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 ensuing years hunting.
The wealthy Edwardes already owned some 16 packs of Otterhounds, but he found the local terriers required to-go-to-ground as lacking. They were too large, their bite was too weak, their temperament was too passive (whine whine whine). John wanted a terrier whose primary role was to go to earth for otters as support to his Otterhounds. He wanted his terrier to be energetic 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 much bigger than itself.

And so he created the Sealyham, 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). We loved having them as the Purebred of Interest last January.

Sealyham Terrier by Sharon Tancredi
www.sharontancredi.com
100-dogs.blogspot.co.uk