But being superb ratters was just one of this breeds many talents, they also have charm and character by the bucket load and there was a time, not so long ago, that they were the dog of choice when it came to film stars' companions in Hollywood. Megastars like Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis and Betty Grable, were all owners of the little white Terrier from Wales.

At the beginning of Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1963 horror film "The Birds", the director, in one of his trademark cameo appearances, is seen walking his two Sealyham Terriers "Geoffrey" and "Stanley" out of a pet shop as the star, Tippi Hedren, walks in. Cary Grant owned one called Archie Leach which also happened to be the star's own real name.

Even Princess Margaret had one named "Pippin" and they were stars at Crufts in the 1930s when they advertised Sprats Dog Food.

At their zenith, the breed was hugely popular throughout the world and the KC would regularly register over 1,000 puppies a year. 20 years ago that total had declined to just 182, in 1996 it reduced still further to 111, whilst in 2008 just 43 Sealyham puppies were registered with the Kennel Club, placing them in the bottom three most endangered breeds on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list. Houston - we have a problem.

However, like any good Hollywood thriller, just when you thought it was all over, there comes a surprise twist in the plot, worthy of the best that Agatha Christie (yet another Sealyham Terrier owner!) could produce. In March 2009, a Sealyham named "Charmin" beat over 22,000 other dogs to be crowned Best in Show at Crufts, throwing the breed a dramatically timed lifeline.

But in a cruel twist of fate, this was the first time in over 40 years that Best in Show at Crufts was not televised, denying the breed the raised profile it so desperately needed.

Something must be done - and soon. The Sealyham Terrier is too wonderful a breed to end up on the cutting room floor. So, as time goes by, play it again Sealyham and may The Force be with you...always.

...and finally - don't be frightened - watch Alfred Hitchcock and his Sealyham Terriers in his cameo appearance in the Birds.

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