Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington terrier is even-tempered, working well as an energetic playmate for children, but not overly demanding in nature. It depends on whether or not they are indoors, and if the owner is patient with a dog that has multiple personality dynamics. They are independent and loving.

Behavior

Like any dog, make sure that it is taken out for walks and has the proper amount of respect and obedience.

While they are bred for chasing things around outside, if there is something small (like a child) indoors, they feel no inherent need to compartmentalize or chase it. Once they are outside, it is more evident of their active nature. They may proceed do things like digging holes, or chase other animals that are kept outside.

They are fast dogs with high endurance, and do well equally on land as they do in water. Because of their build and tenacity to run, they are prone to bolting and are said to match the average speed of a horse.

Their run is that of a slight gait, giving their stride a more flamboyant flare.

If their decided owner shows any attention to other dogs, they are prone to jealousyto the point where if given the right circumstances, they may kill the other dog by biting its throat. As a result, it is not recommended to have the Bedlington around other breeds that are the same size, if not smaller.

Appearance

Both and female and male dogs can get up to 17 inches high at the shoulder, and can weigh up to 23 pounds. Bedlington terriers have fully rounded heads, almond shaped eyes, and the actual bodies are slightly longer than their height.

Their fur has the appearance and texture that of a lambs’, with a color variance of blue, light yellow, or “sandy,” depending on the age of the dog. The hair can either be wiry and difficult to manage, or soft and fluffy. After a while, the dogs fur becomes hard and shaggy, ideal for outdoor work and to keep the warmth in.

Grooming

Because of the variance in texture for their coats, grooming this breed is impractical to do at home, and can be expensive when taken to professionals. The recommended interval for professional grooming is at least once every six weeks.

If an owner is to attempt to maintain the coat in the meantime, the tools necessary are a slicker brush, a comb with 1-inch long teeth, clippers, clipper blades, cool lube (for the clippers themselves), clipper cleaning solution, shears, and a spot where you can keep the dog in one place without it moving around too much.

There are some major health concerns with purebreds, particularly with reproduction and heart problems.

History

The name “Bedlington” derives from a small mining city in Northeast England, for which it was used for hunting small rodents. Since mining has declined, it has been used as a racing and fighting dog.

They are also known as “gypsy” dogs, since both gypsies and poachers used them for hunting, for things such as rabbits, and, in some cases, even otters.