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Sealyham Terrier

Also called Sealyham, Welsh Border Terrier, Cowley Terrier

Recognised breedFCI group 3Short profile

From Wales (Sealyham, Pembrokeshire).123

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male9 kg1
Weight, female8.2 kg1
Heightup to 31 cm1
Lifespanfrom 10 years23
Sizesmall

FCI gives approximate weights: about 9 kg for dogs and 8.2 kg for bitches.

Royal Kennel Club: over 10 years. Wikipedia gives an average of 13.1 years.

brave and spirited
friendly and outgoing
sly sense of humour
14

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, hard, wiry double coat

A low, sturdy terrier with a lot of substance for its size and an oblong outline. It wears a long, hard, wiry topcoat over a weatherproof undercoat, with a 'fall' of hair over the forehead.14

Coloursall whitewhite with lemon, brown, blue or badger pied markings on head and ears1

Personality what they are like

Alert and fearless like any terrier, but friendly and a little more laid-back than many small terriers, with a playful, mischievous streak.14

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to an hour of exercise a day.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs daily grooming; the coat hardly sheds, is combed through regularly and is hand-stripped for showing or clipped for pets.23

Home where they are happiest

Suits a small house or larger with a small to medium garden; adapts to town or country.23

Company who they like around

An outgoing, affectionate companion that enjoys family life.41

The story where it all began

Captain John Edwardes developed the breed between 1850 and 1891 at Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire, to work alongside Otterhounds against otter, badger and fox. It was first shown in 1903, gained Kennel Club recognition in 1911 and was a fashionable show and companion dog in the 1930s and 1940s.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Alfred Hitchcock had Sealyhams and is seen walking two of them in his film The Birds (1963).3

  2. 2

    Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant all owned the breed.3

  3. 3

    Maurice Sendak based the heroine of his 1967 book on his Sealyham, Jennie.3

  4. 4

    The breed takes its name from Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire, where it was created.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed takes its name from the village of Sealyham in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where it was developed by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham Manor.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BrynCariadDewiGwynHafLlewMeganMyfanwyOwainPoppySianTaffy

A day in the life told by a Sealyham Terrier

I bounce out of bed, ready for a day of fun. After a quick brush, I patrol the garden, alert for any squirrel intruders. I dig a tiny hole, then race back inside to find my favourite squeaky toy. My human laughs as I do my playful bow. Lunchtime brings a snuggle on the sofa, but I’m soon up again, chasing a leaf in the breeze. In the afternoon, we play fetch – I’m fast but never rough. Evening is for cuddles, my tail wagging until I fall asleep, dreaming of tomorrow’s mischief.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 74, Group 3 Terriers, Section 2 Small-sized terriers, without working trial.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group, recognised 1911; listed as a vulnerable native breed.2
AKC
Recognised breed; American Sealyham Terrier Club founded 1913.3

Popularity Ranked 168th of 202 AKC breeds in 2024; UK registrations fell to 43 puppies in 2008 and were 49 in 2011.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sealyham Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Sealyham Terrier tip

Sealyhams can be prone to extra pounds, so choose low-calorie training treats and count them as part of their daily intake. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your vet on an elimination diet.

Source: petmd.com akc.org purina.co.uk

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sealyham Terrier, and at what times?

Feed adult Sealyham Terriers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help their digestion. Follow the food label's guidelines and your vet's advice for exact amounts.7

What should a Sealyham Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food appropriate for your Sealyham's age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.8

How often should I bathe a Sealyham Terrier?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days (about 8 weeks), and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Sealyham Terrier need brushing?

Daily brushing is ideal for this long, wiry double coat to prevent mats and keep it healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily is better. Use a comb or slicker brush, and consider hand-stripping or clipping every few months.239 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Sealyham Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 3 weeks according to Furry Diary's plan. Use dog nail clippers, cut small bits at a time, and stop before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for help.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Sealyham Terrier need?

Up to an hour of exercise daily, including walks and playtime. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily walks and play to keep this lively terrier happy. They adapt well to town or country life, so a small garden plus walks works fine.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Sealyham Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily (Furry Diary's plan) or at least 2-3 times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for dirt or redness, and clean with a vet-recommended solution without pushing anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents problems.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Sealyham Terrier live?

Sealyham Terriers typically live at least 10 years, and many enjoy a longer life with good care. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help them thrive into their senior years.23

Is a Sealyham Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed is generally friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, making them good family companions. However, individual temperament varies, so early socialisation is key. For specific advice on children and other pets, consult a good breeder or your vet.14

Can a Sealyham Terrier be left alone?

Sealyham Terriers enjoy family life and may not like being left alone for long periods. They can adapt with gradual training and plenty of toys, but it's best to ask your breeder or vet for personalised tips. They thrive with company.41

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 74 Sealyham Terrier fci.beused for origin, classification, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. The Royal Kennel Club: Sealyham Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, home size, vulnerable status, history
  3. Wikipedia: Sealyham Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, lifespan, history, fun facts, popularity
  4. AKC: Sealyham Terrier akc.orgused for temperament, fall of hair
  5. thekennelclub.org.uk thekennelclub.org.uk
  6. westminsterkennelclub.org westminsterkennelclub.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.