Sealyham Terriers are a rare breed of Welsh dog.
These robust Terriers were created in the 19th century to hunt otters and small game such as badgers on sprawling estates.
During the prohibition era, they enjoyed a surge in popularity. Some big Hollywood icons such as Humphrey Bogart owned Sealyham Terriers.
However, in the 21st century, the Sealyham Terrier has been classified as a rare and vulnerable dog breed.
Nevertheless, these adorable dogs do have one big selling point ahead of other breeds: their hypoallergenic coats.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at Sealyham Terriers, whether they’re hypoallergenic and what grooming requirements they have.
We’ll break this article into the following sections so you can easily navigate this feature.
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
The first thing we need to do is get a clear understanding of the word hypoallergenic. Once we know what the word means, we can take a look at hypoallergenic dog breeds.
The cosmetic industry first coined the term hypoallergenic in the 1950s to describe products that were less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other products.
So, there’s no guarantee a hypoallergenic product wouldn’t trigger an unwanted reaction, it just made it less likely. You’ll often spot the word hypoallergenic on cosmetic products.
Let’s take a look at how WebMD.com define the word hypoallergenic.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
Although hypoallergenic is a term used alongside a wide range of products in both the cosmetic and food industries, it’s often used to describe a dog that has a coat with unique qualities.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
There is a great demand for hypoallergenic dogs, which isn’t a surprise when you consider the number of people in the United States who have an allergy to dogs.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 10 per cent of the US population is allergic to dogs (roughly 32 million Americans).
However, the American Kennel Club write that there’s no such thing as a completely 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog irrespective of what you read online.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
If you believe you’ve found a dog that is 100 per cent hypoallergenic, you’re going to be disappointed. However, the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club both recommend some breeds that have more hypoallergenic qualities than other canines.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
Although one in every 10 Americans is allergic to dogs, some people may be unaware that our four-legged friends could trigger their allergies.
You’d be forgiven for thinking dog hair is the biggest culprit where dog allergies are concerned, especially given the popularity of low shedding canines with allergy sufferers.
Dog hair does play a big part considering it can transport allergens from outside into the home, which in turn ends up on your clothes or on your furniture.
However, dander is an even bigger problem than dog hair.
Here’s the American Lung Association to explain what dog dander is:
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Some dogs, such as Poodles, don’t shed a lot but crucially they don’t product a lot of dander. Any dander that is secreted is caught in their tight curls.
What are the symptoms?
If you think you could be allergic to dogs but you haven’t been diagnosed, you should speak to your local doctor or GP to learn more.
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms that are associated with an allergy to dogs. These include:
• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose.
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Watery, red or itchy eyes.
• Skin rash or hives.
This article doesn’t constitute medical advice so we urge readers to speak to their regular doctor if they’ve got concerns about potential allergies to dogs.
Are Sealyham Terriers hypoallergenic?
Sealyham Terrier on a leash (Photo: Adobe Stock)
So the big question if you’re interested in Sealyham Terriers but you’re allergic to dogs is whether they’re hypoallergenic?
Although no dog is 100 per cent hypoallergenic, Sealyham Terriers are considered one of the breeds with hypoallergenic qualities.
Here’s what Allie (@sealygram) had to say about Sealyham Terriers and their hypoallergenic coats:
Yes… no shedding ever! She does require regular grooming since her coat can get matted, but not having to deal with furballs in the house/cars is fantastic.
In fact, the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom suggest the Sealyham Terrier for people researching dogs that don’t shed a lot.
Do Sealyham Terriers shed a lot?
The good news is Sealyham Terriers are a hypoallergenic breed.
You’re probably wondering whether you can expect a small amount of shedding.
Well, they’ve got what is describe as a “weather-resistant” coat – they’ve got a dense, thick undercoat and a coarse, long outer coat.
Sealyham Terriers have a coat that doesn’t shed, which is great if you’re allergic to dogs or you don’t like dog hair everywhere around your home.
However, the breed do require a lot of maintenance.
Sealyham Terriers grooming
Sealyham Terriers will need to be brushed at least two or three times a week to keep their coat in good condition.
In doing so, you can prevent their lush coats from becoming matted or tangled.
Their coat doesn’t shed but it must be hand-stripped or clipped on a regular basis.
If you’re intending to get a Sealyham Terrier as a pet, the American Kennel Club suggest keeping their coat trimmed short with minimal furnishings.
However, if you’re planning to show your Sealyham Terrier, a more exhaustive grooming strategy will be required.
Sealyham Terrier care
Aside from brushing, Sealyham Terriers have some other care needs.
It’s suggested that you bathe your Sealyham Terrier once a month. Their outer coat is long and can drag along the ground, collecting debris and dirt.
Like all dogs, you’ll need to keep an eye on their nails, keeping them trimmed.
Sealyham Terriers are prone to some health conditions with regards to the ears and eyes. Therefore you should keep a close eye on these areas during grooming.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK offer recommendations for prospective dog owners who want a low shedding or hypoallergenic dog.
Let’s start with the AKC’S list of 19 breeds:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
England’s Kennel Club offer an more extensive list of 31 breeds:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
As we mentioned above, if you’re thinking about getting a dog but you’re worried you may suffer with an allergy to dogs, you should contact your local doctor.
You can always contact current Sealyham Terrier owners to find out more about their grooming requirements if you’re worried about the cost or the time.
In conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our look at whether Sealyham Terriers are hypoallergenic.
These Welsh dogs are considered a breed with hypoallergenic qualities, getting an endorsement from the Kennel Club.
