Hollywood breed in the dog house

The breed celebrated its centenary in 2008

A breed of terrier once the pet of choice for the Hollywood elite could be on its last legs, it has been warned.

Sealyham Terriers derive their name from Sealyham Estate in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, where they were bred.

At the height of their popularity over 1,000 puppies a year would be registered with the Kennel Club but, in 2008, there were just 43.

Famous owners have included Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Humphrey Bogart and Alfred Hitchcock.

They were first registered as a breed in 1908 and celebrated their centenary last year.

The late Captain John Edwards, who owed the Sealyham estate, bred them for their prowess in quarrying small game but today they primarily companion dogs not used for hunting.

It is believed he crossed Basset Hounds, Bull Terriers, the Fox Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Now The Kennel Club lists the Sealyham as amongst the most endangered native breeds.

Hitchcock owned three of the terriers - Geoffrey, Stanley and Mr Jenkins.

Its decline in popularity has baffled Janet Wonnacott from Milford Haven who owns three of the dogs and is secretary of the Sealyham Terrier Club.

Last year she organised centenary celebrations in Pembrokeshire which attracted over 100 lovers of the breed - 50 from oversees and some from as far away as Chile and Australia.

Mrs Wonnacott said while there was concern about numbers the club did not want people to start breeding them just because they were vulnerable.

"We hope that they will become popular again for the loving and affectionate breed that they are," she said.

"They are very wilful and can be obstinate and they just love to play with you and put you to the test to see who will give in first."

At the beginning of Hitchcock's film The Birds, the director, in his customary cameo appearance, can be seen walking his two Sealyham Terriers - Geoffrey and Stanley - out of a shop as Tippi Hedren walks in.

He also owned a third Sealyham named Mr Jenkins.