Description: Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive breed known for its unique lamb-like appearance, complete with a pear-shaped head and curly, woolly coat. Originating from the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in Northeast England, they were originally bred to hunt vermin but have evolved into gentle, affectionate companions. Despite their soft exterior, Bedlingtons are spirited and carry traits typical of terriers, such as boldness and a keen sense of adventure. They have a light, springy gait that belies their robust constitution. Highly adaptable, Bedlington Terriers do well in competitive sports like agility and are also excellent family pets, often being good with children and reasonably easy to train.

Bedlington Terrier racebeskrivelse

Bedlington Terrier ratings

Daily exercise
Fur care
First time owner
Shedding
Barking
Child friendly
Obedience
Guard dog

Properties

The Bedlington Terrier is a unique breed known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance and energetic personality. Originating in the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in Northeast England, this breed was initially developed to hunt vermin and small game. Later, their grace and agility made them popular as racing and show dogs.

The Bedlington Terrier is characterized by a pear-shaped head, arched back, and a crisp, curly coat that is a mixture of hard and soft hair. They are most commonly found in shades of blue, liver, and sandy, and some may have tan points. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its distinctive appearance. For this reason, potential owners should be prepared for regular trips to the groomer.

In terms of temperament, Bedlington Terriers are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are quite intelligent and have a friendly disposition. However, they can be somewhat reserved with strangers, making them good watchdogs. They are generally good with children and can adapt to living with other dogs if socialized properly from a young age.

Physically, Bedlingtons are lithe and athletic. Their build enables them to sprint at high speeds and turn on a dime, features that made them excellent in the coursing and racing fields historically. They also display surprising endurance and can maintain an active pace for longer than expected, making them excellent companions for jogging or cycling.

Health-wise, the Bedlington Terrier is generally robust but susceptible to certain genetic conditions such as Copper Toxicosis, a metabolic disorder involving the liver which can be managed with proper veterinary care. Prospective Bedlington Terrier owners should ensure they source their pets from reputable breeders who test for this condition.

The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make training a relatively straightforward task, although their independent nature can sometimes pose a challenge. Early socialization and positive reinforcement techniques are the key to nurturing a well-behaved Bedlington.

Despite their sporting capabilities, Bedlington Terriers are quite happy to live as family pets. They do require a good amount of exercise to satisfy their high energy levels. A daily play session alongside a walk or two is generally sufficient to keep a Bedlington Terrier content. Due to their social nature, they thrive best when they are part of family activities and can become bored and destructive if left alone for long periods. Overall, the Bedlington Terrier is a charming and lovable breed suited to various lifestyles, especially where they can be active and engaged with their families.

Appearance

The Bedlington Terrier, often known for its distinctive, lamb-like appearance, is a breed of small-to-medium-sized dog that features a unique combination of grace and strength. Its body showcases an intriguing blend of muscularity and curves, making it instantly recognizable.

A key feature of the Bedlington Terrier is its woolly and curly coat, which possesses a peculiar crisp texture. This coat, which helps to define the breed’s lamb-like look, comes primarily in shades of blue, liver, or sandy, and sometimes with tan points. The fur is particularly thick and dense around the face and head, forming a distinctive topknot that adds to its charming appearance. These dogs are also known for their minimal shedding, which makes them a preferable choice for allergy sufferers.

The Bedlington Terrier's head is narrow, yet deep and rounded, with a pronounced jaw and a black nose. Their eyes, small and deeply set, give off a mild and gentle expression, contrasting with their capable and robust jaw. The ears hang to the side, tapering to points, and are covered in fine fur, enhancing the breed’s overall elegance.

One of the more unique aspects of the Bedlington Terrier’s build is its arched back, leading to a curved tail, which it carries low. This arch not only contributes to their distinctive appearance but also provides a springy gait that is quite efficient for rapid movement. The legs are long relative to the body, ending in hare-like feet, which equip them well for speedy and agile maneuvers.

In terms of size, Bedlington Terriers typically stand about 15 to 17.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 17 and 23 pounds. Their build and stature may give off a delicate impression at first glance, but they possess a robust constitution.

Overall, the Bedlington Terrier combines elegance with strength, wrapped up in a package that exudes an almost whimsical charm. Their appearance not only makes them stand out in a crowd but also perfectly suits their spirited and affectionate nature. This versatile appearance aligns well with their roles both as a companion and occasionally as a competitive show dog.

Bedlington Terrier Appearance
Bedlington Terrier History

History

The Bedlington Terrier, a breed known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance, originated in the hilly and rugged terrain of Northumberland, England, in the early 19th century. Initially bred by the miners of Bedlington, from whom the breed gets its name, these dogs were originally employed for their tenacity in hunting vermin, and soon became valued for their versatility and gameness in poaching. The breed's anomalies are not just superficial; they extend into the very realm of utility mixed with elegance, setting Bedlington apart from its contemporaries in the terrier family.

Historically, the Bedlington Terrier was first known as the Rothbury or Rodbery Terrier, after the district of Rothbury on the English border. It was not until 1825 that the breed gained the name 'Bedlington Terrier'. The name change was attributable to Lord Rothbury's significant involvement with the breed, which led to the local populace referring to these dogs as 'Rothbury's Terriers' or eventually as 'Bedlington Terriers'. The earliest documented progenitor of the breed was a dog named Ainsley's Piper, who began hunting at the tender age of eight months and continued until over fourteen years of age, an impressive feat that underscores the breed’s robust nature and enduring energy.

Bedlington Terriers possess a unique blend of agility, speed, and endurance, which, alongside a fierce desire to hunt small game, has historically made them popular both as working dogs and as competitive animals in dog racing and other dog sports. Over time, their reputation for courage and reliability made them favored companions beyond the realms of labor, particularly favored by gypsy travelers for poaching game from aristocratic landholdings.

As the industrial age rolled in, the roles of the Bedlington Terrier expanded as well. The breed’s aptitude for sports and dog shows began to be recognized in the mid-19th century. The National Bedlington Terrier Club was founded in England in 1877, and the breed was subsequently recognized by the Kennel Club of England. This formal recognition marked a turning point in the breed’s history, shifting from a working-class poacher’s aide to a respected show dog with a noble stature.

Today, the Bedlington Terrier retains the characteristics that made it so valued in its early days. Breed enthusiasts appreciate not only the Bedlington’s skills as a hunter and a companion but also its unique appearance and gentle disposition. This blend of traits ensures that the Bedlington Terrier remains a cherished breed, continuing to win hearts in homes around the world.

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Size 38-43
Weight 8-10