Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Canaan Dog Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Canaan Dog and for the Sealyham Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Canaan Dog or the Sealyham Terrier.

Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Sealyham Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Canaan Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Sealyham Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Canaan Dog to the Sealyham Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier

Factor Canaan Dog Sealyham Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 55 pounds 22 to 24 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $600 No Data
Price Range $600 – $600 No Data
Temperament Score 62.5 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 176 157

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Canaan Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Sealyham Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Canaan Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Canaan Dog is a better pet than the Sealyham Terrier. So, you should get the Canaan Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are most different:

  • Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier

    The Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier.

    Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier

    The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Canaan Dogs live longer than Sealyham Terriers.

    Temperament of the Sealyham Terrier Versus the Canaan Dog

    The Sealyham Terrier has a better temperament than the Canaan Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sealyham Terrier is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Canaan Dog is 62.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 62.5 percent, the Canaan Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Sealyham Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 8 Canaan Dogs and 1 Sealyham Terriers.

    The Popularity of Canaan Dog versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Sealyham Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Canaan Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Sealyham Terrier is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Canaan Dog is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Canaan Dog

    Popularity of Canaan Dog

    Popularity of Sealyham Terrier

    Popularity of Sealyham Terrier

    Year Canaan Dog Popularity Rank Sealyham Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 164 158
    2014 176 169
    2015 170 158
    2016 181 155
    2017 175 150
    2018 179 164
    2019 179 154
    2020 184 148

    Health Problems of Canaan Dog versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Canaan Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sealyham Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Canaan Dog than for the Sealyham Terrier.

    5 health tests are recommended for Canaan Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Canaan Dogs and in Sealyham Terriers.

    Canaan Dog Health Problems

    Canaan Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Canaan Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Canaan Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Canaan Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Canaan Dogs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Canaan Dogs here.

    Sealyham Terrier Health Problems

    Sealyham Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sealyham Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Sealyham Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sealyham Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Sealyham Terriers for:

  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Canaan Dogs and Sealyham Terriers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Canaan Dog Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Canaan Dog ranks 33 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 300 Canaan Dogs, 15 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Canaan Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Canaan Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 33 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 36 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 95 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 131 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 137 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 185 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Sealyham Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Sealyham Terrier ranks 4 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 542 Sealyham Terriers, 10 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Sealyham Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Sealyham Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 4 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Canaan Dog and in Sealyham Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier:

    Disease Canaan Dog Rank Sealyham Terrier Rank
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 33 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 36 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 95 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 131 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 137 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 185 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 4 out of 17 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier

    Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Sealyham Terriers?

    Canaan Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Canaan Dog or the Sealyham Terrier

    Canaan Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Canaan Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Sealyham Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?

    Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Sealyham Terrier

    Canaan Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Sealyham Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Sealyham Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Canaan Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?

    Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?

    Canaan Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Canaan Dogs and Sealyham Terriers?

    Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.

    Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Canaan Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?

    Canaan Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Sealyham Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Canaan Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Canaan Dog:

  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Canaan Dog). Here is our comparison of the Sealyham Terrier vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Sealyham Terrier:

  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Sealyham Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Sealyham Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Canaan Dog and how the Sealyham Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Canaan Dog and of the Sealyham Terrier to other breeds:

    Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Canaan Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Canaan Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Canaan Dog versus Kai Ken     Canaan Dog versus Kishu Ken     Canaan Dog versus Hovawart     Canaan Dog versus Mudi     Canaan Dog versus Welsh Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Canaan Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Canaan Dog versus Boston Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Canaan Dog versus Newfoundland     Canaan Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Canaan Dog versus Weimaraner     Canaan Dog versus Irish Setter     Canaan Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Pointer     Canaan Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     Canaan Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Canaan Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Bullmastiff     Canaan Dog versus Pointer     

    Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sealyham Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Sealyham Terrier versus Chorkie     Sealyham Terrier versus Mal Shi     Sealyham Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Sealyham Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Sealyham Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Sealyham Terrier versus Frenchton     Sealyham Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sealyham Terrier versus Berger Picard     Sealyham Terrier versus Basenji     Sealyham Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Sealyham Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Sealyham Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Sealyham Terrier versus Chinook     Sealyham Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Sealyham Terrier versus Chorkie     Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Sealyham Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Sealyham Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Sealyham Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Sealyham Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sealyham Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Sealyham Terrier versus Cockapoo     Sealyham Terrier versus Berger Picard     

    Conclusion: Canaan Dog versus Sealyham Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Canaan Dog and the Sealyham Terrier better suits you and your family.