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Bedlington Terrier

One look at the Bedlington Terrier gives the perception of a cute, cuddly lamb with mild and appealing expressions. As their name suggests, they owe their roots to Northumberland’s Bedlington, being bred there. Versatility is the other name for this breed, owing to the kind of activities they can perform. They are adept racers, powerful swimmers, and a pro when it comes to dashing through the snow, their powerful noses serving a plough. They seem so good in water that their swimming pace is often compared to the Newfoundland dog, a champion in this regard.

When it comes to temperament, they show variations again. These courageous dogs are labeled as ”gentle and mild” by the AKC. They do well with kids but could get a little snappy when disturbed or bothered. If keeping them with other dogs in your home, ensure you train them on this since childhood. They are ill-reputed for their fighting habits and could pick up a tiff with the other canine over anything like a treat or even your affection. Do not make them co-exist with smaller pets since they are born chasers.

Regarding their lineage, the Bedlington Terrier has a close association with the Otterhound, Whippet, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The Bedlington Whippet, a cross, inherits both its parents’ agility, known to run at a speed of 35 mph.

Breed Characteristics

  • Other Names:Rothbury Terrier, Rothbury’s Lamb, Rodbery Terrier
  • Colors:Blue, liver, Sandy, blue and tan, liver and tan, sandy and tan
  • Life Expectancy:11 – 16 years
  • Height:15 – 18 inches
  • Weight:17 – 23 pounds
  • Temperament:Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, loyal
  • Good with Kids:Yes; particularly with older ones
  • Exercise requirements:High
  • Hypoallergenic:Yes
  • Litter Size:3 – 6 puppies
  • Barking Capacity:Moderate (hound-like)
  • Health Problems:Retinal dysplasia, copper toxicosis (copper build-up in the liver), cataract, heart murmur, ear infections
  • Trainability:Moderate
  • Origin:England
Bedlington Terrier Dogs
Bedlington Terrier Puppy

Bedlington Terrier’s History: Timeline

    1782

    Initial traces of this breed was found

    1825

    The first Bedlington Terrier named Piper was bred

    1870

    In a dog show at Bedlington, a class was reserved for this breed

    1877

    National Bedlington Terrier Club of England was formed

    1886

    Recognized as the American Kennel Club’s 25th breed

    1896

    American Kennel Club admitted the American Bedlington Terrier Club as its member

    1898

    The club got disbanded because of declining membership

    1932

    AKC’s official club for this breed was finally established

    1948

    Rock Ridge Night Rocket, a Bedlington Terrier clinched the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s ‘best in show’, title

Rothbury Terrier
Blue Bedlington Terrier

Care

High on energy, the Bedlington Terrier needs regular exercise for overall fitness. Besides a 30-minute walk each day, arrange for sufficient playtime in a fenced yard or garden if you have provisions for the same. Their favorites include playing fetch, and chasing, so you may perhaps throw a ball around and see them running after to get hold of it. Remember the purpose of their breeding – to chase small animals. Hence, never forget to arrange for a leash while taking them out, lest they could get after a rabbit or cat they spot on their way. On a hot summer day, you could channelize their love for water well by taking it out for a swim.

Because of their agility and flexibility, the Bedlington terrier would do well in several events like earthdog competition, agility, tracking, and obedience.

Their curly coat is a blend of soft and hard, though not wiry. Grooming this low-shedding dog is no big task, though brushing one or two times a week would help maintain the coat well.

When brushing the Bedlington Terrier, use a slicker or pin brush to prevent the formation of tangles and matts.

 Clipping its coat in one or two times helps retain the gloss and shine. You may use electric clippers or scissors for the purpose like many do or even get in touch with a professional groomer. Trimming their nails and cleaning their eyes and ears are the other hygiene needs you must adhere to.

When planning a diet for your Bedlington Terrier, do include meat, fish, and vegetables so that they get their daily dose of vitamin, protein, and essential nutrients. You could go for a homemade diet after consulting with your veterinarian or even opt for store-bought ones. If buying commercially manufactured food, Blue Buffalo Freedom and Merrick Grain Free would be the preferred choices.

Though intelligent, their stubbornness comes in the way of easy, hassle-free training. So, first and foremost, obedience training is needed since the time they are puppies. Teach them a whole lot of commands like ”stop”, ”stay”, and ”sit” so that they refrain from doing something unpleasant the moment they hear your stern, firm voice.

Socializing the Bedlington terrier puppies would help them get along well with other pets of the family and smaller kids. Increased exposure to varied experiences increases their understanding and differentiate the good from the bad. In this way, they would eventually know when to consider a stranger a friend or a foe.

Leash train at the earliest, lest it would get difficult to control them during any outdoor visit.

Leash train at the earliest, lest it would get difficult to control them during any outdoor visit.

Bedlington Terrier Brown
Bedlington Terrier Images

FAQs

Do the Bedlington Terrier change color?

An essential fact about the Bedlington Terrier is its tendency to change color throughout. Like a dog with a grayish or purplish-brown coat eventually turns to blue or liver.

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