Sealyham Terriers are a small to medium-sized breed. Adult Sealyhams are about 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 29 pounds. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males.

Sealyham Terriers are all white or white with lemon, tan or badger markings on the head and ears.

Sealyham Terriers live 12 to 14 years on average, but with proper care, some can live even longer. Like most small to medium-sized dog breeds, they tend to live relatively long lives than larger breeds.

Sealyham Terriers generally stop growing around 12 to 18 months of age. Height growth typically slows down by around six to eight months, but Sealyhams fill out (gain muscle and body mass) until they are about 18 months old.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers shed, but their shedding is minimal. Their dense, wiry coat traps loose hair and dirt, which means they don’t shed as much as many other breeds. Although they shed less than many breeds, regular grooming is essential to minimize the amount of hair in your home and to keep their coat in good condition.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers need grooming to maintain their coat and overall health. Regular brushing, at least once a week, helps remove loose hair and dirt. Hand-stripping, a vital grooming technique for Sealyhams, involves plucking out dead hair to maintain the wiry texture of their coat and prevent matting. It's usually done every few months. Sealyhams should be bathed as needed, typically every few months or when they become dirty. Use a mild dog shampoo to keep their skin and coat healthy.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers are considered hypoallergenic to a certain extent. Although no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, Sealyhams tend to shed very little due to their dense, wiry coat. This can make them a better option for people with mild dog allergies. However, dog allergies are caused by proteins found in a dog’s skin cells (dander), urine, and saliva — not just the fur. Regular grooming and bathing can help further reduce the spread of allergens.

Sealyham Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Here are some common health concerns associated with the breed:

• Eye conditions: Lens luxation and cataracts are eye issues that can affect Sealyhams.

• Hip dysplasia: Though less common in Sealyhams than in larger breeds, hip dysplasia can occur. This is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis or mobility issues.

• Deafness: Some Sealyhams are born deaf in one or both ears, particularly if they have a predominantly white coat. BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) testing is recommended to check hearing, especially in puppies.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers are healthy. The breed has few hereditary disorders, and with responsible breeding practices and proper care, many Sealyhams live long, healthy lives.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers are good family dogs. They are known for their loving nature and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities. Friendly and sociable, Sealyhams usually get along well with other pets and can adapt to various family dynamics and living situations, whether in a house with a yard or in an apartment, as long as they get regular exercise and mental stimulation.

No, Sealyham Terriers don’t bark a lot. They are considered moderate barkers, but their barking tendencies can vary. As a terrier breed, they might bark to alert you to potential intruders or unusual noises, making them good watchdogs. Although they are not known for excessive barking, they may bark more if they don’t receive enough physical or mental stimulation or feel anxious or lonely.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers are smart dogs. As a breed developed for hunting, Sealyhams are adept problem-solvers. They were bred to work independently in difficult terrain, and this independent thinking reflects their intelligence. They enjoy mental challenges and activities that engage their minds. Because of their intelligence, they can become bored if not given enough mental challenges. Activities like puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play help keep their minds engaged.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers are affectionate dogs. Sealyhams are devoted to their families and tend to be very loyal, often wanting to stay near their people and share in daily activities. Despite their terrier heritage, Sealyhams are typically calm and gentle, making them wonderful cuddle companions. They enjoy affection from their family members, including children. They thrive on human interaction and seek out attention, wanting to be involved in family life. They often enjoy sitting with or near their pet parents, making them great lap-dogs.

Sealyham Terriers can be good with other dogs, but it often depends on their early socialization, training, and individual temperament. Like most terriers, Sealyhams have a bit of a feisty streak and can be prone to assertive behavior or showing dominance, especially around other dogs of the same sex. Early and consistent socialization with other dogs is key to helping Sealyhams develop positive interactions. Introducing them to a variety of dogs from a young age can reduce territorial or aggressive tendencies.

No, Sealyham Terriers are not easy to train compared to some other breeds. Although they are intelligent, like many terriers, Sealyhams can be somewhat independent and stubborn and might not obey commands if they don’t see the benefit for themselves. 

Keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and play, can be very effective in training Sealyhams. They respond well to rewards and encouragement.

Yes, Sealyham Terriers are good with kids. With proper training and socialization, Sealyham Terriers can make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate, playful, and loyal, which can make them fun companions for kids. 

As with any dog breed, it’s important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure that both are safe and comfortable. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Sealyham Terriers can be good with cats, but their behavior largely depends on the individual dog’s personality, socialization, and training. Being a terrier breed, Sealyhams might have a strong prey drive, which means they might chase cats. Some Sealyhams might be more tolerant and gentle with cats, while others might be more curious or excitable. Introducing a Sealyham Terrier to cats at a young age can help them become accustomed to each other.

Sealyham Terriers were originally bred for hunting small game, such as badgers, otters, and foxes, in challenging terrain, including underground burrows and dense underbrush. Small, agile, and tenacious, Sealyhams were prized for their bravery, keen sense of smell, and ability to work both alone and in packs.

Sealyham Terriers are rare today, but the breed was once quite popular, especially in the 1920s and 1930s, even among Hollywood celebrities and the British royal family. Sealyhams were originally bred for hunting, but with the decline of traditional hunting practices, there was less demand for working terriers. Modern pet parents often seek breeds with more adaptable temperaments for family life or urban environments. Sealyhams, while affectionate and loyal, are terriers with strong hunting instincts, which might not suit all lifestyles.

Sealyham Terriers are from Wales, specifically from the Sealyham estate in Pembrokeshire. This breed was developed in the mid-19th century by Captain John Edwardes, who wanted to create a terrier skilled at hunting small game like badgers, otters, and foxes. Despite their hunting origins, today, Sealyham Terriers are more commonly kept as pets, admired for their lively, affectionate personalities.