The Sealyham Terrier is a dog breed, of the terrier type. The Sealyham Terrier was originally developed in Wales.

The Sealyham Terrier derives its name from Sealyham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwardes, who developed a strain of dogs noted for their prowess in quarrying small game. He crossed Basset Hounds, Bull Terriers, the Fox Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and tested the offspring for hunting ability, culling those who did not prove game.

With the advent of dog shows, the Sealyham became a popular show dog. Today it is primarily a companion dog, and not used for hunting.


Sealyham Terrier circa 1915The first Sealyham Terrier club was created in 1908 and the breed was officially recognized in 1910. The Sealyham Terrier now is recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

The Sealyham was once one of the more popular terriers and one of the best known Welsh breeds. Today, however, The Kennel Club (UK) lists the Sealyham as amongst the most endangered native breeds.

A Sealyham Terrier, Am/Can/Su Efbe's Hidalgo at Goodspice, won Best In Show at Crufts in 2009.

Sealyhams should not be over 31cms (12ins) in height, measured at the withers, and should weigh around 9kgs (20 lbs). Coat colors include white, white with lemon, brown, and blue. A great deal of black is undesirable, as is ticking (speckled). Some Sealyhams look like mini goats but, without the horns.

Temperament
Sealyham terriers have been described as couch potatoes, "displaying an even temper and a calm and relaxed attitude". The breed standard calls for them to be friendly but alert.

Sealyham Terriers playing