About 150 years ago a certain Capt. John Owen Tucker Edwardes, who lived at Sealyham, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, decided to promote his idea of the perfect terrier. From a mix of the Welsh Corgi, the Dandie Dinmont, the West Highland White, the Bull Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier, among others, he produced the dog that was to become the Sealyham.

Edwardes culled weaklings; it was the survival of the fittest: all dogs had to pass tough tests of tackling rats and other vermin. Edwardes died in 1891 and Fred Lewis took up promotion of the breed, which was shown for the first time in 1903. A breed club was formed in 1908 and the Sealyham received Kennel Club recognition in 1911.

Though his origins are rural Welsh, the Sealyham can be as much at home in the town as in the country. Supple, active, ready to romp and play, he makes an intelligent and charming companion, happy to be with you or able to make his own amusement, whichever the occasion demands. He is not really an ideal indoor pet for the pernickety and house proud, however, as his short legs and low-to-the ground body do tend to collect mud on a wet day. However, for those prepared to spend a few minutes cleaning him up on such occasions he will pay considerable dividends.