Grooming dogs of this breed can be time-consuming--and a lot of the work involves maintaining their long, wiry coats.
Sealyham Terriers don't shed much, but the coats do tend to tangle pretty easily, so they'll need brushing 3-4 times per week to keep the coats tangle-free and in good shape. To brush your Sealyham, you'll need a pin or slicker brush and a greyhound comb. First wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then go through the coat section by section with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle, first try working it out with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of the comb. Next use the comb to smooth out the furnishings on the face (and on the legs and underbelly, if required).
Baths are necessary every couple of months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order. When bathing a Sealyham Terrier, be sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans has a different pH and can irritate a dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat; leftover soap residue will cause further skin irritation. Your Sealyham's facial furnishings may get dirty when the dog eats, too, so in between baths you may need to clean the face with a damp rag or sponge.
In regards to haircuts: owners can have their Sealyham Terriers' coats either stripped or clipped. Stripping the coat involves "plucking" the individual dead hairs to give the coat a natural, healthy look. Stripping is preferred by those who show their dogs; the process, while not difficult, is time-consuming (up to two hours)--but is only necessary every few months. Owners who keep their Sealyhams as pets, meanwhile, usually prefer to have the coats clipped into various styles. As any Sealyham Terrier grooming guide will tell you, though, clipping the coat will soften its texture over time, and may even change the coat's color.
It might be possible for owners to learn all the aspects of Sealyham Terrier grooming themselves, but most owners rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing, stripping, and clipping. In any case, it's a good idea to take your Sealyham to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Sealyham Terrier at home.
