About This Breed
The Bedlington Terrier was bred in England in the 19th century to hunt badgers and foxes as well as for the brutal sport of dog-fighting. Graceful and lithe, the Bedlignton Terrier is regarded by some as one of the softer terriers in terms of temperament, feel and look.
Physical Characteristics
The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized dog with small black eyes, long dropped ears and skinny tails. It often said to look more like a lamb than a dog.
COLOR(S)
The Bedlington Terrier is be blue, liver, blue and tan, or liver and tan.
COAT
The Bedlington Terrier has a wooly curly coat.
Personality and Temperament
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Medium
POSITIVES
The Bedlington Terrier is loyal and makes for a great watchdog.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
The Bedlington Terrier can become aggressive with other dogs and requires regular grooming. In addition, though it can be considered a family pet, the Bedlington Terrier adapts best to homes with older children.
Care
IDEAL LIVING SITUATION
The Bedlington Terrier fares well in the city or country.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
The Bedlington Terrier requires daily exercise.
Health
The following conditions are commonly seen in Bedlington Terriers:
- Copper toxicosis
History and Background
The Bedlington Terrier, an extraordinary variety of the terrier group, is an English breed, originating in Northumberland’s Hanny Hills. Even though the exact origin is not known, it is speculated that the late 18th century saw the development of a variety of game terriers called Rothbury Terriers.
Joseph Ainsley of Bedlington Town interbred two Rothbury Terriers in 1825 and named the offspring the Bedlington Terrier. There was occasional crossbreeding with other strains including the Whippet for pace and Dandie Dinmont Terrier for a better coat, but these crosses were not documented. Some breed historians even believe that these crosses never happened. Nonetheless, the result of interbreeding resulted in a sprightly game terrier that could chase otters, badgers, foxes, rabbits, and rats.
The Bedlington Terrier gained popularity as a show dog in the late 19th century. And although dog fanciers first favored the dog's lamb-like appearance, the difficulties of trimming the coat quickly diminished the demand of the breed. With the availability of better grooming tools, however, the breed later regained its previous acclaim.
