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General Appearance
Free-moving, active, balanced and of great substance in small compass. General outline oblong, not square.

Characteristics
Sturdy, game and workmanlike.

Temperament
Alert and fearless but of friendly disposition.

Head and Skull
Skull slightly domed and wide between ears. Cheek bones not prominent. Punishing square jaw, powerful and long. Nose black.

Eyes
Dark, well set, round, of medium size. Dark, pigmented eye rims preferred but unpigmented tolerated.

Ears
Medium- sized, slightly rounded at tip and carried at side of cheek.

Mouth
Teeth level and strong with canines fitting well into each other and long for size of dog. Jaws strong with regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Fairly long, thick and muscular on well laid shoulders.

Forequarters
Forelegs short, strong and as straight as possible consistent with chest being well let down. Point of shoulder in line with point of elbow which should be close to side of chest.

Body
Medium in length, level and flexible with ribs well sprung. Chest broad and deep, well let down between forelegs.

Hindquarters
Notably powerful for size of dog. Thighs deep and muscular with well bent stifle. Hocks strong, well bent and parallel to each other.

Feet
Round and cat-like with thick pads. Feet pointing directly forward.

Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Medium length. Thick with a rounded tip. Set in line with back and carried erect. Quarters should protrude beyond set of tail.
Undocked: Medium length of tail to give a general balance to the dog. Thick at root and tapering towards tip. Ideally carried erect, but not excessively over the back, and with no curl or twist. Quarters should protrude beyond set of tail.

Gait/Movement
Brisk and vigorous with plenty of drive.

Coat
Long, hard and wiry topcoat with weather-resistant undercoat.

Colour
All white or white with lemon, brown, blue or badger pied markings on head and ears. Much black and heavy ticking undesirable.

Size
Height should not exceed 31 cms (12 ins) at shoulder. Ideal weight: dogs approximately 9 kgs (20 lbs); bitches approximately 8 kgs (18 lbs). General conformation, overall balance, type and substance are main criteria.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - September 2007

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• MIDLAND SEALYHAM TERRIER CLUB. Sec. Mrs D Bettis. Tel No: 01299 266380
• SEALYHAM TERRIER BREEDERS ASSOC. Sec. Miss J Moyes Tel No: 01252 850367
• SEALYHAM TERRIER CLUB. Sec. Mrs J Wonnacott. Tel No: Not available - for more information contact the Kennel Club

This breed of dog is a 'Vulnerable Native Breed'.

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