Bedlington Terrier
Description
Originating in the north of England where the Bedlington
Terrier was said to
be favoured by the Gypsies, they were used as game
hunters. It has been claimed that the Bedlington was originally known as
the Rothbury or Northumberland Terrier and was probably developed from
the crossing of Otter Hounds with Dandie Dinmont Terriers. In the early
1800s, breeders from the English village of Bedlington (hence the name)
introduced Whippet bloodlines to increase the breed's speed and the
whippet/terrier cross we know today was created. They were later used
down in the mines of Bedlington, as ratters, pit fighters and game
sporting companions.
Temperament
What a wonderful family dog the Bedlington Terrier makes with its
affectionate, responsive and social nature. This dog is equally happy
having an energetic game with children or curled up on the chair in
front of the TV. The lover of all people this intelligent and friendly
dog will tolerate other family pets and are excellent with children and
older people making them the ideal family pet. As they love to play
games, run and chase it is advisable to always walk them on a lead
except in safe off lead areas. Sometimes displaying jealousy and
protectiveness these normally non-aggressive dogs
will fight strongly if roused.
Appearance
Height:
38-43cm (15-17in)
Weight: 8-10kg
(18-23lbs)
Group: Terriers
These medium dogs are similar in size to a
Fox Terrier with a curly coat when trimmed looks like shorn lambs. The
graceful Bedlington possesses speed, agility and a light springy action
and unlike most Terriers, which have round feet, these dogs have long,
well padded, hare-like feet. This dog comes in the colours of blue,
liver, blue and tan but puppies are born black or dark brown. There
are also the very rare sandy and tan varieties.
Grooming
This dog's wonderful, woolly coat sheds very little and
is considered very low allergy. Their coat needs to be brushed every
couple of days especially to remove any dead hair as the Bedlington does
not naturally shed its coat. It is also recommended that this dog is
not bathed too often as its coat will become lank. Nails
should be clipped and ears need to be cleaned and kept free from hair,
and dirt and mucus should be removed from the corners of the eyes.
If you don't have the
time to bath or groom your dog, your local dog grooming
salon provides these services.
Life Expectancy
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
They
may have an inherited liver problem
known as Copper Toxicosis
where the dog stores copper, mainly in their liver, to toxic levels and
even though an affected animal can live normally. Any stressful
situation may trigger symptoms, leading to severe illness and even
death. There is also an incidence of eye
problems such as cataracts and retinal disease.
Suitability
The Bedlington Terrier doesn’t have a strong doggy odour making is very
suitable for indoors and because they are a very clean dog they are also
easy to train for indoor living. The lover of all people this
intelligent and friendly dog will tolerate other family pets and are
excellent with children and older people making them the ideal family
pet. These very active dogs require at
least two daily walks, especially if kept in a small area and need to
have securely fenced backyards because these dogs are likely to break
through any hole they can fit their head through.
Bedlington Terrier -
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