Sealyham Terrier - Temperament & Personality
Dog Breeds
Introduction
The Sealyham Terrier Dog Breed has a personality and temperament that is animated and loving. While they form close bonds with family members, they are known for their very independent nature. They love to play and run, and should be walked on a daily basis, but they are also famous for being lazy couch potatoes.
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Personality
Sealyham owners tell people, “Once you go Sealy, you'll never own a different breed.” These little dogs pack a giant personality, and they aren't afraid to do anything for a laugh. Sealyham Terriers are less active than other terrier breeds and are also less confrontational and yappy. They do bark, but they are less likely to provoke other dogs than their terrier cousins. Sealies make great companions for families of all sizes. They are perfect for the elderly, as they don't require a lot of exercise and are not high strung. Sealies can live with single people, as they are independent enough to be left alone during the day, but they are also fantastic family dogs, happy to curl up on the nearest available lap.
Activity Requirements
Sealyhams can adjust to any living arrangement, be it a small apartment or a sprawling estate. They need to be exercised daily, but a brisk walk around the neighborhood will cover their activity requirement. Sealies are less active than other terrier breeds, often called the “couch potato of terriers.” They do not have the drive or athleticism or endurance to jog or take long hikes, however, so they are well suited for a more indoor-oriented family.
Trainability
Sealyham Terriers are not for softies who are prone to bend the rules. Training should begin early and should be conducted with excited praise and lots of treats in order to keep him interested. Harsh discipline will cause a Sealyham to simply disregard you and your rules. Absolute consistency is a must in order to raise a well behaved Sealyham Terrier, as they see rule-bending as an open invitation to take over.
Behavioral Traits
Sealyham Terriers are possessive of their food and toys, which makes them less than ideal for familes with small children. Toddlers who pick up a Sealyham's toys or approach while he is eating can be snapped at or even bit. They are much better suited for home with older children who understand how to respect a dog's personal boundaries.
They also have a strong desire to chase, so they don't do well in homes with cats or other small animals. Outdoors, Sealyham should be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard at all times, both his safety and the safety of other animals. In the yard, however, your Sealyham should always be supervised as these dogs like to dig and can make quick work of your flowerbeds.
Sealies can be dog aggressive. They can do just fine living with another dog, as long as they are raised together, but strange dogs can expect to be greeted with a lot of barking and grousing, and they aren't afraid to pick fights with larger dogs.
Appearance & Grooming
History and Health