In this article from PlanèteAnimal, we will look at the case of one of the oldest breeds in Great Britain, a very charismatic breed that has been much appreciated by English hunters and miners for centuries now. As you can imagine, we are of course referring to the Bedlington terrier, a breed of dog resulting from a mix between Poodles, Whippets and Dandie Dinmont terriers. Some say that Bedlington Terriers are like miniature sheep and it's by taking a look at their fluffy white fur that you understand where the comparison comes from!
Do you want to know more about these "minor dogs" ? Well, continue reading this PlanetAnimal dossier and discover all the characteristics of the Bedlington terrier!
Origin
- Europe
- United Kingdom
FCI Nomenclature
- Group III
Physical Characteristics
- Rustic
- Lying
Size
- Average
Height
- 35-45
Adult Weight
- 3-10
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Balanced
- Society
- Very loyal
- Smart
- Active
- Affectionate
- Docile
Ideal for
- Children
- Apartment
- House
- The hunt
- Allegric people
Recommended climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Long
- Curly
- Hard
Origin of the Bedlington terrier
The Bedlington terrier originated, as their name suggests, from the town of Bedlington where they were very popular with the locals.And it was no coincidence that they held them in such high esteem, because these dogs helped them drive rats out of their mines. Subsequently, they were used as hunting dogs as well as pets.
These terriers are the result of crosses between three different dog breeds. On one side, we find the Poodles, from which they inherited their curly and woolly coat; on the other are the Whippets and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. It is also related to other breeds like Otterhounds.
Although the exact date of appearance of the breed is not known, it is estimated that in the 80s of the 18th century there were already specimens of the Bedlington Terrier. A century later, the Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in Great Britain and another century later, in 1967, the American Kennel Club wrote its official standard.
Bedlington terrier characteristics
Bedlington terriers are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 7.7 and 10 kilograms.The height at the withers varies according to sex and males measure between 41 and 44 centimeters while females measure between 38 and 42 cm. The life expectancy of the Bedlington Terrier is generally between 12 and 14 years.
The Bedlington Terrier's head has a rounded wedge shape, with small almond-shaped eyes. They have a long and thin muzzle, without marked stop. Their ears are triangular and their tips are rounded.
Despite all of the above, there's no doubt that the Bedlington terrier's most notable feature is its fur. Due to the standard breed cut that most guardians tend to do, this dog's muzzle without depression looks even more pronounced and marked. Thus, the coat of the Bedlington terrier is long, dense and curly. This coat is dense and shaggy, but not hard to the touch, the length of the hairs, according to the standard, should not exceed 2.5-3 cm. The accepted colors of the Bedlington Terrier are blue, liver or tan with or without tan markings.
Bedlington terrier character
Bedlington terriers are distinguished by their tenacity and courage. They are also very confident dogs. This mix of characteristics makes Bedlingtons dogs that are not afraid to face danger or take on challenges, while also being very friendly and affectionate.
It is an extremely intelligent dog and by adding up all these characteristics, it is easy to understand why these dogs were so appreciated by English miners.
They are balanced, calm and fantastic dogs to live with children, the elderly and other dogs. In addition, they adapt perfectly to apartments, houses or agricultural land.
Caring for a Bedlington terrier
Bedlington terriers are curious, active, and low-strung, but don't forget that they will need daily exercise. This exercise should last at least one hour a day.
In terms of maintenance, the Bedlington's coat is quite demanding, but if you use a brush adapted to its dense and long coat, you won't have too much trouble maintaining it. Obviously, you have to brush it daily. At first you will have a hard time doing this, but once you and your dog get used to it, brushing him will only take 5 minutes a day. Therefore, if you adopt a Bedlington Terrier puppy, we recommend that you get him used to this hygienic routine as soon as possible. In case of adoption of an adult dog, it will also be necessary to initiate it by positively reinforcing this moment.
The coat should not only be brushed, but it should be trimmed by a dog groomer every 2 months or so.
Education and training of the Bedlington terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a fairly balanced breed, however, if it is not properly educated, it can end up developing certain behavioral problems.One of the recurring problems - and the cause of poor socialization - is their strong hunting instinct which leads them to stalk and chase all other animals - which can be problematic if you have a dog, you will agree. But, as we said, this problem won't show up if you have proper socialization in place.
Regarding the education of the Bedlington terrier and its education, it should be noted that these dogs like to dig and bark. To prevent this from causing you problems, you can consult an educator specialized in modifying the behavior. As for digging and its hunting instinct, know that you can offer it an outlet by preparing games of search and stalking that will channel its energy. In the end, the important thing is not to deprive the dog of doing something he loves and which is part of his nature, but to learn to redirect his instinct.
Bedlington terrier he alth
Although Bedlington terriers are not dogs known to suffer from many typical illnesses, they are still more susceptible to illnesses related to excess copper in the blood. To avoid copper buildup, the Bedlington terrier should follow a diet approved by your veterinarian and should not eat bread, large fish, or sauces high in this element. If you regulate its diet, you will prevent the development of diseases such as hepatitis, called copper hepatotoxicosis. Although it is an inherited condition, if you take the right steps, you will delay its onset.
Bedlington terriers can also have eye disorders such as cataracts, retinal dysplasia or epiphora, which is why it is recommended to take them to the vet regularly to detect the appearance of any he alth problem. .
Also, you must make sure he is well vaccinated and dewormed.
Curiosities
Bedlington terriers are considered hypoallergenic dogs because although they have abundant coat, it does not usually cause allergies. In addition, they do not shed too much, which makes them an ideal choice for those who, although allergic, wish to share their house with a dog.
Bedlington terrier pictures
