Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is not the most well-known of dogs, but those who have seen one before would describe them as "lambs on a leash."� This name is appropriate because of their gentle nature and their appearance. History This dog was bred and developed in the Bedlington Mining Shire, which is in the County of Northumberland in Northeastern England. Bedlington Terriers have a famous ancestor known in the area as "Old Flint,"� though what breed this dog was is unknown. The first Bedlington Terriers were known as Rothbury or Rodbery Terriers. They were originally used in the 1800's as ratters in the mines and they also worked well with foxhounds on the hunt. Miners would race Bedlington Terriers for sport since they are extremely fast and can run for extended periods of time. Though most of the history of this dog is unrecorded, it is believed that the Bedlington Terrier helped create the Kerry Blue Terrier in Ireland. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948 and has competed in shows ever since. In fact, when a Bedlington Terrier won the 1948 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, it was put on the cover of Sport Illustrated, thus increasing its popularity. Appearance Bedlington Terriers are often compared to lambs because of their fur. The coat has a mixture of both soft and rough fur that stands out from the skin like a lamb's. It is usually curled and looks fluffy, though it has a unique texture. Many describe it as feeling "crisp."� The hair is usually longer on the legs than it is on the body. The most noticeable feature of the fur, though, is the topknot on a Bedlington Terrier's head. This topknot is made of longer fur that peaks at the crown and descends down to the tip of the nose. The facial fur, combined with the hanging ears and brown, almond-shaped eyes gives the Bedlington a friendly, welcoming expression. The coat comes in a variety of colors including blue and tan, liver and tan, sandy and tan, solid blue, solid liver, and solid sandy. Fur is typically darker at birth and lightens with age. Under the fur, the body is of an unusual build for a terrier. In fact, the body more closely resembles that of a Whippet or Greyhound, which may explain this breed's speed. It has a deep chest, muscled torso, and strong legs. At the withers, most males measure in at around 16.5 inches; females are typically 15.5 inches tall. The average weight for both sexes is between 17 and 23 pounds. Temperament The Bedlington Terrier is best known for its lovable nature. It is mild mannered and gentle, so it is a great family dog. Because of its patient and calm nature, it handles small children very well; it won't bite or bark at kids during playtime. Meekness should not be confused for shyness in these dogs because Bedlingtons are rarely shy or nervous. These dogs can be energetic, but not overly so. When aroused, this dog will behave like most terriers alert, energetic, and tough. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Bedlington Terrier is 13 to 14 years, which is slightly longer than other purebred dogs of its size. The most common causes of death for this breed are old age, urologic problems, hepatic (liver) diseases, and copper toxicosis. Copper toxicosis is a disease in which copper builds up in the liver because it is not processed correctly. This is a genetically inherited disease. Prospective dog owners looking to buy a Bedlington should check the dog's pedigree, since genetic testing is available to rule out the possibility of copper toxicosis. Other health problems include heart murmurs, infertility and other reproductive problems, and cataracts. Pet Care The Bedlington Terrier is a relatively low maintenance dog. It needs regular exercise to keep it happy and calm, but a daily walk and playtime with the family children should do the trick. Grooming needs are minimal, though owners should take the dog to a professional to have its coat trimmed from time to time. Also, because these dogs are very intelligent, providing them with different activities and toys is a good idea. What Owners Have to Say Most owners praise this dog for its temperament because it is "as gentle as a lamb."� They make great family dogs and are easy to care for. Owners with allergies are especially found of the Bedlington Terrier because it is a hypoallergenic breed. Technically, Bedlingtons have hair, not fur. This distinction is made by the way the hair grows and the oils it produces. Hair rarely provokes human dog allergies. So, these dogs still shed a little, but they won't make anyone sneeze. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog that works great with a family, then the Bedlington is one of the best breeds available. This medium-sized dog is content in most family settings, whether they are urban or rural. Their playful yet calm nature makes them excellent house pets, and they are great around small children. Plus, they have a unique look, which is pleasing to most owners. Shedding is minimal, as are grooming requirements. Plus, this dog is more relaxed and easy-going than most terriers. Daily exercise is usually enough to keep this dog happy. However, there are some downsides to this seemingly perfect breed. They may be calm, but deep down, they are still terriers. This means they are prone to barking, chasing small objects, and stubbornness. They can also be impulsive and rowdy when they are riled up. These terrier chasing instincts can lead them to be aggressive towards smaller animals. Without proper exercise and entertainment, this dog can become bored, and it will find ways to entertain itself. This may include digging at the carpets or digging holes in the yard, along with other destructive behavior. Also, their health problems, especially their genetic inheritance of copper toxicosis, are worrisome. Take all of these thoughts into consideration when thinking of getting a Bedlington Terrier. Training and good health care can prevent most of these "cons"� from happening, and the Bedlington will likely be a great family dog, but it never hurts to know the facts before taking the plunge and getting a dog.

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