Bedlington Terrier Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide

The Bedlington Terrier is a beloved breed, known for its gentle and affectionate nature. They are a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance, characterized by a curly or wavy coat.

Their origins date back to the 18th century in Northumberland, England, where they were bred as a working dog. They were used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and foxes.

Bedlington Terrier puppies are born with their eyes closed, and they typically open them around 10-14 days after birth. They rely heavily on their mother's care and attention during this early stage.

Their weight at birth is usually around 1-2 pounds, and they grow rapidly in the first few months, reaching about 10-15 pounds by the time they are 6 weeks old.

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The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized breed, weighing between 17-24 pounds and standing at a medium height. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, liver, and tan.

Their distinctive feature is their beautifully arched loin, which is a result of their unique ancestry that includes breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont, Kerry Blue, Whippet, Bull Terrier, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This combination of breeds makes them exceptional athletes and work dogs.

Bedlington Terriers have a thick, sheep-like coat that's curly and wooly, and can be low-maintenance. They're also known for their small, dark eyes and long, hare-like feet.

Here are some key breed characteristics at a glance:

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized breed, with males standing at 16 inches at the shoulder and females at 15 inches. Their weight ranges from 17 to 23 pounds, which is proportionate to their height.

To give you a better idea of their size, here's a breakdown of their height and weight:

Their size is just one aspect of their overall breed characteristics, but it's an important one to consider if you're thinking of bringing a Bedlington Terrier into your family.

The Bedlington Terrier's temperament is a unique blend of gentle and feisty. They're a breed that's not afraid to stand up for themselves and their loved ones.

Bedlingtons are known to be mild and gentle creatures, but they'll fight to defend themselves and their family if necessary. This is partly due to their history of being used in pit fighting, although that's a practice that's been long abandoned.

In the comfort of their own homes, Bedlingtons are gentle and graceful, making them a great addition to families with children. However, when it's time to play, they love to act clownish and run around the house.

Bedlingtons are also naturally curious and playful, which is a great trait in a breed. They're always up for an adventure and love to meet new people, but they do take their time getting to know someone new.

Their intelligence is another notable trait of the Bedlington Terrier. They're patient, alert, and determined, making them great hunters and companions. They're also independent workers, which means they can work on their own to catch vermin and other small animals.

Socialization is key when it comes to raising a well-rounded Bedlington puppy. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten and exposing them to new people, sights, and sounds will help them develop good social skills.

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Bedlington terrier puppies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. You should expect to see health clearances from reputable organizations for conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease.

To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website (offa.org).

A Bedlington terrier's life span is 12-14 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life. Regular exercise, such as a nice walk or a vigorous game of fetch, is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

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Bedlington Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. You should expect to see health clearances from reputable organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Auburn University.

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease are all potential health concerns in Bedlington Terriers. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website (offa.org).

Copper toxicosis is a hereditary disease that can be detected through a DNA test. It's an autosomal recessive trait, meaning that affected dogs must inherit a gene from both parents to be symptomatic.

Patellar luxation, or dislocation of the kneecap, can be caused by injury or congenital issues. It can be mild or severe, and may require surgical repair.

Distichiasis is a condition where an additional row of eyelashes grows on the oil gland in the dog's eye, irritating the eye and causing symptoms like squinting or rubbing. It's treated surgically by freezing the excess eyelashes with liquid nitrogen and removing them.

Renal cortical hypoplasia is a condition where the cortex of one or both kidneys develops abnormally, leading to kidney failure. The first signs of kidney failure are increased thirst and urination.

Retinal dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the retina that dogs are born with. Most cases are mild and don't affect a dog's ability to function as a companion.

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Here are some key health concerns to be aware of in Bedlington Terriers:

Bedlington Terriers require a safely fenced area for exercise, as they can run at high speeds. This is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

Their moderate activity levels make them suitable for apartment living, as long as they have a safe place to exercise.

A daily walk or a game of fetch can be a great way to provide exercise for your Bedlington. You can also consider activities like jogging, hiking, or agility training.

Positive reinforcement techniques like praise, play, and food rewards work best for training Bedlington Terriers. Harsh words and physical force can make them stubborn and difficult to train.

Crate training can be helpful in preventing destructive behavior in Bedlington puppies when you're not around to supervise.

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

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Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference. The better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Measuring your dog's food and feeding them twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time, will keep them in good shape. This will also help prevent overeating and weight gain.

If you're unsure whether your Bedlington is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test. You should be able to see a waist when looking down at them.

When placing your hands on their back, you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, they need less food and more exercise.

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The Bedlington's coat is a unique combination of harsh and soft hair that feels crisp but not wiry, and tends to curl, especially on the head and face.

You'll need to comb your Bedlington at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling.

The Bedlington's coat doesn't shed much, but it still needs regular grooming to maintain its appearance.

To achieve the show ring look, the coat should be trimmed to no longer than one inch on the body, with the hair on the legs slightly longer.

Daily brushing is even better for preventing gum disease and bad breath, so make it a habit to brush your Bedlington's teeth at least two or three times a week.

Trim your Bedlington's nails once or twice a month, or as needed, to keep them short and prevent scratching.

Handle your Bedlington's paws frequently from an early age to help him get used to it, and make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards.

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