The Bedlington Terrier dog breed might look sweet and innocent, but the real reason behind its origin will shock you.
These dogs were known to be the hunter’s sidekick and vermin killer. They perform well in the show ring.
Their sense of smell, amazing hunting instincts, and curiosity is still alive, but they are seldom used in the fields. Keep reading to learn more about this amazing breed.
About The Breed
The lamb-like appearance of the Bedlington Terrier might grab your attention, but its amusing personality will make you fall in love with it.
Don’t go on; its looks as if it is innocent. This breed was known to be the hunter’s sidekick and still has the traits present.
These dogs love attention and can do anything to get it. To keep this breed healthy, exercise is crucial. They can level their energy levels with yours and will be happy to do anything with you.
With children around the house, the Bedlington Terrier will become super excited and energetic.
This breed’s high intelligence levels make it an easy job to train them. These dogs may never start a fight, but if they get involved in one, they will not be the first ones to back out.
Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed History
Anyone can guess where the Bedlington Terrier comes from just by looking at their name. They came from Bedlington, a town in the North of England.
They were named after this town. Local squires were fans of this breed because of its talent for killing vermins. Lorth Ruthbury was one of their fans.
His estate was in the country of Northumberland, Bedlington town. Earlier, these dogs were known as Rothbury Terriers, but later, the name Bedlington Terriers was given.
The first dog that was given this name was Ainsley’s Piper in 1825, which was owned by a man named Joseph Ainsley in Bedlington.
This dog was just eight months old when his first fight against a badger began. Even when he got old, nearly blind, and toothless, he was teaching other dogs how it’s done.
The breed is said to have similar characteristics to the Soft Coated Wheaten, Dandie Dinmont, and Kerry Blue Terriers, so their ancestors might be common.
Mine and factory workers’ favorite dogs were the Bedlington Terriers. They used them to get rid of rats in their area and race against each other.
Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Bedlington Terrier |
| Other Name | Rothbury Terriers |
| Dog Breed Type | Terrier Dogs |
| Origin | Rothbury, Bedlington |
| Parent Breeds | Otterhound, Dandie Dinmont terrier |
| Height | 15-16 inches |
| Weight | 17-23 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years |
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Common Colors | White, Blue, Liver, Tan, Sandy |
| Grooming Needs | High |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Temperament | Loyal, Blithe, Friendly, Playful, Loving |
| Apartment Living | Suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Copper toxicosis, Total retinal dysplasia, Various eye conditions, Ear problems |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 3-6 puppies |
What To Know
• These charming dogs are known for their gentle yet spirited personalities, making them great companions.
• Regular grooming is essential to maintain the Bedlington Terrier’s elegant coat and prevent matting.
• They have a playful disposition and require daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
• Keep an eye on their health, as they may be prone to specific genetic conditions, such as copper toxicosis.
Characteristics
Adaptability
These dogs effortlessly switch from cuddly companions to playful adventurers. With their curly coat, they adjust well to various climates, making them ideal for both city and country living.
Their agility and intelligence also make them versatile in dog sports, excelling in agility courses and obedience training.
Bedlington Terriers are skilled problem solvers, adapting to new challenges with ease.
Adaptability
Adaptability
Adaptive To Apartment Living
Suitable for New Owners
Sensitivity Scale
Comfortable Being Alone
Comfortable with Cold Weather
Comfortable with Hot Weather
Friendliness
Bedlington Terrier dogs exhibit a unique blend of loyalty and affection, making them wonderful companions.
They eagerly greet their owners with wagging tails and love to cuddle, showcasing their affectionate nature.
Bedlington Terriers are equally amiable with other pets, proving their friendly demeanor extends to all members of the family, furry or otherwise.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Bedlington Terrier makes an excellent watchdog and companion as it is alert, intelligent, and energetic.
This dog loves attention and will entertain its owner to get it. Their hunting instincts can make them aggressive toward other animals, especially dogs and small animals.
These are highly intelligent dogs, so training them becomes an easy job to do. However, while training them, try to be friendly instead of dominant.
They want to be involved in the thought process and don’t like to follow orders. Positive reinforcement techniques like praise and food rewards can keep them happy.
They love to display their speed and energy and love activities that let them do so. They will do everything their owner does, even if the owner is a couch potato, and they will become one too.
They are welcoming to strangers, but if they sense something suspicious, they will not step back.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Bedlington Terriers are exceptionally friendly with children, making them wonderful family pets.
Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them a great choice for households with kids. These adorable, curly-haired dogs are patient and playful, always up for a game or a cuddle.
Their sweet temperament and small size make them a perfect companion for children, fostering a loving bond between them.
Amicable to Other Pets
Bedlington Terriers are known for their amicable nature when it comes to other pets.
These gentle and affectionate dogs are often quite sociable with other animals, making them a great choice for multi-pet households.
Their friendly disposition and minimal aggression tendencies make them a harmonious addition to the family, ensuring a peaceful coexistence with other furry companions.
Barking Tendencies
Bedlington Terriers are generally quiet dogs, but they do have occasional barking tendencies. They may bark when they sense intruders or unfamiliar noises.
Early socialization and positive reinforcement training can help manage their barking.
These lovable terriers thrive in a calm environment, making them a great choice for families seeking a peaceful companion.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Staying alone can be a breeze for a Bedlington Terrier. These adaptable, independent dogs are known for their low-maintenance nature.
Their calm demeanor and moderate exercise needs make them a great fit for solo living.
They’re content with their own company and don’t mind a bit of alone time, making them a perfect choice for busy individuals or small living spaces.
Pros And Cons Of The Danish-Swedish Farmdog Breed
Pros
- Energetic and lively personality.
- Compact size, ideal for apartments.
- Great family and companion dog.
- Low grooming needs.
- Good health and longevity.
Cons
- High energy, needs regular exercise.
- Potential stubbornness.
- Can be noisy and barky.
- Requires early socialization.
- May not tolerate extreme temperatures.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The Bedlington Terriers were used to kill vermin regardless of their gender. So both males and females of this breed will have the same characteristics and attitudes.
Some traits might differ even in the same gender group. The only difference you’ll be able to notice is that males can grow 16 inches tall while females can grow 15 inches tall.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Bedlington Terrier is a unique and charming breed known for its distinctive appearance.
With its elegant, lamb-like appearance, this dog sports a curly, woolly coat, giving it a soft and cuddly look.
Their lithe build and arched back contribute to their graceful stance. These dogs exude an air of sophistication, making them a distinctive and delightful pet choice.
Coat Color
The Bedlington Terrier’s coat gives a resemblance to a lamb and a poodle. The fur is harsh as well as soft.
The hair will curl mostly around the face and the head. People think of Bedlington Terrier as white, but its coat can have blue, tan, liver, and sandy colors too.
You can see these color combos too. The color shades will be dark as a puppy but gradually lighten as they grow. There’s no need to strip this breed’s coat.
It needs weekly brushing. It can be a little hard to groom them, so take them to a professional groomer for the best look.
Shedding
Bedlington Terriers don’t shed a lot, so there’s less work for you. You still need to brush and groom them to maintain them.
Size
The Bedlington Terrier is small to medium in size. They can grow between 15-16 inches.
Health
Generally, the Bedlington Terrier is a healthy breed and lives a long life of 14-16 years. They might face some health issues during their lifetime.
- Patellar Luxation
- Renal Cortical Hypoplasia
- Copper Toxicosis
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Distichiasis
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding Quantity
Drooling Capability
Effortless to Groom
Overall Health
Capable of Gaining Weight
Size
Maintenance And Care
Tartar buildup can easily occur inside the Bedlington Terrier’s teeth. To avoid that, you need to brush his teeth twice or thrice a week.
Daily brushing is also a good option if you don’t want your dog to have bad breath. Nail trimming can be done one or two times a month.
The best time to trim their nails is when you hear a clicking sound whenever they walk or run.
Keep checking and cleaning their ears to avoid any bacterial buildup. Take your dog to the vet also for routine health checkups.
Grooming
rooming a Bedlington Terrier is essential for maintaining their distinctive appearance and overall health.
Their unique, curly, non-shedding coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Regular trims are needed to maintain their signature lamb-like appearance.
A monthly bath using a gentle dog shampoo keeps their coat clean and odor-free. Don’t forget to clean their ears and trim their nails to ensure their well-being.
Food And Nutrition
The Bedlington Terrier should be given two meals a day and 1 to 1.5 cups of dog food. Just like humans, each dog has unique dietary requirements, so this amount might vary for your dog.
It’s best to ask your vet about your dog’s dietary needs and draw a unique diet chart for him.
An active dog has higher diet needs than a lazy one. So discuss it with your vet and give your dog the best diet to keep it healthy.
Exercise And Activity Level
The Bedlington Terriers have medium activity and energy levels. They love to show how fast they are, and you’ll probably lose them in a game of race.
So it’s better to have a fenced yard while exercising with them. This breed is not suited for outdoor exercises.
Train them inside in a safe area, and you’re good to go. Jogging, hiking, or any exercise you want to do with them is great.
Whenever you train your dog, let him think it’s his idea to get exercise or do any activity that’ll keep him encouraged throughout the session.
Also, don’t be harsh to a Bedlington Terrier while exercising, as their stubbornness can kick in then it’ll be hard to control them.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Capable for Playfulness
Trainability
Bedlington Terriers are known for their intelligence and trainability. These gentle and affectionate dogs respond well to positive reinforcement methods, making them eager learners.
Their calm demeanor and natural curiosity make them adaptable to various training tasks, from basic commands to agility and obedience.
Consistency and patience are key when teaching this breed, and their willingness to please makes them an excellent choice for training.
Trainability
Effortless to Train
Smartness
Capable for Mouthiness
Tendency to Attack Prey
Urge to Howl or Bark
Wanderlust Ability
Children And Other Pets
The Bedlington Terrier tends to get excited in a house full of children. He thinks of kids as their siblings and will play with them all day.
You still need to supervise their playing because this breed doesn’t differentiate between them and the kids. They think that the kids are tough, just like them.
Training them on how to behave with kids will keep everyone safe. Despite their natural hunting instincts, they bond well with other pets.
Proper socialization from a young age will help to maintain this bonding.
Conclusion
The Bedlington Terriers are known to be great swimmers. However, not all of them might love water. Also, this breed loves digging.
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FAQs On Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed…
Where do the Bedlington Terrier dog breeds come from?
Bedlington Terriers originate from Bedlington, a mining town in Northumberland, England. Bred for hunting vermin, they descend from various terrier breeds and Whippets, resulting in their distinctive appearance and characteristics.
What is the best diet routine for a Bedlington Terrier dog?
A well-balanced diet for a Bedlington Terrier should consist of high-quality dog food, containing essential nutrients like protein, fats, and carbohydrates, tailored to their age, size, and activity level.
How much exercise is required for a Bedlington Terrier?
Bedlington Terriers require about 30-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.