straight as is consistent with chest being well let down between them. Down on pasterns, knuckled over, bowed, and out at elbow, bad faults. Hind legs longer than forelegs and not so heavily boned. Feet - Large but compact, round with thick pads, strong nails. Toes well arched and pointing straight ahead. Forefeet larger, though not quite so long as hind feet. Thin, spread or flat feet bad faults.

Body
Strong, short-coupled and substantial, so as to permit great flexibility. Brisket deep and well let down between forelegs. Ribs well sprung.

Back
Length from withers to set-on of tail should approximate height at withers, or l0½ inches. Topline level, neither roached nor swayed. Any deviations from these measurements undesirable. Hindquarters - Very powerful, and protruding well behind the set-on of tail. Strong second thighs, stifles well bent, and hocks well let down. Cowhocks bad fault.

Tail
Docked and carried upright. Set on far enough forward so that spine does not slope down to it.

Coat
Weather-resisting, comprised of soft, dense undercoat and hard, wiry top coat. Silky or curly coat bad fault.

Color
All white, or with lemon, tan or badger markings on head and ears. Heavy body markings and excessive ticking should be discouraged.

Action
Sound, strong, quick, free, true and level.