BEDLINGTON TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful medium-sized dog of good proportion. The head is well-rounded yet narrow, with a short skull and long jaw. The thick coat has a combination of soft and coarse hair, and this is curly and crisp in texture. The coloring of the coat can be sandy, liver, or blue, and this can be with tan trimming. The Bedlington Terrier weighs in at around 17-23 pounds, and the height of these dogs ranges from around 15-18 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Bedlington Terrier is known as a dog with a good nature and mild manners. This is an agile and energetic dog, which carries itself with grace and style. Despite their gentle appearance it is important to remember that the Bedlington Terrier is a terrier breed. If they are challenged they are ferocious and terrifying fighters. These dogs also love to explore and have a curious streak. The Bedlington Terrier is an intelligent dog, and is affectionate and alerts, which makes him a good watchdog.
TRAINING
Training your Bedlington Terrier is made more difficult by the fact that like all terriers, the Bedlington Terrier is highly self-willed. Two problem behaviors that you’ll want to eliminate in early training are digging and barking. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training. The Bedlington Terrier thrives on human companionship and is trained best with firm, loving and consistent guidance. They excel in agility, obedience, and flyball.
EXERCISE
Bedlington Terriers are an exceedingly active breed that requires a great deal of exercise and stimulation. It’s necessary to walk your Bedlington on a leash-Bedlingtons are quite nervous, and will think nothing of breaking away to chase a squirrel, rabbit, cat, or even another dog-sometimes a much larger and more dangerous dog. They enjoy outdoor play provided the yard is securely fenced and they are supervised.
SOCIALIZATION
The Bedlington Terrier will get on well with older, considerate children and with children that he has been raised with from an early age. They will get along with cats and other animals they have been raised with, but will not tolerate dominating or threatening behavior. They are fairly friendly with strangers. They make excellent watchdogs as they are extremely protective of their family and will alert them to danger and visitors.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Bedlington terrier should live indoors, although it must be taken outside for its exercise needs. It is a good apartment dog, while its indoor activity is moderate. It can do well without a yard, although will need to be brought to a secure area to run off leash.
GROOMING
The Bedlington terrier needs brushing once or twice a week, and only requires a full trimming and grooming once every six weeks. It’s not a good idea to bathe this breed too frequently-their fur can become looser and less attractive (and healthy) as a result of too many washings in too short a time. You should make sure that you also check and clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis to reduce the chances of ear infections. The Bedlington Terrier is not a shedder and this makes the breed well suited for allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Bedlington Terrier has a lifespan of around 12-16 years. The Bedlington Terrier is prone to one particularly serious Health problem: copper toxicosis. This genetic disorder allows copper deposits to build up in the liver, eventually leading to cirrhosis and death. Other health problems and disorders linked to this breed are allergies, luxating patella, cataracts, detached retinas.
HISTORY
The Bedlington Terrier originated in Bedlington in England, from where he gets his name. Originally bred as a hunting and fighting dog, this breed has been known by a number of other names. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1886.
