The Bedlington Terrier Complete Guide to Ownership and Care

The Bedlington Terrier is a unique and charming breed that can make a wonderful companion for active families. They originated in Northumberland, England in the 19th century.

Bedlington Terriers are known for their distinctive mustard-colored coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They shed minimally, but their coat needs to be stripped every 6-8 weeks to maintain its characteristic texture.

These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can be strong-willed at times. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to developing good behavior and a strong bond with your Bedlington Terrier.

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed that's full of surprises. They have a unique lamb-like appearance, but don't let their looks fool you - they're all terrier when it comes to their inquisitive and intelligent nature.

Bedlingtons are alert and aggressive towards small animals outdoors, making them excellent watchdogs. They'll let you know if they think someone's shady, and they have astute judgment to boot.

Their exercise needs are moderate, and they'll match their energy level to yours. Whether it's a nice walk or a vigorous game of fetch, they're happy to adapt.

Here's a rundown of their key characteristics:

Overall, Bedlingtons are intelligent, energetic, and loving companions that thrive on attention and play.

The Bedlington Terrier is a unique breed that's sure to capture your attention. They have a distinctive lamb-like appearance, thanks to their fluffy coats and arched backs.

Their coats come in a range of colors, including blue, liver, sandy, and various combinations of these colors. They're also known for their almond-shaped eyes, which are rimmed in black or brown, depending on their coloring.

The Bedlington Terrier's ears are thin, fuzzy flaps that hang close to the head, with a soft rounded bottom of fringe. They're often curly and add to the breed's endearing appearance.

These dogs are intelligent and inquisitive, making them great companions for active families. They're also known for their bold and fearless nature, which can make them excellent watchdogs.

Here are some key characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier breed:

Bedlingtons are naturally athletic and have a light, springy gait. They're well-suited for active families who enjoy hiking, jogging, or playing fetch with their dogs.

The Bedlington Terrier is a relatively small breed. Males stand 16 inches at the shoulder.

Females are slightly shorter, standing at 15 inches. They share a similar weight range with males.

Weight ranges from 17 to 23 pounds and should be proportionate to height. This is an important consideration when evaluating the overall health and well-being of the dog.

The Bedlington Terrier's grooming needs are quite unique. They require a high-quality clipper and a good pair of scissors to get that distinctive lamb-like haircut. Ask your breeder to show you how, and expect a lot of practice before you get it just right.

Combing is a regular task, with Bedlingtons needing it every few days. Don't forget to clean their teeth, trim their nails, and provide plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and beautiful.

A safely fenced area is essential, as Bedlington Terriers are capable of running at high speeds. They're not suited to living outdoors, but a nice walk or a vigorous game of fetch will keep them happy and healthy.

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Grooming your Bedlington Terrier requires regular attention to prevent matting and tangling.

A high-quality clipper and good scissors are necessary for giving your Bedlington a "little-lamb" haircut, which can be challenging to master. Ask your breeder to show you how, and be prepared for a lot of practice before getting it just right.

Daily brushing is essential to prevent mats and keep your Bedlington's coat looking its best. Use a good pin brush, which works well on their fur.

Bedlingtons need to be combed every few days, and their teeth, nails, and ears require regular care. Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.

Monthly haircuts are necessary to maintain your Bedlington's signature style, and a bath, nail trim, and hair clip from head to toe are required for monthly maintenance. The lamb-like cut should be short on the body, longer on the legs, with a fluffy arch rising from their nose up and over the back of the head.

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Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent redness, swelling, and debris buildup. Check your dog's ears regularly and contact your vet if you notice any issues.

Daily dental care is crucial to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Brush your Bedlington's teeth daily, and consider an annual professional cleaning with your vet to keep their teeth healthy.

By starting regular grooming and care practices early, you can make the experience positive and enjoyable for your Bedlington. Handle their paws frequently, look inside their mouth and ears, and make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards.

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Feeding your Bedlington Terrier is crucial for their overall health and well-being. A recommended daily amount is 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

The quality of dog food makes a big difference - the better the food, the less you'll need to feed your dog. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

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To determine if your Bedlington is overweight, look for a visible waist and feel their ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, they need less food and more exercise.

Most Bedlington Terriers do well with high-quality commercial dog food, and it's best to choose a formula designed for their stage in life.

Bedlington Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. You should expect to see health clearances from reputable breeders.

If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

Copper toxicosis is a genetic disease caused by the failure of the liver to expel dietary copper, leading to a buildup in the body. It's an autosomal recessive trait, meaning affected dogs must inherit a gene from both parents to be symptomatic.

Bedlingtons may also be prone to kidney disease, several genetic eye diseases, and heart murmurs. Reproductive problems are also common among Bedlington Terriers.

Reputable breeders will conduct DNA testing of all litters and will not allow pups that carry the copper toxicosis gene to be bred. This has significantly reduced the incidence of this disease in the breed.

Here are some common health issues to look out for in Bedlington Terriers:

Bedlington Terriers have a life expectancy of 11 to 16 years, but they do have a few health problems to look out for. Knowing the problems associated with this breed can help you keep your Bedlington Terrier in excellent health.

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Make sure the parents of the puppy you want have been tested for the genetic marker of copper storage disease. Treatment can include medication and a change in diet.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is a joint condition that occurs when the joints don't form correctly, causing them to be loose. This can be painful and result in arthritis.

Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap can pop out of place, resulting in limping, pain and arthritis. While there is likely a genetic component to luxating patella, there is not currently a genetic screening test for this condition.

To be a happy Bedlington Terrier owner, you'll need to consider your lifestyle and whether it's a good fit for this breed. They require regular exercise, so if you're an active person who enjoys outdoor activities, you'll be a great match.

If you're thinking of getting a dog, you'll want to choose a breed that suits your living situation. The Bedlington Terrier is a great choice for apartment dwellers because they are relatively quiet and don't require a lot of space to run around.

Before bringing a Bedlington Terrier puppy home, make sure you're prepared to provide a stable and loving environment. This includes finding a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your Bedlington Terrier puppy:

Choosing the right breed is a crucial step in becoming a responsible dog owner. Research different breeds to find one that fits your lifestyle.

If you're thinking of getting a dog, consider why you want one. Do you want a companion, a workout buddy, or a family pet? Understanding your motivations will help you make the right decision for you and your dog.

Finding a responsible breeder is essential to ensuring your puppy's health and well-being. Look for breeders who prioritize their dogs' health and temperament over profit.

Getting started in dog sports can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your dog. Consider enrolling in obedience classes or agility training to bond with your dog and challenge yourself.

All about puppies: they're full of energy, curiosity, and love. Puppies require regular training, socialization, and exercise to become well-adjusted adult dogs.

If you're thinking of getting a Bedlington Terrier, it's essential to consider how they'll interact with your children. They can be an energetic playmate, especially with older kids.

Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling. This is crucial to ensure everyone's safety and happiness.

Bedlingtons may be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex, so introducing them to new canine companions requires caution. They might not start a fight, but they won't back down from one.

If you have a cat, it's possible for a Bedlington to get along with it if they're raised together. However, outdoor cats and other animals will be fair game for them to chase.

Teach your child how to approach and touch dogs gently, and never to approach a sleeping or eating dog. This will help prevent any conflicts and ensure a harmonious household.

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If you're considering bringing a Bedlington Terrier into your life, it's essential to understand that owning one can be a big responsibility.

If you're not prepared to provide a forever home, there are still ways to help these wonderful dogs. You can start by contacting the national breed club for guidance on finding a rescue group.

The Bedlington Terrier Club of America is a great resource to begin your search.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive approach, you can also check nationwide adoption databases that link you with local shelters or rescue organizations.

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A Bedlington Terrier's day is all about balance and fun. They need about an hour of exercise every day.

To keep them happy and entertained, you'll want to engage them in activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. Fetch and tug of war are great ways to get them moving and engaged.

Beddies also love to play with older kids, so if you have kids in the house, this breed is a great match. Organized canine activities like agility or flyball are also perfect for this breed.

A day at the lake or a swim session can be a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation for your Bedlington Terrier.

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