The Bedlington Terrier is a beloved breed known for its unique appearance and affectionate nature. They have a distinctive "bowlegged" appearance due to their short legs and sturdy build.
Their small size, typically weighing between 17-23 pounds, makes them a great companion for city dwellers. With their gentle and even-tempered nature, they're perfect for families with children.
Their distinctive coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing and trimming can help keep their coat looking its best.
Their expressive eyes and sweet expression have captured the hearts of many dog owners and enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics
The Bedlington Terrier's appearance is quite unique. It's often described as resembling a lamb, with a shaggy, hard, and rugged coat.
Their fur can be blue, liver, or sandy in color, and may have tan points. They also carry the greying gene, which causes puppies born with dark fur to lighten to grey or liver with age.
The Bedlington's coat is made up of a combination of hard and soft hairs, giving it a linty texture that's quite distinctive. This texture earns the breed the nickname of "linty-haired terrier."
Their head shape is rounded, with no stop, and their eyes are almond-shaped and small. The lips are close-fitting and lack flews, giving the breed a rather endearing expression.
The Bedlington's body is slightly longer in length than in height, with an arched back. Males typically stand 16-17.5 inches tall, while females stand 15-16.5 inches tall.
Appearance
The Bedlington Terrier's appearance is truly one-of-a-kind. It's often described as resembling a lamb, and some even compare it to a miniature Scottish Deerhound.
Their coat is a unique combination of harsh and soft hair, which feels crisp but not wiry. It tends to curl, especially on the head and face. Bedlingtons don't shed much, making them a great choice for those with allergies.
The breed comes in several colors and combinations, including blue, sandy, liver, blue and tan, sandy and tan, and liver and tan. In bi-colors, the tan markings are found on the legs, chest, under the tail, inside the hindquarters, and over each eye.
Their head is rounded in shape with no stop, and their eyes are almond-shaped and small. The lips are close-fitting and lack flews. The back is arched, and the body is slightly longer in length than in height.
Here are the breed standard colors accepted within the breed standard:
- Blue
- Blue & Tan
- Liver
- Liver & Tan
- Sandy
- Sandy & Tan
Male Bedlingtons typically weigh between 17 and 23 pounds and stand between 16 and 17.5 inches tall, while females weigh between 15 and 16.5 inches tall.
Size
The Bedlington Terrier is a relatively small breed. Males stand 16 inches at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, standing at 15 inches. Their weight is proportionate to their height, ranging from 17 to 23 pounds.
Headline
The Bedlington Terrier's unique appearance is often described as lamblike, but don't let that fool you - they're all terrier at heart.
Their intelligence is undeniable, making them moderately easy to train, but only if you use positive reinforcement techniques.
Bedlingtons have moderate energy levels, which means they can be satisfied with a nice walk or a vigorous game of fetch.
Exercise is essential to keep them happy and healthy, and they'll match their activity level to yours.
Their hunting abilities include pointing, retrieving, tracking, and going to ground after den animals, although they're rarely used in the field.
Bedlingtons can get along well with other dogs, especially if they're raised with them, but be cautious when introducing them to new canine companions.
Male Bedlingtons are especially prone to fighting if aroused, so it's essential to socialize them properly.
Their fluffy appearance belies their fierce fighting spirit, so don't underestimate them.
Breed Details
The Bedlington Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog, weighing between 17 to 24 pounds.
They come in a variety of colors including blue, liver, and/or tan.
Their thick, sheep-like coats make them a great choice for active families or singles looking for an allergy-friendly breed.
Their long, hare-like feet and hindlegs that stretch longer than the front make them agile and athletic.
Description
The Bedlington Terrier is a unique breed with a rich history. They originated in the Northumberland mining town of Bedlington and were also known as the Rothbury Terrier.
Their distinctive appearance is due to their thick, sheep-like coat and long head. This gives them a lamb-like appearance, but they're actually excellent at dispatching vermin from rabbits to foxes.
One of the breed's most notable features is their beautifully arched loin, which is a result of their ancestry from various dog breeds. The Dandie Dinmont, Kerry Blue, Whippet, Bull Terrier, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are just a few of the breeds that have contributed to the Bedlington's unique genetics.
Bedlington Terriers typically weigh between 17 to 24 pounds and come in blue, liver, and/or tan colors. They're also known for their small, dark eyes and long, hare-like feet.
The breed's ancestry has made them an exceptional athlete, work dog, cuddly house companion, and conversation starter. They're suitable for active families or singles looking for an allergy-friendly breed.
Some breeders have argued that the Bedlington Terrier's working ability and courage have declined since they began being bred for show. This has led to some breeders crossing their dogs with Lakeland Terriers to bring back the Bedlington's working qualities.
Origin
The Bedlington Terrier has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The breed originated in the north of England, with one theory suggesting they traveled with Rom, or gypsies, who used them to poach game on estates.
The first official Bedlington Terrier was born in 1825 to mason Joseph Ainsley in Bedlington, Northumberland, England. This dog, Ainsley's Piper, was a remarkable animal that went up against a badger when he was just 8 months old.
The breed was initially known as "Rothbury's Terrier" after Lord Rothbury of Rothbury, Northumberland, England, took a liking to them. But the name Bedlington Terrier stuck, and the breed gained popularity as an excellent coal mine ratter, pit fighter, and hunter.
In the mid-1800s, British elites began to take notice of the breed, keeping them as companions and fashion decor.
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Breed Standard Colors
The Bedlington Terrier comes in a variety of beautiful breed standard colors.
You'll notice that the breed standard colors include blue, blue & tan, liver, liver & tan, sandy, and sandy & tan. These colors are accepted within the breed standard and are traditional and well-known in this breed.
Each of these colors has its own unique charm, and many owners choose their Bedlington based on their favorite color. Whether you prefer a classic blue or a warm sandy tone, there's a Bedlington breed standard color to suit every taste.
Here are the breed standard colors in a convenient list:
- Blue
- Blue & Tan
- Liver
- Liver & Tan
- Sandy
- Sandy & Tan
These colors are not only visually appealing but also reflect the breed's rich history and heritage.
Temperament and Personality
Bedlington Terriers are known for their sharp and plucky temperament, with a bark that's been compared to the firing of a machine gun. They're fast dogs with high endurance, and their swimming speed rivals that of the Newfoundland.
Their intelligence and tenacity when it comes to taking on vermin are quite impressive. Bedlingtons are also prone to jealousy when around other dogs, and one man described a Bedlington as "about fit to kill any other dog of his weight".
Despite their tough exterior, the AKC and ASPCA call the breed "mild" and "gentle", and they're good with children. They're also described as soft in temperament, companionable, demonstrative, loyal, and a quiet house dog.
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Bedlington Terriers are playful and cheerful, but can be high-strung and excitable. They're prone to being headstrong, so they require early socialization and training to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting at least one of the parents, usually the mother, is a good idea to ensure they have a nice temperament.
Bedlingtons need early socialization, exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences, to help them polish their social skills. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start, and inviting visitors over regularly can also help.
Sources
- Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- "Bedlington Terrier" (nzkc.org.nz)
- the original (petfinder.com)
- Bedlington Terrier (google.com)
- A History and Description of the Modern Dogs of Great Britain and Ireland (The Terriers) (google.com)
- "The Bedlington Terrier" (google.com)
- "The Bedlington Terrier" (google.com)
- Bedlington Terrier (google.com)
- Descriptions of Terrier Breeds: Bedlington Terrier (google.com)
- Bedlington Terrier (curlie.org)
- Adopt a Pet (Rescue Database) (adoptapet.com)
- Bedlington Terrier Club of America (bedlingtonamerica.com)
- Bedlington Terrier | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Bedlington Terrier: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits (dogster.com)
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