Sealyham Terrier
Bred in Wales, and white on purpose so the hunters would not mistake it for the badger it was digging out. One of the rarest terriers in Britain now.
Photo by Tuomas Palonen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
The Sealyham was created in Wales in the nineteenth century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House, to dig out badger and otter. It was bred white deliberately so the handler could tell dog from quarry in poor light, which is the same reasoning behind several white working terriers.
It is now one of the rarest British breeds, on every vulnerable list, with very low annual registrations.
Temperament
Calmer and more dignified than most terriers. Sealyhams are affectionate with their families, good with older children, and considerably less busy than a Jack Russell.
They are still terriers: stubborn, with a real prey drive, and inclined to dig and to bark. They can be scrappy with other dogs. They are one of the more relaxed terriers to live with and they are not a pushover.
Care and grooming
The hard wiry white coat needs brushing twice a week plus hand stripping two or three times a year, and the beard needs regular attention. They shed very little.
Primary lens luxation has a DNA test. Deafness occurs and BAER testing is worth asking about. Twelve to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
Forty five minutes to an hour a day plus play. They are lower energy than most terriers and they suit flats well.
The practical obstacle is finding one. Registrations are low enough that waiting lists are the norm rather than the exception.
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