Sealyham Terrier breed guide

Sealy fans enjoy their dog's sly sense of humor and despite a reputation as the bruiser among short-legged terriers Sealyham Terriers are cute, fun-loving dogs.

As with most terriers, they need a firm but not harsh training technique, early socialization with a wide range of dogs, people and places to discourage later dog aggression. AKC says some are food guarders, which must be corrected.

Sealyham Terriers live 12 to 14 years. AKC says allergies are fairly common but seldom serious and several genetic eye diseases should be tested for in breeding dogs.

Non-genetic eye conditions such as tearing and infections can result from the long eyebrows, so a shorter eyebrow fall suits a pet and the American Sealyham Terrier Club provides detailed health information.

The weather-resistant double jacket and thick leg and body hair need combing and brushing every two or three days, since Sealy coats mat easily. The coat does not shed but must be hand-stripped or clipped regularly and pet Sealyham Terriers may be kept trimmed short.

Sealyham Terriers love to run in a safely enclosed area and enjoy plenty of exercise. They can overheat in hot, humid weather, so exercise is best early morning and evening and grass stains on the long hair mean frequent washing and conditioning.

The name honors the Sealy Ham estate on the Seal River in southwestern Wales, where the terrier was first bred. Its father was an army captain named John Edwardes, who retired at 40 in the mid-1800s and spent the rest of his life developing his dream dog.

The Sealy's primary purpose was to support the captain's Otterhound pack. Otters then were considered pests that depleted the fish on sprawling estates and he bred the terrier to be strong and tough enough to dig razor-clawed otters out of their lairs.