Official AKC Breed Standard

The Sealyham should be the embodiment of power and determination, ever keen and alert, of extraordinary substance, yet free from clumsiness.

Height -at withers about 10 1/2 inches.

Weight 23-24 pounds for dogs; bitches slightly less. It should be borne in mind that size is more important than weight.

Head-Long, broad and powerful, without coarseness. It should, however, be in perfect balance with the body, joining neck smoothly. Length of head roughly, three-quarters height at withers, or about an inch longer than neck. Breadth between ears a little less than one-half length of head. Skull-Very slightly domed, with a shallow indentation running down between the brows, and joining the muzzle with a moderate stop.

Cheeks-Smoothly formed and flat, without heavy jowls.

Jaws-Powerful and square.

Bite level or scissors. Overshot or undershot bad faults. Teeth-Sound, strong and white, with canines fitting closely together.

Nose-Black, with large nostrils. White, cherry or butterfly bad faults.

Eyes-Very dark, deeply set and fairly wide apart, of MEDIUM size, oval in shape with keen terrier expression. Light, large or protruding eye bad faults. Lack of eye rim pigmentation not a fault.

Ears-Folded level with top of head, with forward edge close to cheek. Well rounded at tip, and of length to reach outer corner of eye. Thin, not leathery, and of sufficient thickness to avoid creases. Prick, tulip, rose or hound ears bad faults.

Neck-Length slightly less than two-thirds of height of dog at withers. Muscular without coarseness, with good reach, refinement at throat, and set firmly on shoulders.

Shoulders-Well laid back and powerful, but not over-muscled. Sufficiently wide to permit freedom of action. Upright or straight shoulder placement highly undesirable.

Legs-Forelegs strong, with good bone; and as straight as is consistent with chest being well let down between them. Down on pasterns, knuckled over, bowed, and out at elbow, bad faults. Hind legs longer than forelegs and not so heavily boned.

Feet-Large but compact, round with thick pads, strong nails. Toes well arched and pointing straight ahead. Forefeet larger, though not quite so long as hind feet. Thin, spread or flat feet bad faults.

Body- Strong, short-coupled and substantial, so as to permit great flexibility. Brisket deep and well let down between forelegs. Ribs well sprung.

Back-Length from withers to set-on of tail should approximate height at withers, or l01/2 inches. Topline level, neither roached nor swayed. Any deviations from these measurements undesirable. Hindquarters-Very powerful, and protruding well behind the set-on of tail. Strong second thighs, stifles well bent, and hocks well let down. Cowhocks bad fault.

Tail- Docked and carried upright. Set on far enough forward so that spine does not slope down to it.

Coat- Weather-resisting, comprised of soft, dense undercoat and hard, wiry top coat. Silky or curly coat bad fault.

Color-All white, or with lemon, tan or badger markings on head and ears. Heavy body markings and excessive ticking should be discouraged.

Action- Sound, strong, quick, free, true and level.

SCALE OF POINTS

General character, balance and size........15

Head........5

Eyes........5

Mouth........5

Ears........5

Neck........5

Shoulders and brisket........10

Body, ribs & loin........10

Hindquarters........10

Legs and feet........ 10

Coat........10........50

Tail........ 5

Color (body marking & ticking)........5

TOTAL........100

Approved February 9, 1974

 
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