The Sealyham Terrier is a breed that has been entirely developed by humans. From 1850 to 1891, this breed was carefully developed by Captain John Edwards in the region of Sealyham in Wales. Although there are no exact breeding records from that time, it can be inferred that it originated from crosses between Bull Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, and possibly Corgis.

In 1903, the breed was first introduced at a dog show held locally in Wales. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kingdom Kennel Club (KC) in 1911.

The Sealyham Terrier’s origins date back to 1850. It was bred specifically to hunt foxes, otters, and badgers, and to dig into burrows to capture their prey. Today, it also serves as an excellent companion and show dog.

The name Sealyham comes from the estate of Captain John Edwards in the town of Haverfordwest, Wales. Between 1850 and 1891, Edwards created a breed renowned for its bravery in capturing badgers, otters, and foxes. Essential qualities include immense courage and endurance.

With the breed’s working ability garnering public interest, they began to replace other terriers in prominent families and show competitions. The first recorded appearance in a dog show was in October 1903 in Haverfordwest, Wales.

In January 1908, a group of Welsh dog enthusiasts established the Haverfordwest Sealyham Terrier Club. In their first meeting, they drafted the first breed standard for the Sealyham Terrier. The first championship show the Sealyham Terrier attended was in October 1910 at a British dog show.

On March 8, 1911, the breed was recognized by the dog club and received an invitation certificate for a major Sealyham Terrier exhibition to be held in London on June 10, 1911. Shortly after the Sealyham Terrier was first introduced to the United States, it was officially recognized by the AKC in 1911. Since making its debut in a competition in San Mateo, California in September 1911, it has continued to enjoy popularity as a show dog. Among its numerous honors, the most notable are the four wins at the Westminster Dog Show.

The American Sealyham Terrier Club was founded on May 15, 1913, to increase interest in the breed among Americans and encourage participation in exhibitions and working trials. However, working trials were relinquished due to suburban chaos and the affection of the breed’s owners. Professional shows are held in Eastern states every winter and in the Midwest every late spring, and they are also part of the Montgomery County Kennel Club Terrier Show held in Pennsylvania each fall.

Today, Sealyham Terriers primarily serve as companion dogs, but they can also become excellent working terriers given the opportunity. They are very sociable, friendly, and make good watchdogs, with a barks that can scare off intruders.

Sealyham Terriers are generally easy to train but are more often reluctant to accept exercise or tricks. With proper care, a balanced diet, and appropriate training, Sealyham Terriers can have a very long lifespan, commonly living up to 12-16 years and remaining lively throughout their lives. They require regular grooming since their coat does not shed, which means that dead hair must be plucked or brushed out to prevent matting. Dead hair should be regularly removed, and the hair on the head, neck, tail, and feet should be trimmed to maintain a neat appearance.