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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington has a narrow pear shaped head. It does not have a stop, though it
slopes from the crown to the nose. The double thick curly coat is a mixture of soft
and harsher hair that looks similar to a lamb. It usually comes in blue, liver or
sandy colors although they may have tan markings over the eyes, on the legs, chest
and rear. The almond shaped eyes are small and deeply set. The ears are widest at
the head and narrows with a silky fringe at the tip. They should hang flat against
the head and should be long enough to reach the corners of the mouth. The arched
neck is long holding the head high and merging into flat shoulders. The legs are
long and straight with hare-like feet. The hind legs appear slightly longer due
to the arching of the back. The dewclaws should be removed and the tail should taper
to a point.
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Temperament
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Bedlington Terriers are affectionate, courageous, playful, energetic, and cheerful.
They are good with children but must be introduced and trained to live with cats
and other pets. If it obtains dominance, Bedlington Terriers will be able to get
along with other dogs. Strangers should always be introduced to this breed since
Bedlington Terriers are good watch dogs. They must be stimulated both physically
and mentally. They are very fast runners and love to chase. Only remove their leash
in an enclosed or fenced in area. Once challenged, they are terrifying fighters,
despite their gentle appearance.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 16-17" ; Weight: 18-23 lbs.
Female Height: 15-16" ; Weight: 18-23 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Bedlingtons are prone to a serious liver condition known as Copper Storage Disease.
They are also prone to hereditary kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems, cataracts
and retinal disease.
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Living Conditions
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This breed will do fine in an apartment if it is exercised regularly. It will do
fine without a yard.
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Exercise
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Bedlingtons need plenty of exercise. If left alone too much, they, like all terriers,
will become bored and try to entertain themselves often to disastrous results.
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Life Expectancy
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More than 17 years
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Grooming
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Though not much of a shedder, its coat needs regular and specialized clipping every
six weeks. It needs regular brushing and its ears need to be cleaned and plucked
often.
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Origin
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In the 18th century, the Bedlington Terrier was developed by miners in the Rothbury
area of Northumberland in England. The breed was originally named the Rothbury Terrier.
They were primarily used to hunt foxes, hares and badgers. In 1825, the Rothbury
Terrier was mated with the Bedlington resulting in the Bedlington Terrier. This
breed has an acute sense of smell and sound and with the addition of speed, has
made them superior hunters. Bedlington Terriers were used in dog fights ferociously
fighting to the death. Although the Rothbury Terrier/Bedlington Terrier breed was
shown in 1869, it wasn't until 1877 that the Bedlington Terrier breed was shown
as a separate breed. Today some breeders cross the Bedlington Terrier with Whippets
and Greyhound resulting in a breed called Lurchers. The Bedlington Terrier is recognized
by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC and UKC Terrier
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