We suppose we can thank early retirement for why we now have the fabulous the Sealyham Terrier. When John Owen Tucker-Edwardes retired from the military at the “decrepit” age of 40 in 1848, it gave him ample time to spend his remaining years hunting.

The wealthy Edwardes already owned some 16 packs of Otterhounds, but he found the local terriers lacking when it came to the required “go-to-ground.” They were too big, their bite was too weak, their temperament too passive (whine whine whine).  What Edwardes wanted was a terrier whose primary role was to go to earth for otters in support to his Otterhounds. He wanted this terrier to be energetic, and be able to ride with him on horseback while hunting. The dog would have to be agile enough to negotiate rugged Welsh terrain, and brave to stand up to prey bigger than itself.

If you want something done right, you do it yourself, and Edwardes did. He created the Sealyham Terrier, today’s version described as a canine NFL running back: Powerful, well-muscled, built low to ground, and moving easily with long, determined strides. Sealys are funny, friendly and loving, and very trainable (in an independent-terrier sort of way).