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SEALYHAM TERRIER |
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Bred in Wales in the mid- 1900s, the Sealyham went after badgers, foxes and other vermin, including polecats. Captain John Owen Tucker Edwardes of Sealyham, Pembrokeshire, determined to produce his idea of a perfect terrier. He wanted a breed that was small enough to go to ground after badgers and be courageous enough to fight otters with the Captain's pack of Otterhounds. He is believed to have begun with the Corgi and incorporated the Dandie for short legs and pluck. The West Highland White Terrier, Bull Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier and the extinct Old English White Terrier are all possible contributors to the type known today. There is also speculation about an infusion of "Flander's Basset," one of the low-stationed hounds of northern France. Edwardes's survival-of-the-fit-test breeding program trained pups on rats, and his tough culling methods selected the "keepers." Captain Edwardes
placed his puppies with his tenant farmers to work rats and other vermin
in the barnyards while the pups matured. When he went around later to
visit the pups, he was accompanied by a pair of his most belligerent adult
terriers and a shotgun. He expected the youngster on the farm to firmly
stand his ground when approached by the aggressive older dogs. If they
gave an inch (backed up or turned), a shot ended the cowardice.
Those that passed this test faced a second one at a year of age. A live polecat (skunk) was hidden in a burrow after being dragged in a sack for some distance. The prospective yearlings were placed at the start of the drag. Spiritedly, they had to follow the scent trail to the burrow opening, enter without any hesitancy and dispatch the dangerous and furious animal. The Captain waited by the entrance with his trusty shotgun for the faint of heart or those with second thoughts. Others with slow reflexes or a lack of strength were also culled—by the polecat. Obviously, the Edwardes strain became extremely game and aggressive. Since this was the breed of only one man, it was fortunate that, after Edwardes's death in 1891, other people took up the cause of the Sea-lyham. One of these was Fred Lewis, whose tireless work in promoting the Sealyham and sponsoring an organization gained him the label of father of the breed, although there is no doubt the actual "father" was Edwardes. The British canine authority recognized the Sealyham in 1911 j the same year the USA recognized the breed. Independent and long-living pets, Sealyhams need frequent brushing and occasional trimming and plucking. Even more grooming is necessary for the show dog. The breed has rather low-set, drop ears and a docked tail. Despite their past history of toughness, the modern breed has mellowed considerably. He is still game and self-assured, but certainly more peaceful. Firm, fair discipline is the best way to approach training.
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