Sealyham Terrier — Breed Profile
"Alert, outgoing, calm, charming"
Welsh aristocrat with working roots
At a Glance
Weight
23–24 lbs
Height
10–10.5"
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Wire
Group
Terrier
Origin
Wales
Breed Traits
Best For
Families seeking a spirited, compact companion with personality; those appreciating terrier traits without extreme spikiness; active individuals in apartments or small homes
Not Ideal For
Owners seeking low-maintenance grooming; those intolerant of prey drive; first-time dog owners without patience for training; households with very young children
Health Considerations
Hip dysplasia, lens luxation, sebaceous adenitis
Estimated annual vet cost: $500-$1,000
Breed History
Developed in mid-to-late 19th century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House, Pembrokeshire, Wales as a working dog for hunting small game.
Fun Facts
- Named after Sealyham House in Wales where the breed was developed
- Distinguished by their 'fall,' a mass of hair covering the forehead
- Known for possessing a sly sense of humor
- Rare breed ranked 168th in AKC popularity
- Brave and spirited but less spiky in temperament than other small terrier breeds
Famous Sealyham Terriers
Not widely documented