Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier originated in the mining county of Northumberland in England. Despite the lamb-like appearance, the Bedlington is all terrier. He is alert and possesses immense energy and courage.

In the 1870s, coal miners came up with a terrier-of-all-work that could swim down an otter, draw a badger, dispatch vermin, run down a rabbit and hold his own in a fight.

To add to the breed’s swiftness, it was crossed with the Whippet, giving it its present-day conformation. Once known as the Rothbury Terrier, it was eventually renamed the Bedlington Terrier.

The Bedlington Terrier dog breed’s gameness and talents caused it to become the poacher’s greatest asset and in some places, it’s still known as the Gypsy Dog. In time, it was adopted by the elite and developed into the stylish pet we see in the show rings today.

Bedlington Terrier FAQs Frequently Asked Questions:

Let us seek some answers related to the Bedlington Terrier breed. Are they hypoallergenic (non-shedding) or do they shed a lot? Do they bark a lot? Are they good guard dogs? Are they good family dogs? Good with children? and many more questions that a potential Bedlington Terrier owner may be concerned about.

Is the Bedlington Terrier a hypoallergenic (non-shedding) breed?

Yes. The Bedlington Terrier is a hypoallergenic (non-shedding) dog breed. Bedlington Terriers are a popular breed for people with allergies due to their non-shedding hypoallergenic coat.

Do Bedlington Terrier dogs bark a lot?

They don’t bark a lot but do expect some noise. Bedlington Terriers have a moderate tendency to bark. Compared to most other dog breeds, the Bedlington Terrier barks occasionally.

Is Bedlington Terrier a good family dog?

Yes. The Bedlington Terrier has all the qualities to make a good family dog. This breed is a non-shedding, moderate-barking, affectionate, good with kids breed. Though it is friendly with other dogs and pets, the Bedlington Terrier will want to be the center of attraction in the family and prefers to be the only pet in a family.

Are Bedlington Terriers affectionate? Good with kids?

Yes. Bedlington Terriers are affectionate and playful. This dog breed makes a loving and loyal family companion. Bedlington Terriers are good with children and other dogs if they are socialized properly at a young age.

Are Bedlington Terriers good guard dogs?

Yes. Bedlington Terriers are good guard dogs. This dog breed doesn’t hesitate to protect their family and territory. The Bedlington Terrier can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Bedlington Terrier will ward off unwanted strangers – humans and animals.

Are Bedlington Terriers aggressive dogs? Do they bite?

Aggression in adult Bedlington Terriers depends on how a particular dog is raised. Early socialization and training can either control or promote aggression. Like most terrier breeds, they might not start a fight, but they won’t back down from one. Biting is a common habit during the Bedlington Terrier’s puppyhood (this is not aggressive behavior). These bites don’t hurt, but Bedlington Terriers need to be taught not to bite or be aggressive from an early age.

Can Bedlington Terriers swim? Do they like it?

Bedlington Terriers may not be true water dogs but they are good swimmers and will not mind being in the water. A Bedlington Terrier may not readily jump into the water as this breed is not too fond of water. It’s just that water will not deter them from their duty.

How much do Bedlington Terriers cost? How much is a Bedlington Terrier puppy?

Bedlington Terrier puppies cost about $1,500 to $1,800 from a reputed breeder. Some breeders may charge more for a Bedlington Terrier with top breed lines and a superior pedigree. The cost to buy a Bedlington Terrier varies greatly and depends on many factors. Expect to pay less for a puppy without papers, Expect to pay a premium for a puppy advertised as show quality with papers.

How long do Bedlington Terriers live?

The average lifespan is about 12 to 14 years.

Ok, so let’s assume you have chosen the Bedlington Terrier as the best dog breed suitable for yourself. You have decided to find yourself a Bedlington Terrier puppy as your next family member. How will you choose the best pup? Let us look at some standard characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier dog breed which will help you select the right puppy, keep reading.

Choosing a good Bedlington Terrier puppy

The definition of the best Bedlington Terrier puppy depends on your requirements. Your expectations from an adult Bedlington Terrier can be broadly categorized as follows: Confirmation for show or breeding; obedience; smart guard dog; companion; homely pet.

Although it is tempting to look for all these qualities in one Bedlington Terrier puppy you are planning to buy, it is almost never possible to find all qualities in a single pup.

If you want your Bedlington Terrier puppy to grow up to be a champion in the show ring, you should look for confirmation to the Bedlington Terrier dog breed standards. We have put together a general guideline for selecting an all-around good puppy for you. Our guideline not just includes breed standards, but also gives importance to temperament, appearance, physical details, gait, health issues, grooming needs, and maintenance.

Look for the following characteristics while choosing a Bedlington Terrier puppy.

Bedlington Terrier’s General Appearance

A graceful, lithe, well-balanced dog with no sign of coarseness or weakness. Noteworthy for endurance, Bedlington Terriers also gallop at great speed, as their body outline clearly shows.

Bedlington Terrier’s Temperament

In repose, the expression is mild and gentle, not shy or nervous. Aroused, the dog is particularly alert and full of immense energy and courage.

Bedlington Terrier’s Size

Height: The preferred Bedlington Terrier dog measures 16-1/2 inches (42 cm) at the withers, the bitch 15-1/2 inches (39 cm). Under 16 inches or over 17-1/2 inches for dogs (40 cm & 45 cm), and under 15 inches or over 16-1/2 inches for bitches (38 cm and 42 cm) are serious faults. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside these ranges clearly justifies it, should greater latitude be taken.

Weight: To be proportionate to height, within the range of 17-23 lb. (7-10 kg).

Bedlington Terrier’s Coat

A very distinctive mixture of hard and soft hair standing well out from the skin. Thick and linty, crisp to the touch but not wiry, having a tendency to curl, especially on the head and face. When in show trim must not exceed 1 inch (3 cm) on the body; the hair on legs is slightly longer.

Bedlington Terrier’s Color

Blue, sandy, liver, blue and tan, sandy and tan, liver and tan. In bicolours, the tan markings are found in the legs, chest, under the tail, inside the hindquarters, and over each eye. The topknots of all adults should be lighter than the body color. Patches of darker hair from an injury are not objectionable, as these are only temporary. Darker body pigmentation of all colors is to be encouraged.

Bedlington Terrier’s Head

Narrow, but deep and rounded. Shorter in the skull and longer in the jaw. Covered with a profuse topknot which is lighter than the color of the body, highest at the crown, and tapering gradually to just back of the nose. Muzzle: There must be no stop and the unbroken line from crown to nose end reveals a slender head without cheekiness or snippiness. Strong muzzle well filled up with bone beneath the eye. Nose: Nostrils large and well defined. Blues and blue and tans have black noses. Livers, liver and tans, sandies, sandy and tans have brown noses. Mouth: Jaws long and tapering. Close-fitting lips, no flews. Teeth: Large, strong, and white. Level or scissors bite. Lower canines clasp the outer surface of the upper gum just in front of the upper canines. Upper premolars and molars lie outside those of the lower jaws. Eyes: Almond-shaped, small, bright, and well sunk with no tendency to tear or water. Set is oblique and fairly high on the head. Blues have dark eyes; blue and tans, less dark with amber lights; sandies, sandy and tans, light hazel; liver, liver, and tans, slightly darker. Eye rims are black in the blue and blue and tans, brown in all other solid and bicolours. Ears: Filbert shaped, triangular with rounded tips. Set on low and hanging flat to the cheek in front with a slight projection at the base. Point of greatest width approximately 3 in (8 cm). Ear tips reach the corners of the mouth. Thin and velvety in texture, covered with fine hair forming a small silky tassel at the tip.

Bedlington Terrier’s Neck

Long, tapering neck with no throatiness, deep at the base, and rising well upfront the shoulders. The head is carried high.

Bedlington Terrier’s Forequarters

Shoulders flat and sloping with no excessive musculature. Upper and lower arm lithe and muscular. Forelegs are straight and wider apart at the chest than at the feet. Pasterns: slight bend to pasterns which are long and sloping without weakness. Feet: long hare feet with thick, well-closed-up, smooth pads. Dewclaws may be removed.

Bedlington Terrier’s Body

Muscular and markedly flexible. Topline: The back should be roached and the loin markedly arched. Body slightly greater in length than height. Chest deep, flat-ribbed, and deep through the brisket, which reaches to the elbows. Loin, croup, abdomen: the arch over the loin creates a definite tuck-up of the underline.

Bedlington Terrier’s Hindquarters

Hip bone and upper thigh, lower thigh: well-muscled quarters are also fine and graceful. Hocks strong and well let down, turning neither in nor out. Stifles well angulated. Feet: as in forefeet.

Bedlington Terrier’s Tail

Set low, scimitar-shaped, thick at the root and tapering to a point that reaches the hock. Not carried over the back or tight to the underbody.

Bedlington Terrier’s Gait

The unique lightness of movement, springy in the slower paces, not stilted or hackneyed, must not cross, weave, or paddle.

Faults observed in the Bedlington Terrier breed

Shyness, nervousness. Dogs over 17-1/2 inches (45 cm) or under 16 inches (40 cm), bitches over 16-1/2 inches (42 cm) or under 15 inches (38 cm); wiry coat; head too wide or lacking correct proportions; cheekiness, snippiness; overshot or undershot; large eyes, too light eyes in blues; ears set high; too short neck, throatiness; steep shoulders, too narrow chest, shallow chest, splayed feet, lack of arch over loin, hocks turning in or out, lack of rear angulation; tail carried over back or tight to the underbody; stilted or hackneyed gait, crossing, weaving or paddling.

Bedlington Terrier Videos

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Bedlington Terrier dog breed. You may consider sharing your views in the comments section below. Inputs and priceless experiences from dog owners, Bedlington Terrier breeders, and dog lovers, in general, help us better understand the Bedlington Terrier breed. Thank you for your interest.