Sealyham Terrier vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

The Sealyham Terrier is a rare dog breed originating in Wales. The dog was developed in the 19th century by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House. The Sealy has been associated with members of the British Royal Family, but its numbers declined to such an extent that it was listed as a vulnerable native breed by the Kennel Club.

The Sealyham Terrier club was created in 1908 and the dog breed was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1911. This dog is now recognized by all the major kennel clubs. The American Sealyham Terrier Club was founded in 1913.

Known also as the Swedish Elkhound or Swedish Moosehound, the Jämthund is a dog which hails from Sweden, and more specifically from a region known as Jamtland.

The dog received official recognition in 1946 as a dog breed from the Swedish Kennel Club. DNA testing tell us that these dogs originated from the crossing of a wolf, being described as a ‘Spitz-type dog’.

They were once used to pull sleds, and its why today he is an energetic dog, requiring a good dose of exercise and activities from his owners. The UKC accepted the dog as an official breed in 2006.

The Sealyham is a dog that stands low to the ground and its height shouldn’t exceed 27 - 30cm and weight should be about 8 - 9kg.

The double coat is considered non-shedding and is wiry and weather resistant. It is nearly always white but can be fawn. They’ve got big heads with dark, deep set eyes. The ears are semi-erect, semi-floppy and the tail is usually docked.

Temperament:

Affectionately referred to as Sealy, there aren't too many of these little dogs left. At one time, they were a very popular terrier breed, but today they are uncommon – almost endangered.

He’s a social dog with his human family but tends to be reserved around strangers. He also tends to be just a little bit more mellow than some of the more rowdier terrier breeds.

He gets on well with other dogs in the home as well as with children. He is an intelligent little dog but is inclined to be stubborn so you have to show him both firmness and kindness and also think about obedience training for him.

He’s amicable and adjusts well to life in the city or the countryside.

Described as a medium to large sized dog, the Jamthund stands at about 52 – 65cm in height, both males and females, and they weigh in at about 25 to 35 kilograms.

They have that typical Spitz-dog tail which curls over the back of the dog. When relaxed the tail hangs straight down. He has erect ears with a longish muzzle, much like a wolf, and his double coat lies fairly close to the body while on certain areas of the body, such as around the neck and tail, it is longer.

The color of his coat is usually light or dark grey with some cream marking around the muzzle, eyes, legs and paws. This fairly large, Spitz-type dog is certainly an attractive dog that while looking similar to a wolf shares some physical features with the Norwegian Elkhound.

Temperament:

Capable of being a splendid family pet, the Jamthund is an affectionate, loyal dog with his human family, although it is true that some of him hankers back to his hunting days.

He is an intelligent, amicable dog, and therefore training and socializing him is easy as he wants to please.

He is very energetic and won't be content with a life curled up indoors. He wants to be busy and involved with all your activities such as walks, hikes and swimming. He has a thick coat and he loves wintry weather, so the cold won’t stop him from wanting a long walk every day.

The Sealyham Terrier is such a robust little dog with a distinctive look.

He can be stubborn but he loves his human family and is sociable and amicable with them, slotting in to their way of life. He can be a couch potato or an active outdoor dog – whatever is required of him and he makes and excellent, loving family pet and companion.

Loving the company of his human family, the Jamthund gets lonely, bored and frustrated if he is put into the backyard as a watchdog and left. When he becomes naughty it is because he is trying to tell you that he wants to be part of your life.

The Jämthund has excellent hunting skills and with his great intelligence too and his ability to learn easily, he makes a popular pet. He also has other attractive characteristics such as being brave and calm.

He forms a deep bond with his human family and his gentle nature makes him a favorite playmate of children too. They make good guard dogs as they are alert and protective of their human family.

Not only has the Jamthund got many positive characteristics to his name, he is an attractive dog too, and once you've brought one into your home you'll realize what a wonderful dimension it brings into your home and your life.

This is a hardy dog breed and you don’t hear of many health problems associated with him. It seems as though you might have to watch out for an eye condition known as lens luxation. It's an eye condition with dogs where the lens slips out of position because of weakening of the fibers that hold it in place.

There is a lack of fluid in the eye causing optic nerve damage and this can lead to blindness.

Retinal Dysplasia is another eye problem . This is a developmental malformation of the retina that the dog is born with. Symptoms in dogs are a reluctance to jump off things such as the bed or he may even bump into things.

Atopic Dermatitis is something the Sealyham is more prone to. Its an allergic skin disease which drives a dog mad with its itchiness. Your pet will certainly need treatment from the vet to relieve it.

While the Jämthund is a healthy dog breed and won't cost you much in veterinary bills when it comes to illness, there are some common dog illnesses that are worth knowing about so you can respond in time to his need.

Hip Dysplasia:

Unfortunately this is a joint problem that can affect even young dogs. The hip joint hasn't formed properly and it can lead to the development of painful arthritis. It can be a debilitating disease for your dog and you will need to see your vet.

Skin Allergies:

This may seem like a trivial kind of dog illness but in fact it can lead to a lot of frustration, pain, anguish and discomfort for your pet. Signs of a skin allergy can include red, inflamed skin, itchiness, pain and oozing sores where your pet licks away miserably at the affected areas.

Provide your Sealy with his own warm, dry bed.

Brush the long, weather-resistant coat at least twice a week. Hand-stripping of the coat will maintain the wiry, hard texture, but because this method can be quite a laborious process, many Sealy owners rather have their dog professionally clipped.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth as well as inside the ears for signs of infection. His eyes should also be clear and free of discharge.

His nails will also need to be trimmed.

The Sealyham doesn’t require a lot of exercise but he must at least be given a walk every day.

Ensure the vaccines are up to date. They start when your pet is just a puppy. Remember to get your dog to the vet when you suspect that he is ill.

Feed your Sealyham with good food. Make sure you’re feeding your pet a high quality food as this promotes health and longevity. Provide your Santal Hound with top quality food to ensure his health.

Always choose the quality commercially manufactured foods on the market – those that have natural, good ingredients in them. Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week.

There is no need to offer your dog a host of different foods. Dogs want simplicity and consistency. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. If you can, also try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases.

Make sure that a constant supply of fresh, cool water is available to your dog.

Exercise:

Your Jamthund is a high energy dog and because of his background of hunting and pulling sleds, he loves wide open spaces where he can run. He essentially suits country life and it wouldn't be wise to confine this energetic dog to a small home.

Grooming:

Brushing the thick coat twice a week will keep it in top condition.Keep his nails trimmed and also keep an eye on his teeth. Find out how to make use of canine toothbrush and toothpaste to keep his teeth clean and free of plaque.

Diet:

Such a high energy dog requires the very best food packed full of vitamins and minerals. Look for the best commercially manufactured food there is and add in some wholesome home-made food from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as well as some raw meat occasionally. He must have a constant supply of fresh, cool water.