 The breed was developed between 1850 and 1891 by Captain John Edwardes , at Sealyham House , near <unk> in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire . Originally the breed was used for pest control , to hunt small game and to eliminate vermin particularly badgers which he usually relocated . The Welsh Corgi , Fox Terrier ( Wire ) , and the now extinct English White Terrier all played a part in the make up of the Sealyham , although Edwardes did not keep records . He wanted a small white dog with a strong jaw , and a wiry coat . The white coat was particularly prized , as it meant that the hunter in the field could distinguish the dogs from the quarry . Edwardes culled weak dogs , and bred the stronger ones . After Edwardes ' death in 1891 , other breeders began to work with Sealyhams , including Fred Lewis who promoted the breed . 
