Sealyham Terriers are friendly yet very alert, and many will quickly vocalize at doorbells, new people, or other animals (common watchdog behavior). They’re independent “thinkers,” so owners may describe them as stubborn or slow to comply in busy settings. Typical terrier instincts—barking, tracking, digging, and a strong chase drive—mean fast movement or small pets in the lobby can raise arousal; a quieter check-in or direct-to-room can help. Ask about sensitivities to face/paw handling (groomed areas) and any muzzle/treat preferences. ([petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/sealyham-terrier))
Front desk script: So we can set your Sealyham up for success, are there triggers we should avoid—doorbells, other pets, or face/foot handling? Would a quieter area or going straight to a room make today easier? Do they have preferred treats, a muzzle, or handling notes we should add to the chart? We can stagger entry to minimize exposure to small pets if that helps.
Sealyham Terriers have documented breed-linked risks for primary lens luxation (PLL) associated with the ADAMTS17 gene, which can rapidly lead to painful glaucoma and sudden vision loss; breed organizations highlight PLL DNA status and eye screening as priorities in this breed. Congenital sensorineural deafness is also reported in Sealyhams (a predominantly white-coated breed) and is typically identified with BAER hearing testing. If an owner reports a suddenly red, cloudy, or painful eye, squinting, or sudden vision changes, treat this as an emergency and escalate immediately.
Front desk script: This breed is known to have higher risk for a serious hereditary eye problem (primary lens luxation) and occasional congenital deafness. If you’re seeing a red, cloudy, or painful eye or sudden vision changes, please come in right away or go to emergency care—this cannot wait. For new puppies or adoptions, please bring any prior eye exam or BAER hearing test records you have; we’ll attach them to the chart and the veterinarian will advise next steps.
Small, sturdy terriers with moderate energy, Sealyhams do well with daily walks, basic training, and enrichment games. Their double coat needs frequent brushing and periodic professional grooming/hand‑stripping to prevent matting. Generally long‑lived (~12–14 years), but the breed is known for a hereditary eye issue called primary lens luxation (PLL)—ask breeders for DNA test results and keep routine wellness/eye checks on schedule. Treat eye redness, squinting, sudden cloudiness, or obvious eye pain—and any trouble breathing, collapse, or severe lethargy—as emergencies and seek immediate care.
Front desk script: Sealyhams are friendly, moderate‑energy terriers; plan on a daily walk and regular professional grooming in addition to at‑home brushing. The breed has a known hereditary eye risk (PLL), so we recommend routine eye checks and keeping breeder PLL test results on file. If an eye looks red, painful, or suddenly cloudy—or there’s trouble breathing or collapse—please go to the emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Sealyham Terriers commonly trigger front-desk calls for: sudden red, cloudy, or painful eyes (breed is predisposed to primary lens luxation that can rapidly cause glaucoma—advise immediate emergency evaluation); ear issues such as head-shaking, odor, or discharge (pendulous, hair‑bearing ear canals and allergies increase otitis risk); persistent itch/paw‑licking and recurrent ear problems suggestive of atopy; bad breath, visible tartar, or loose/broken teeth (small breeds develop periodontal disease early); possible concern about hearing in white-coated puppies (congenital deafness occurs in this breed); plus routine grooming/coat matting questions and weight‑management concerns.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—eye redness, squinting, cloudiness, or a suddenly painful eye can be an emergency in Sealyhams; we recommend an immediate same‑day exam, and if we’re closed please head to the nearest emergency clinic. For ear scratching/shaking, skin itching, or dental odor/tartar, let’s book the next available appointment (same day if there’s marked pain, head tilt, or reduced appetite). If you’re worried about a puppy’s hearing, we can schedule a consult to discuss BAER hearing testing and next steps.
Sealyham Terriers have a low‑shedding, double coat (wiry outer coat over a softer undercoat) that mats easily on the beard, legs, and undercarriage; owners should expect frequent home brushing and regular professional grooming to maintain coat texture. Hand‑stripping and shaping are recommended to preserve the harsh coat; many pets are clipped for easier upkeep, which can soften texture. Plan routine ear/skin checks at grooming visits. Escalate to a same‑day veterinary appointment if the dog is persistently itchy, has red/oozing “hot spots,” a strong ear odor/discharge, or painful mats pulling on the skin.
Front desk script: This breed’s wiry double coat needs frequent brushing plus regular professional grooming. If the family wants to keep a harsher, show‑style coat, we can refer to a groomer who hand‑strips; many pet homes prefer clipping for easier care. Would you like us to set a recurring grooming reminder and add beard/ear checks? If you notice nonstop scratching, oozing skin areas, or foul ear odor, we should book a same‑day vet exam.
Sealyham Terriers have a documented terrier‑breed risk for primary lens luxation (PLL), so any eye pain or sudden vision change (squinting, redness, cloudiness, unequal pupils, rubbing the eye, or suddenly bumping into objects) should be triaged as same‑day and, if no availability, directed to emergency care. Ask owners if PLL DNA testing or prior ophthalmology evaluations exist and flag in the chart. This breed also has reported congenital deafness—ask puppies/new patients about BAER hearing testing and note results. For routine concerns (itch/ears, preventive care), route to a standard GP visit and set expectations for possible rechecks and documentation requests.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Sealyham Terrier. Because this breed can have urgent eye issues, if you’re seeing a red, painful, or suddenly cloudy eye, or a sudden change in vision, this may be an emergency—please come in immediately; if we’re full, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital. Otherwise, I can book the next available GP appointment and note any prior PLL DNA/eye testing and BAER hearing results. Are you noticing any eye pain or hearing concerns today that we should flag?
Sealyham Terrier lifecycle planning: Puppies (to ~6–9 months) need a series of visits every 3–4 weeks through ~16 weeks for vaccines/parasite prevention, microchip, and new‑owner coaching (socialization, grooming around the eyes). Adults shift to wellness every 6–12 months with year‑round prevention, dental/grooming scheduling, and reminders to watch for eye irritation (this breed has higher rates of retinal dysplasia/lens luxation). Seniors (last ~25% of expected lifespan—often ~9–10+ years in this 12–14‑year breed) should be seen at least every 6 months, with the doctor advising on screening labs; owner questions often focus on mobility, cognition, and vision/hearing changes. Escalate immediately for a suddenly red, painful, or cloudy eye or rapid vision loss; treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: For Sealyham puppies, we’ll book vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks and answer new‑owner questions. As adults, we recommend wellness exams every 6–12 months; once your dog is a senior (around 9–10+ years), we schedule at least every 6 months and the doctor may add screening labs. If you notice sudden eye redness, squinting, or cloudiness, please come in immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency hospital.
Sealyham Terriers are small, white, drop‑eared terriers; owners commonly report itchy skin/ear debris, bad breath/tartar, or sudden eye changes. Set expectations that skin/ear issues often need follow‑ups and ongoing management; ask about head‑shaking, odor, discharge, or discomfort (drop, hairy ear canals predispose to otitis). For puppies or new adoptions, ask whether they consistently respond to sounds and note that white‑coated breeds can have congenital deafness (BAER is the screening test). Escalate eye concerns promptly—terriers are predisposed to painful primary lens luxation and secondary glaucoma; a red, cloudy, bulging, or suddenly blind eye is an emergency.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Sealyham Terrier. These small, drop‑eared terriers are prone to itchy skin and ear debris—today, is there head‑shaking, odor, or discharge? If you ever see a red, cloudy, bulging, or very painful eye or sudden vision change, that’s an emergency; come in immediately or go to the nearest ER and we’ll alert the team. For puppies or new adoptions, do you notice consistent response to sounds; our doctor may discuss a BAER hearing check and early dental planning typical for small breeds.
Sealyham Terriers have breed risks for inherited eye disease—especially primary lens luxation (PLL)—so confirm PLL DNA status in the record and the date of the last ophthalmologist (CAER) exam; if it’s been >12 months or never done, schedule an annual eye screen. For puppies or new patients, ask whether a hearing (BAER) test was performed or if there are any hearing concerns to note for follow-up. If an owner reports a red, cloudy, or painful eye, squinting, or sudden vision changes, treat this as an eye emergency and arrange same-day care or direct to the ER after hours.
Front desk script: Because Sealyham Terriers can develop inherited eye issues like primary lens luxation, our doctor recommends yearly eye screening—when was your pet’s last ophthalmology (CAER) exam, and do you have PLL DNA results on file? If you ever see a red, cloudy, or painful eye or sudden vision changes, this is an emergency—please come in immediately or go to the ER after hours. For puppies or new patients, has a hearing (BAER) test been done, or are you noticing any hearing concerns we should note?
Sealyham Terriers are affectionate, confident, and biddable for a terrier, but can be vocal, watchful, and independent; expect a friendly dog that may alert-bark and prefers calm, reward-based handling with slow greetings and secure leash control due to prey drive. For reception: flag grooming/facial hair handling needs, confirm exercise tolerance and hearing history, and note that this breed’s clubs recommend DNA/eye screening for primary lens luxation (PLL). If a client reports a sudden red, cloudy, teary, or painful eye, squinting, or sudden vision change, treat as an emergency and alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: “We’ll note that Sealyhams are usually friendly but alert barkers—we’ll use treats and calm handling. Please keep your dog leashed for check-in, and let us know if facial hair brushing is sensitive. If you ever notice a sudden red or painful eye or squinting, tell us right away so we can bring you straight to the medical team. Has your Sealyham had any eye screening or hearing concerns we should add to the chart?”
Sealyham Terriers are sturdy, white‑coated terriers with moderate energy and a strong prey/alert bark—help adopters plan for early socialization, supervised introductions to other pets, and consistent training to manage digging/barking. Intake/placement should note coat care needs (regular brushing plus professional stripping/trim) and request prior health records, especially: any ophthalmology exam or DNA result for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), and any BAER hearing test (white‑patterned breeds can have congenital deafness). Advise adopters that sudden eye pain, redness, cloudiness/blue haze, unequal pupils, or squinting can indicate an urgent eye problem; if reported, instruct them to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Arrange a prompt new‑pet visit to review baseline exam (including eyes/ears), discuss grooming cadence, and set behavior support expectations.
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Sealyham Terrier! Do you have any records of a PLL DNA test or eye exam, and has the dog ever had a BAER hearing test? If you ever notice a red, painful, cloudy, or suddenly squinting eye, please call us right away or go to the emergency clinic—this cannot wait. We can schedule your new‑pet check to review eyes/ears, set up a grooming plan, and discuss training for barking and prey drive.
Affectionate, inquisitive, and confident terriers that commonly bark, dig, and want to chase due to a strong prey drive; early socialization helps them get along with other dogs and cats. For check-in and lobby flow, seat in a quieter area away from small pets and nose-to-nose dog greetings; keep on a short leash or harness, approach slowly, let the owner handle the collar first, and use treats to redirect. Confirm any history of dog reactivity, resource guarding, or muzzle use; if you see a hard stare, stiff body, growling/lunging, or inability to settle, alert the medical team for a quick room. If open‑mouth panting doesn’t resolve, gums look blue/gray, collapse occurs, or heat-stress signs appear, notify the medical team immediately—this is an emergency.
Front desk script: “Sealyham Terriers can be alert and vocal around other pets, so we’ll seat you in a quieter spot and avoid nose-to-nose greetings. Please keep [Name] on a short leash; we’ll approach slowly and let you handle the collar or harness—treats are available if helpful. Does [Name] have any history of reactivity, guarding, or muzzle use we should note? If [Name] seems overwhelmed, we’ll move you right into an exam room.”
For Sealyham Terriers, escalate immediately (emergency) for any sudden, painful or red/cloudy eye, squinting, bulging eye, or abrupt vision loss—this breed is predisposed to primary lens luxation and secondary glaucoma; also escalate same-day/ER for acute back or neck pain, new hindlimb wobbliness or dragging, inability to walk, or loss of bladder/bowel control due to risk of intervertebral disc disease; treat difficulty breathing, collapse, repeated unproductive retching with a tight/bloated abdomen, inability to urinate/straining, multiple or prolonged seizures, suspected toxin ingestion, or uncontrolled bleeding as emergencies—advise the client to come in now or proceed to the nearest ER.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this could be an emergency and we need to see your dog right away. Please bring your Sealyham Terrier in now (if we are closed, go directly to the nearest 24/7 ER). Keep your dog calm and limit movement; do not give any at‑home medications. If a toxin may be involved, bring the packaging and call ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while en route.