Bedlington Terrier

If there was ever a wolf in sheep's clothing, the Bedlington terrier fits that image to a tee. This dog looks delicate, docile and harmless, and it displays this sweet temperament most of the time. Underneath that placid exterior lies a tough, tenacious little dog that will rise to the challenge and hold its own in a tussle with an intruder. The Bedlington terrier hails from Bedlington, which is situated in the English town of Northumberland. During the 1800s, the dog was a formidable hunter of foxes, badgers, hares and rats. Coal miners and local landowners also prized these dogs for their hunting capabilities, enlisting them for vermin control. The Bedlington terrier was featured in English and American show rings later in the century. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1886 as a member of the terrier group.

The Bedlington can be mistaken for a little lamb because of it's light curly coat that offers good protection. But, this little dog is built to run and chase and can move at great speed. It stands 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 17 to 23 pounds. The coat consists of hard and soft hairs that curl. Bedlington puppies are born with black or brown coats, which lighten dramatically as the dogs mature. Their adult coats may be pale blue, sandy or liver. Tan markings may appear around the eyes, under the tail, on the chest and on the inner sides of the legs. The Bedlington terrier has an arched back, a deep chest, ears that hang downward and a long, tapered tail.

Personality

This dog breed is a gentle little dog that is easygoing. It's very loyal and are known to normally pick one family member they are closest to. They can be loud and are reserved towards strangers and other dogs. If pushed to its limit, the Bedlington does not avoid fights. It loves to run and therefore needs daily exercise in a safe environment. Bedlington terriers are happy, affectionate and playful dogs that love children and are friendly with new faces. They can be raised to get along with cats, but Bedlington terriers love to chase cats and other small mammals. They get along with other dogs that do not try to dominate. The athletic Bedlington terrier is fast runner and has a lot of energy, so it requires daily exercise. This dog will delight in performing on agility courses and in other dog sports. An uninhibited bark and territorial nature make the Bedlington terrier an excellent watchdog. If it is challenged by a dominant dog or confronted by an intruding burglar, the Bedlington terrier becomes a fierce and fearless fighter.

Breed Characteristics

Bedlington Terrier Build Information

The Bedlington can be mistaken for a little lamb because of it's light curly coat that offers good protection. But, this little dog is built to run and chase and can move at great speed. He stands 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 17 to 23 pounds. The coat consists of hard and soft hairs that curl. Bedlington puppies are born with black or brown coats, which lighten dramatically as the dogs mature. Their adult coats may be pale blue, sandy or liver. Tan markings may appear around the eyes, under the tail, on the chest and on the inner sides of the legs. The Bedlington terrier has an arched back, a deep chest, ears that hang downward and a long, tapered tail.

Behaviour and Personality

This dog breed is a gentle little dog that is easygoing. He is very loyal and are known to normally pick one family member they are closest to. They can be loud and are reserved towards strangers and other dogs. If pushed to its limit, the Bedlington does not avoid fights. He loves to run and therefore needs daily exercise in a safe environment. Bedlington terriers are happy, affectionate and playful dogs that love children and are friendly with new faces. They can be raised to get along with cats, but Bedlington terriers love to chase cats and other small mammals. They get along with other dogs that do not try to dominate. The athletic Bedlington terrier is fast runner and has a lot of energy, so he requires daily exercise. This dog will delight in performing on agility courses and in other dog sports. An uninhibited bark and territorial nature make the Bedlington terrier an excellent watchdog. If he is challenged by a dominant dog or confronted by an intruding burglar, the Bedlington terrier becomes a fierce and fearless fighter.

Appearance

Bedlington terriers shed very little. The coat requires clipping every six weeks to prevent an overgrown and unkempt appearance. The show ring look of a Bedlington terrier's pompom-tipped ears and Mohawk-shaped head are not its natural appearance. This image is achieved through these regular trimmings. In between trimmings, weekly brushing or combing will remove the dead hair and prevent knotting. Inspect the ears each week, and keep them clean and dry to prevent ear infections. Brushing the teeth every other day will maintain optimal oral and overall health.

Bedlington Terrier Common Health Conditions

Bedlington terriers live an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years. One of the more serious genetic health conditions to be aware of in Bedlington terriers is a liver disease called copper storage hepatopathy. They are also prone to inherited kidney disease, patellar luxation and various eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, distichiasis and retinal dystrophy.

Bedlington Terrier Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

The Bedlington terrier originated in Bedlington, which is located within the town of Northumberland, England. The Bedlington terrier has also been known as a Rothbury terrier. The Bedlington terrier is a sweet, happy and playful dog. It loves to dig, bark and chase, and it needs regular physical activity to work off energy. The Bedlington terrier stands 15 to 16 inches tall and weighs 17 to 23 pounds. Bedlington terriers have a moderate energy level. Bedlington terriers require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Bedlington terrier is 14 to 16 years. The Bedlington terrier resembles a little lamb.