Introduction to the Sealyham Terrier

This history is derived from the writings of Mr. Fred Lewis circa 1936. Mr. Lewis played a major part in the development and establishment of the breed. The Sealyham comes from a strain of white rough-haired terriers of Flemish origination bred principally for running and working by Captain John Owen Tucker-Edwardes at his mansion named "Sealyham" in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Unfortunately no records were kept in the development of the breed, but it is believed that Edwardes used the Pembroke Welsh Corgi for size and shape, the Cheshire Terrier (a Bull Terrier type) for gameness and color, the Dandie Dinmont for its tremendous courage, strength of jaw, lowness and gameness, Wire Fox
	Where it all began..the Sealyham Mansion in Wales. Photo courtesy of current owner, Mr. John Hone, Sealyham Activity Centre.

	Terrier for weather resisting coat, and the West Highland White Terrier to reduce size and tighten color scheme. The terriers he developed were largely used for driving otters from their lairs in the river banks.
Ch Vandon Village Vagrant

Whether in fact all the breeds mentioned were used is open to question. However, there is little doubt that Edwardes wanted a sporting dog of unquestioned courage and sufficient flexibility to tackle these varmints. Sealyham dogs were bred and then sent out to be reared by tenant farmers and countryside millers.

Edwardes paid a maintenance fee of about 10 dollars if the puppy proved satisfactory when returned to his kennels. The young terrier was brought back when he was 10-12 months old, and if he would face down a rather nasty "polecat", the puppy was kept by Edwardes and the fee was paid.
	Ch Hapi Dal Thomas J Andre

On the other hand, if the dog was too afraid to tackle the vermin, the dog was returned & the maintenance fee withheld. Females were not sent out to be reared as a means of keeping the strain pure. In time, the Sealyham became noted for his usefulness tackling otters, foxes and as a badger dog. In the early 1900's Sealyhams were used extensively in England to protect farm animals by dislodging badger, otter and fox from their lairs so that the farmer could dispatch with them.

	The English Kennel Club first recognized the Sealyham breed in 1910 when Sealyhams were first shown in a Kennel Club sponsored Championship dog Show. Official recognition was made in 1911 by both the English Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. Since its debut in America, its popularity as a show dog has remained fairly constant.
Ch Stonebroke Feather in My Hat

Not many people nowadays are out for a day of fox or badger hunting, and the Sealyham has passed lock stock and barrel into the realm of companion animal and he makes a fine watchdog. Given an opportunity though, he makes a very good working terrier, and he is always a loyal companion and tireless playmate.

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