Grooming the Sealyham Terrier

Coat

The Sealyham Terrier carries a true wire double coat — a hard, dense outer coat over a softer, weatherproof undercoat. The coat is white or white with lemon, tan, or badger markings on the head and ears. The distinctive facial fall of longer, forward-growing hair over the face is one of the breed's signature features and requires its own maintenance. Hand stripping (not clipping) is the correct method for maintaining the jacket in the show ring. Clipping is acceptable for companions but softens coat texture over time.

Character

The Sealyham is alert, outgoing, and spirited with the determination and independence typical of working terriers. Calmer than many terrier breeds and adaptable to a range of living situations, they are affectionate with family while remaining watchful and vocal about strangers. Grooming routines go well when introduced early and kept consistent.

Recommended Cindra Products

• Texturizing Shampoo — maintains the harsh jacket texture; use on body coat
• Moisturizing Shampoo — for the fall, furnishings, and softer facial areas
• Moisture Plus Conditioner — targeted conditioning for furnishings and fall only
• Super Coat — diluted 90/10; very light static control on the jacket without softening
• Cleansing Shampoo — for whitening the white jacket and removing heavy soil or buildup

Problems and Solutions

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Brushing

Brush the jacket 2–3 times weekly with a stiff pin brush or slicker, working through to the skin. Check particularly inside the top of the legs where mats are most often missed. Brush the fall and facial furnishings daily with a soft pin brush to prevent tangling. Begin grooming routines daily from puppyhood to build tolerance.

Bathing

Avoid washing the jacket body too frequently — frequent bathing softens the hard coat hairs. Use Texturizing Shampoo on the jacket and Moisturizing Shampoo on the fall and softer areas. For whitening or heavy soil, first lather with Cleansing Shampoo. Rinse completely — residue on a white jacket shows immediately as dullness. Dry thoroughly after every bath.

The Fall

The fall is the Sealyham's most distinctive feature. Maintain it by brushing daily and trimming to keep it out of the eyes while preserving its forward-growing character. Condition the fall only with a very light application of Moisture Plus when needed — never on the jacket.

Hand Stripping vs Clipping

Hand stripping maintains correct jacket texture, coat color, and weather resistance. Strip 4–6 times per year for pet dogs in good coat — more frequently for show. Pull dead hair in the direction of growth; the coat is ready when hair releases easily. Clipping is acceptable for companions but progressively softens the coat and dulls color over time. Once a coat has been clipped extensively, restoring strippable texture is a long process.

Shedding

The Sealyham is a non-shedding breed. Dead coat is retained in the jacket and removed by hand stripping. A well-maintained Sealyham leaves very little hair around the home.

Puppy vs. Adult Coat

Quick Grooming Schedule

Resources

• American Sealyham Terrier Club
• AKC Sealyham Terrier Breed Information