Sealyham Terrier Good Choice?

[Gene K]

My mother (Let's just say she qualifies for the Senior Discount) is looking for a dog after being without for 4 years (Last dog was a Chihuahua-Jack Russell Cross). It will mostly be a inhouse pet with occasional walks (3-4 days a week) and needs a steady temperament, and reasonable upkeep. A warning bark when strangers approach would be most welcome.

The one dog that keeps coming up in my research is the Sealyham Terrier. Any thoughts on the suitability of this breed?

Gene

[Kade]

I'm sure there's an easier clip, but I know that the show clip for a Sealyham is very difficult to maintain. But it doesn't sound like your mother will be showing!

I would be careful with a terrier breed, though... although I'm not familiar with Sealys specifically, for a less active lifestyle, I would consider a Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, or other dog with a less tenacious reputation.

[calgal]

She should adopt an older more settled dog from the shelter or a Rescue. I had fostered a little Yorkie mix that was pure angel. I let her go to a senior who lives alone and it was a match made in heaven.

[Gene K]

I dont think she will be stripped (show) just trimmed. Grooming is listed as brush 2-3 times a week and shape every 3 months.

I think the Sealy keeps coming up because the tend to be more sedentary than Scotties. Some sites list as Couch Potato although most list a slightly higher energy level.

They are also low dander, and low shed.

The only dog that comes up higher on animalplanets match is the English Toy Spaniel (King Charles). I am not to thrilled with the possible health problems with this breed.

Gene

P.S. There is a 4 year old Cairn Terrier Available locally for adoption but I was afraid the energy level will be to high.

[Ritz459]

Well, I find this site: www.yourpurebredpuppy.com a very helpful site, and I'm quoting about what I found on the Sealyham Terrier from that site:

"Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...


If you want a dog who...



Is a "big dog with short legs" i.e. built low to the ground, but with a robust body, heavy bone, and a strong temperament
Is calmer and more dignified than most terriers
Needs only moderate exercise
Makes a determined watchdog with a surprisingly deep bark
Doesn't shed that much
A Sealyham Terrier may be right for you.



If you don't want to deal with...



One of the most self-willed and independent of the terriers
Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts
Regular clipping/trimming of the coat
Waiting lists and a high price tag
A Sealyham Terrier may not be right for you.



If I were considering a Sealyham Terrier...


My major concerns would be:


Strong mind of their own. Sealyham Terriers are not Golden Retrievers. They must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Terriers are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

To teach your Sealyham to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Sealyham Terrier Training Page discusses the program you need.


Defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a terrier, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, terriers (as a group) are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. It may be because they were bred to become more fierce when their prey fought back, i.e. terriers are apt to "return pain" if they "receive pain." As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on any terrier for a correction.

I do NOT recommend terriers for small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children.


Animal aggression. Like all terriers, Sealyham Terriers can be scrappy with other dogs of the same sex. They are a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. And because of their hunting background, most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. This can make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster!

Terriers cannot be trusted off-leash. They will take off -- oblivious to your frantic shouts -- after anything that runs.


Grooming. Sealyham Terriers require clipping and trimming every few months, to keep their coat short and free of mats. But don't expect your pet Sealyham Terrier to look like the show dogs you've seen in books or on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers.

Finding one and paying the price. In the United States, fewer than 75 new Sealyham Terrier puppies are registered each year. (Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies.) And many breeders are charging $1000 and up.


If you're considering an adult Sealyham Terrier...


There are plenty of adult Sealyhams who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.

When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS."


Hopefully that can help answer some of your questions. Some other breeds that comes to mind would be a Yorkie, an English Bulldog, a French Bulldog, or a Boston Terrier.

[schnzrluv]

I agree with Calgal. Since she has had a mix before why not adopt?
Most shelters and rescues evaluate and screen dogs to ensure they are going to the right home. This way she could get a dog that is slightly older, that is already house trained and obiedenice trained. I love my schnauzer to death, but if I had to do it all over again i would rescue. I had so much time into training,with classes and had a real hard time with house training

www.petfinder.com is a good place to find dogs in your area.

www.dogbreedinfo.com is a good place to get info on different breeds.

[atoney]

Hello Gene,
I am have an 8 month old Sealyham male (my first), and although not my first terrier (I have a Scottie, and have owned Norfolks), I tend to agree with the person who was kind enough to post the info about Sealys.
They are strong willed, as all terriers, and require a firm but kind hand from their owners. They also require alot of grooming, even if you do not intend to show. I clip my Sealy boy myself, groom both dogs every other day, and still need to deal with small mats occasionally.
ALL puppies are energetic, and a Sealy is no exception. I will tell you that my Sam is very people oriented, smart, LOVES food, but can be touchy around
other dogs. Not unusual for a terrier, especially a male.
My mother at one point was considering a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-
very sweet dogs, and more low key than a terrier. Just be sure to check
out health issues, and always purchase a dog from a reputable breeder.
Atoney