If you're considering bringing a Bedlington Terrier into your family, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Bedlington Terriers are a rare breed, with only a few hundred registered each year, making it crucial to research and find a breeder who is experienced and knowledgeable about the breed.
A good Bedlington Terrier breeder will have a strong understanding of the breed's unique characteristics, such as their hypoallergenic coat and high energy level.
They will also be able to provide you with information about the breeder's health testing and guarantee, which can give you peace of mind as you bring your new pet home.
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Health and Conditions
As a responsible breeder, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect Bedlington Terriers.
Copper toxicosis is a genetic disease that can cause copper toxins to build up in the liver, leading to chronic illness in affected dogs.
Regular veterinary exams can help identify any issues early on, and breeders recommend checking the patellas, eyes, heart, and liver regularly to ensure your pup stays healthy.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common conditions that can cause lameness in Bedlington Terriers, and responsible breeders will often use DNA tests and screening schemes to identify affected dogs.
Von Willebrand's disease is a disorder that affects blood clotting, and it's essential to be aware of the symptoms, which can include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding after injury.
Here are some of the health issues that can affect Bedlington Terriers:
- Copper toxicosis
- Luxating patella
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand disease
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- Retinal dysplasia
- Distichiasis
Grooming and Nutrition
Grooming your Bedlington terrier is a regular task, but don't worry, it's not as time-consuming as you might think. They need to be groomed every two months to maintain their unique look.
Their coat grows quickly, so it's essential to brush and/or comb it once or twice a week to prevent matting. You can do this at home with the right tools, or take them to a professional groomer for a more thorough job.
Bedlington terriers are low shedders, making them a great choice for those with allergies. However, their face and ears require special attention, especially the ear tassels which need to be trimmed regularly.
To keep your Bedlington in top shape, feed them high-quality dog food, either commercially-prepared or home-prepared with veterinary supervision. Aim for up to 1.5 cups of food daily, split into at least two meals.
It's also crucial to monitor their calorie consumption and weight closely to prevent obesity. Give them access to clean, fresh water at all times, and consider following the 10% rule for treats to avoid overfeeding.
Breed Standard Colors
Breed Standard Colors are an important consideration when it comes to our furry friends. The colors that are accepted within the breed standard are traditional and well-known in this breed.
You'll notice that the breed standard colors include Blue, which is a beautiful and striking color. Blue & Tan is another color that's commonly found in this breed.
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If you're considering getting a pet from this breed, it's worth noting that Liver is also an accepted breed standard color. Liver & Tan is another variation that's part of the breed standard.
Sandy is a warm and inviting color that's also recognized within the breed standard. Sandy & Tan is another color combination that's accepted in this breed.
Here are the breed standard colors in this breed:
- Blue
- Blue & Tan
- Liver
- Liver & Tan
- Sandy
- Sandy & Tan
Grooming
Bedlington terriers have a unique coat that requires regular grooming. Their hair grows very quickly and needs to be groomed every two months.
To achieve their distinctive look, Bedlingtons need to be hand-scissored, especially around the face. Their coat also needs to be brushed and/or combed once or twice a week.
If you plan to enter your Bedlington into a dog show, you'll need to have them professionally groomed. Otherwise, two good brushings per week will keep their coat looking healthy and neat.
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One of the benefits of owning a Bedlington is that they hardly ever shed or drool, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, this doesn't mean they're completely hypoallergenic – you may still experience some allergic reactions from time to time.
To keep your Bedlington's nails trimmed, teeth clean, and ears healthy, regular grooming is essential. This includes trimming their nails often, brushing their teeth daily, and checking and cleaning their ears regularly.
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Diet and Nutrition
To keep your Bedlington terrier at a healthy weight, it's essential to monitor calorie consumption and weight closely with your veterinarian.
Feed your Bedlington terrier up to 1.5 cups of food daily, split into at least two meals.
High-quality dog food is a must, whether it's commercially-prepared or home-prepared with veterinary supervision.
Access to clean, fresh water is crucial at all times.
Too many treats and too little exercise can lead to weight gain, so be mindful of the 10% rule for offering treats.
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Exercise and Training
Bedlington terriers require regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. They're highly energetic and intelligent, so they need mental stimulation too.
A brisk daily walk of at least 30 minutes is a good starting point, but you can also add sporadic bouts of more vigorous exercise throughout the week. This breed loves to play fetch and go on long walks or runs.
Bedlingtons are also natural swimmers and enjoy the water. Many owners even take them to dog sports and competitions like agility, tracking, and obedience.
To ensure your Bedlington gets enough exercise, you can try a combination of daily walks and playtime, supplemented with a few runs or hikes a week. This will keep them happy and healthy.
Training is also crucial for this breed, as they can be stubborn at times. Early training and socialization are key, especially since they were bred to chase animals.
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Exercise
Bedlington Terriers are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise for both physical and mental well-being. They need a brisk daily walk of at least 30 minutes, but sporadic bouts of more vigorous exercise throughout the week will keep them happy.
This breed loves to play fetch and go on long walks or runs. They even enjoy swimming and playing in the water.
Bedlingtons are highly intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation, which makes them a great match for families who can provide them with activities like agility, tracking, and obedience training.
To ensure the safety of your children, supervise them while they play with their Bedlington Terrier. This breed is a good match for families with older children who know how to gently handle their pets and respect their boundaries.
Training
Training your Bedlington Terrier requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Early socialization is crucial to help them get along with other pets and people.
This breed was bred to chase animals, so they need to be trained and socialized from an early age to prevent unwanted behavior. Keep them on a leash at all times to avoid chasing wildlife.
Harsh training methods will only lead to a battle of wills with your dog, so it's essential to use positive reinforcement techniques like praise and treats. Consistency is key, so establish a routine and stick to it.
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Bedlington Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be stubborn at times. Expose your puppy to various situations and settings to help them become confident and well-adjusted.
Remember, training is an ongoing process, and it's essential to be firm yet gentle with your dog. With time and patience, you'll develop a strong bond with your Bedlington Terrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Bedlington Terrier?
The average purchase price of a Bedlington Terrier is $1,500, plus potential health care costs of $3,700, making it a significant upfront investment.
Are Bedlington Terriers good dogs?
Bedlington Terriers are a great choice for active owners, known for their energetic and healthy nature. They make wonderful companions for those who enjoy outdoor activities
How rare are Bedlington Terriers?
Bedlington Terriers are a rare breed, making it challenging to find one. They are one of the least common terrier breeds, requiring a bit of luck to locate.
Do Bedlington Terriers like to cuddle?
Yes, Bedlington Terriers are known for their affectionate nature and love to cuddle. They make great TV-time companions, always happy to snuggle up with their owners.
How intelligent is a Bedlington Terrier?
Bedlington Terriers are highly intelligent and responsive to training, but may require patient and consistent methods to reach their full potential.
Sources
- Retinal dysplasia (animaleyecare.com.au)
- Bedlington Terrier Club of America, (bedlingtonamerica.com)
- AKC Marketplace (akc.org)
- Bedlington Terriers - Dog Breeds (embarkvet.com)
- Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Bedlington Terrier | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bedlington-terrier/ (akc.org)
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