The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
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. stop. Cheeks – Smoothly formed and flat, without heavy jowls. Jaws – Powerful and square. Nose – Black, with large nostrils. White, cherry or butterfly bad faults.
Strong, short-coupled and substantial, so as to permit great flexibility. Brisket deep and well let down between forelegs. Ribs well sprung.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.
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.
Weather-resisting, comprised of soft, dense undercoat and hard, wiry top coat. Silky or curly coat bad fault.
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.
Standing less than 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 24 pounds, Sealys are not big enough to be considered medium-sized dogs, but they stand among the strongest and most substantial of what we think of as small dogs.
A typical Sealy is well-muscled, built low to ground, and moves easily with long, determined strides. The weatherproof coat is predominantly white, and a long, broad head is furnished with lavish facial hair. Despite their rep as the bruiser among short-legged terriers, Sealys are cute, funny, affectionate, outgoing, and trainable, if a bit stubborn. Their alertness and a big-dog bark make Sealys excellent watchdogs. Blessed with an adaptable nature, Sealys are amenable to city dwelling or country life.
Sealyhams are usually easy keepers and great eaters. Many seem to do better on a grain-free food. They tend to have food-related allergies, but it is not a major problem. For a Sealy who competes in dog shows, the owner will want to avoid food with extra dye in it, as the dye tends to stain beards and may also color the urine, which can leave hair yellowish.
The breed’s weather-resistant, double “jacket” and profuse leg and body furnishings must be combed and brushed every two or three days, as Sealy coats tend to mat easily. The coat does not shed but must be hand-stripped or clipped on a regular basis. Pet Sealyhams can be kept trimmed short with minimal furnishings, which makes their care easier. Bathing every three to four weeks is a good idea. For Sealyhams in show coat, washing at least the furnishings frequently is a must. The nails should be trimmed regularly, and the should be checked during grooming sessions.
Sealys love to run in a safely enclosed area and enjoy plenty of exercise. They can overheat in hot, humid weather, so exercise is best in the early morning and in the evening. Grass stains are common, and it may be necessary to wash furnishings and condition often. Encourage the dog to exercise so they get moderately tired, but not exhausted, and they will be calmer in the house. Sealys can be very active, and exercise helps them be better housepets.
As with most terriers, Sealys require a firm but not harsh training technique. The Sealy puppy should be socialized early, being gently exposed to a wide range of dogs, people, and places, and this will help to discourage any dog aggression later on. Sealys can be food guarders, and this must be corrected right away. Don’t allow the dog to get away with it, ever.
Allergies are fairly common in the breed but are seldom of a really serious nature. There are several genetic eye diseases that potential sires and dams should be tested for before breeding. The American Sealyham Terrier Club provides detailed information on breed health. Non-genetic eye conditions such as tearing and infections can occur because of the breed’s long eyebrows. If the dog is a pet, a shorter eyebrow fall is a good idea. Ear infections can occur due to the weight and position of the ears, but keeping the ears clean is usually all that is required for prevention and maintenance.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
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. stop. Cheeks – Smoothly formed and flat, without heavy jowls. Jaws – Powerful and square. Nose – Black, with large nostrils. White, cherry or butterfly bad faults.
Strong, short-coupled and substantial, so as to permit great flexibility. Brisket deep and well let down between forelegs. Ribs well sprung.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.
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.
Weather-resisting, comprised of soft, dense undercoat and hard, wiry top coat. Silky or curly coat bad fault.
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.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 199 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| BADGER MARKINGS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 001 |
| LEMON MARKINGS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 063 |
| TAN MARKINGS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 012 |
| BLACK MARKINGS | 002 |
