Bedlington Terrier

Thinking about purchasing an Bedlington Terrier? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Bedlington Terrier breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Bedlington Terrier owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably,
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Bedlington Terrier and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Bedlington Terrier Breeder:

When were your Bedlington Terriers born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Bedlington Terrier, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Bedlington Terrier and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Bedlington Terrier Breed Profile

In full show trim the Bedlington Terrier looks more like a shorn lamb than a dog. They are rather quiet dog suitable for family life, easy to train and usually adores children. Bedlington Terriers will make a loyal companion who is affectionate and able to adapt to every mood of their owner. They come in blue and liver colors, with blue becoming the more popular of the two. Bedlingtons have thick fur that sticks out from its body, a nice tuck up and a prominent topknot of hair on the top of its head. Ears also wield tassels of fur on the ends. The Bedlington Terrier's tail is whip like in appearance. Bedlington Terriers have the longest traceable ancestry of all the terriers. Being true to the terrier group, they are lovable and full of fun, but are fierce when provoked.

Other Names: Rothbury Terrier, Gypsy Dog, Northumberland Fox Terrier, Rodbury

Type: Terrier

Height: Males: 16 - 17.5 inches; Females: 15-16.5 inches.
Weight: 17 - 23 lbs.

Colors: Blue, blue and tan, liver, liver and tan, sandy, sandy and tan. Can be any of those colors with or without tan.
Coat: Thick and linty; a mixture of hard and soft hair that is curly. Hair is medium length.

Temperament: Bedlingtons are generally mild, but can be alert, and when alert they are full of energy. Also affectionate, friendly, can recognize moods, independent and mostly quiet house dogs. Can be belligerent when provoked by other dogs.
With Children: Yes, the Bedlington loves children.
With Pets: Good, although wary of new dogs.
Special Skills: In the past, they were used to kill rodents and hunt. Today, they are a family pet. Easy to train, chiefly quiet, and they don't shed.

Watch-dog: High, a good alarm dog.
Guard-dog: Low.

Bedlington Terrier Care and Training: Regular trimming every four to six weeks by a professional groomer is required to maintain their peculiar lamblike appearance. They are a non-shedding breed. Brush the Bedlington Terrier's coat regularly and clean and pluck the insides of their ears. Bedlington Terriers need plenty of exercise. Keep them on a leash as they are fast runners and will give chase to a cat if given the opportunity. Stubborn at times, they are relatively easy to train.
Learning Rate: High, attentive and eager to please.

Activity: High.
Living Environment: A home with a big fenced yard and a family who will give plenty attention to them. Bedlington Terriers need daily walks and play sessions to keep them fit and content. A quiet dog inside the house, they still need to release energy every so often. They do not need a huge amount of space, as they can be content as long as they are played with.

Bedlington Terrier 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.

Life Span: 12 - 14 years
Litter Size: 3 - 6

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Bedlington Terrier 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.

First Registered by the AKC: 1886
AKC Group: Terrier
Class: Terrier
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC

Bedlington Terriers

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Wednesday, February 06, 2008