Country of Origin: Great Britain
Dog Group Kennel Club: Terrier
General Appearance:
Bedlington Terriers have a non shedding wooly fur very lamb like and have a wedge shaped head and gentle expression. There is a fringe of silky hair on the tips of the ears. The bedlingtons coat being so crisp and curly they are a non-shedding breed. They have a long tapering jaw that should be solid and a continuous slope to the nose. The neck is long and arched joining on to flat shoulders, the legs are also long for a terrier with the hindlegs appearing longer due to the roaching of the back. Bedlingtons can have a terrier attitude but have an almost greyhound shaped body.
Colours:
Blue, Liver and Sandy with or without tan.
Sizes:
Bitch 38cm - 43cm
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 8kg (18lbs) 10kg (22lbs)
Dog 8kg (18lbs) 10kg (22lbs)
Temperament:
Bedlingtons have a good temperament but, when required, can be full of courage as their terrier heritage suggests. That said, they are also known to be affectionate and not shy. A bedlington can be a good dog as a family pet but need to be introduced to other pets at an ealy age as they can be difficult to train with cats etc. They are ok to have with other dogs but there can be difficulties with the pack hierarchy but, once the bedlington establishes itself as dominant, there should be no more problems. They seem to accept larger dogs more easily. Strangers will be announced and repelled if unwelcome, but once accepted into the house by the master, will be given a friendly reception. They can adapt to life in a flat if given adequate exercise. They are good with children. Generally, the Bedlington will bond strongly with one family member.
Movement:
Despite their lamb like appearance, Bedlingtons are capable of moving at high speed but they do have a very distinctive action.
Care and Training:
This is a high maintenance breed. They require professional specialized clipping every six weeks. They must be brushed and combed on a daily basis. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Bedlington Terrier is prone to a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. They also have a tendency for such health issues as thyroid problems, cataracts, and kidney disease.
Overall exercise: 40 - 60 minutes per day
Two long walks should be adequate that involve running and jumping and plenty of games to stimulate their minds to avoid behavioural problems developing.
Feeding Requirements:
Bedlingtons are generally healthy eaters and can be fed tinned or dry food once or twice a day.
Exercise: Med
Grooming: Med
Noise: Low
Personal Protection: Low
Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium
Level of Aggression: High
Compatibility With Other Animals: Low
Suitablity for Children: Medium
Often Docked? No
Average Litter size: 4
Life Expectancy (yrs)13
Health issues: Liver problems, hereditary kidney diseases and eye problems such as retinal dysplasia. Possible health concerns include copper toxicosis, juvenile cataracts and renal hypoplasia.
History: Formerly known as the Rodbury, Rothbury or Northumberland Fox Terrier. Bedlington Terriers evolved from Northumberland, England where they were used to hunt vermin such as badgers, foxes, weasels and otter. At the time, the Bedlington Terrier was known for being a tough ratting dog that would fight to the death if necessary. These days, the Bedlington has become more of a companion, which has made its popularity spread, but reduced its fighting usefulness to almost nil. It is believed that the Bedlington Terrier was crossed with Whippet blood to produce their speed, agility and graceful movement. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier also played a role in the dog's ancestry, as one of the breed's "forefathers" was listed as both Dandie Dinmont and Bedlington Terrier. A popular dog with poachers, they earned the nickname of Gypsy Dog. Today, Bedlington Terriers are kept for their lovable nature, and are known to fight for affection when they get jealous.
