In 2020, the Kennel Club in England reported registration numbers for the Sealyham Terrier, and they were a far cry from 1914 when over 600 Sealies were entered at the Pembrokeshire Hunt Hound Puppy and Sealyham Terrier show in Slade, Pembrokeshire. The Open Dog class alone had 71 dogs entered, while the Open Bitch saw 64 lasses enter the ring.

Dogs and exhibitors in 1934; ORIGINAL SOURCE: The Hutchinson’s Encyclopedia of Dogs Dating from 1934. Item was found on Ebay and has since been sold

It is baffling why a breed that surged in popularity after WWI and was owned by Hollywood and British royalty alike dropped so precipitously in numbers. Indeed, the breed population was in such decline that in 2008, only 43 puppies were registered in its country of origin. Fanciers speculate that between an influx of designer dogs, and the fact that people no longer had lifestyles that require a working terrier, the breed suffered. Others would add that a ban on tail docking hurt the breed, but in our view, this is a non sequitur. One does not own a breed for its tail, nor because it was traditionally docked.

Less baffling is that to sustain a breed, experts have indicated that between 300 – 500 puppies are needed a year.  Below that, and a British or Irish breed qualifies for a spot on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Breeds list, or the “At Watch,” breeds with between 300 and 450 registrations a year.

Troubles often beget troubles, and in this case, the Sealyham and other rare breeds can suffer from an “out of sight, of out mind” effect. With so few of certain breeds around, and unless one attends a dog show, it’s probable that most people will never see in person a breed like the Sealyham Terrier, and realize its charm. This is why NPDD was created, and why we urge owners of all our fabulous breeds to get out and be seen with their dogs. Even better, put an “Ask About My Heritage” bandana on the dog to encourage conversation about the rich heritage of its breed.

We are happy to conclude on an “up” note. Back in 2011, the magazine, Country Life’s, featured the Sealyham Terrier and reported the trouble it was in. Nearly ten years later, the magazine was able to publish the breed’s resurgence, and Kennel Club registration numbers reflect this –  153 registrations in 2020.

Image: “Rollo,”  a pastel portrait by Cat Sutherland. The artist takes commissions for portraits in oil, pastel or charcoal, of adults, children or animals.