Dogsey

The Sealyham breed of terrier is facing an uncertain future because lack of popularity has resulted in declining numbers. Now Country Life Magazine has launched a campaign to save the breed, which it says is “rarer than the giant panda”, from extinction.

The breed, which began in the 1800s at a Pembrokeshire estate called Sealyham, was popular in the 1920s, with more than 2000 puppies registered with the kennel club. The terriers found favour with famous people in the 1950s, including Elizabeth Taylor and Jean Harlow. Alfred Hitchcock had one and Princess Margaret had two. The breed was one of the three most endangered breeds on the Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds list and figures suggest that only 49 Sealyham puppies were registered in Britain last year.

Reasons suggested for the breed's lack of popularity include the tail docking law and the attraction of other breeds endorsed by celebrities. Having a low profile has been blamed - despite the breed winning a best in show title at Crufts in 2009, the competition wasn't televised that year.

Originally produced by Captain John Owen Tucker Edwardes at Sealyham for hunting rats and other vermin, the Sealyham terrier is described as having at its core “a plucky hero with enough character and charm to conquer hearts wherever he went” by Country Life Magazine. The mgazine goes on to describe the breed's selling points:

“* They're champion mousers and can earn their keep on a farm
* They make adorable, loyal family dogs, which are eager to please and trainable
* They have a big heart, a great sense of humour and aren't neurotic
* They have a non-shedding coat (but do need regular grooming and trimming) and can adapt to urban life”