Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is a sturdy white Welsh earthdog — compact and powerful for its size, and now one of the rarer terrier breeds.

History

It was developed in Wales in the nineteenth century to hunt badger, otter and fox to ground, bred for the strength and grit that work demanded. Fashionable for a time, it has since become uncommon.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calmer than many terriers — dignified, affectionate and even-tempered at home, while still alert and game outdoors. It has an independent, sometimes stubborn streak.

Care and training

It needs moderate exercise and mental work and responds to patient, reward-based training. The harsh white coat needs regular stripping or clipping to stay tidy.

Health

The breed is generally healthy; noted tendencies include inherited eye conditions such as lens luxation and retinal dysplasia, and deafness in some dogs. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.