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Sealyham Terrier

Lifestyle needs

Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier was once reputed to be a tough little hunter of vermin but is now, like so many other breeds, just a household pet. He’s a typical terrier by nature, so not suitable for someone looking for a lap dog. He needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Also frequent grooming to keep his coat clean and tangle free.

Inbreeding coefficient – COI

(should be as low as possible)

The breed average COI is 3.5%

See A Beginners Guide to COI.

Health and welfare problems due to conformation

(body shape and physical characteristics)
  • The Sealyham’s short legs do limit his ability to run and play

BVA/KC Health Schemes  http://www.bva.co.uk/chs

  • Eye disease: Primary lens luxation (PLL); Retinal dysplasia (abnormal development of the retina)

DNA tests available

Parents should be tested for:

  • Primary lens luxation (PLL)

Unofficial (breed club) schemes

None known

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents (or check the KC’s health test results finder). If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other diseases

(for which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)
  • Congenital deafness
  • Eye disease: Cataract; Glaucoma

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions. Some breeders will also agree to contribute towards medical costs or refund purchase price.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the RSPCA / BVA AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP):  www.puppycontract.org.uk

You are also advised to buy from a breeder who follows the Dog Advisory Council’s Standard for Breeders: http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/dac-breeding-standard/

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