Discover Everything About Bedlington Terriers
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Bedlington Terrier, often affectionately known as “lamb on a dog’s body”. called, can be recognized at first glance by its unique appearance. His slim yet muscular build, combined with a wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes, give him an almost elf-like appearance. But despite its delicate appearance, you shouldn't be fooled because this dog is anything but fragile. The Bedlington Terrier belongs to FCI Group 3 Terriers, Section 1 High-legged Terriers. This terrier does not differentiate between show and performance lines. The Bedlington's coat is dense and curly, similar to a lamb's wool, and has a distinctive 'top knot'. or "Pompon" on the head. The color of the coat is also interesting because it can change over the course of the dog's life. Puppies are often born darker and their coat color lightens around one year of age.
| Height | 41 - 41 cm (Female), 41 - 41 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 8 - 10 kg (Female), 9 - 12 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Playful, intelligent, friendly |
| Coat | Curly, medium length, dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Blue, liver, sand colors |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € € |
History
The Bedlington Terrier originally comes from the English county of Northumberland, specifically from the small mining town of Bedlington, after which it was named. In the 19th century, he was primarily kept by workers in the local coal mines as a rat catcher and guard dog. But he also made a name for himself as a hunting dog, pursuing predators such as foxes and badgers. The Bedlington Terrier as we know it today is the result of various breedings, including the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Whippet. The latter was crossed to improve the Bedlington's speed and slender build. The Bedlington Terrier was first recognized as a separate breed in 1877.
The Bedlington Terrier was originally bred for hunting small animals and pest control, but is now a popular companion dog.
Great Britain
1800
Character & Temperament
Despite its roots as a working dog, the Bedlington Terrier has evolved into a beloved family dog. He is known for his playful and friendly nature and has a strong desire to please. This terrier loves being part of the family and is always happy to be where his people are. By nature, the Bedlington Terrier is a very active dog. He has a lot of energy and loves to play and run around. Nevertheless, he is able to regulate his energy well and can also enjoy quiet moments. Thanks to his intelligence and ingenuity, there is never a dull moment with him. Another important aspect of the Bedlington Terrier's character is its independence. He is able to keep himself busy and also enjoys times of peace and solitude. However, he should not be left alone all the time, as he also builds a strong bond with his people. While the Bedlington Terrier is a friendly and outgoing dog, he can also have a watchful side. He is always ready to protect his territory and his family if he believes it is necessary. That's why it's important that you socialize him from an early age and teach him to correctly assess strangers and situations. When it comes to his hunting instincts, you should note that the Bedlington Terrier was originally bred to hunt small prey. This instinct can still shine through today, especially when seeing small animals or moving objects. It is therefore important that you teach him to control this instinct and ensure that he is in a safe environment when he is allowed to run around without a leash. In conclusion, the Bedlington Terrier is a versatile, charming and fun-loving dog that can bring great joy to both active people and families. With the right socialization and training, he will become a loyal and lovable companion who will make every day an adventure.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Although at first glance the Bedlington Terrier looks more like a lamb than a dog, in the past it was a feared rat hunter and was also used for dog fighting.
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Bedlington Terrier is considered an easily excitable, hunting-motivated dog. It is adaptable and therefore versatile. Type-appropriate employment is important.
Housing & Care
Despite its energy and stamina, the Bedlington Terrier makes a good city dog as long as it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children, but as with any dog, encounters between dogs and small children should always be supervised. He is also generally friendly with cats and other pets as long as he has been properly socialized.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Bedlington Terrier is an intelligent dog that enjoys learning and challenges. He responds well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. He is also a good candidate for dog sports such as agility or obedience. You should make sure that the Bedlington Terrier gets enough mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. However, it is also important that he gets enough rest and does not become overly busy. Bedlington Terriers can easily become "ball junkies." so you should keep these types of games in balance and also offer other activities and training methods. An important aspect of training a Bedlington Terrier is training impulse control and frustration tolerance. Because they were originally bred for hunting, they can have strong prey and prey drives that need to be controlled.
Nutrition & Care
The Bedlington Terrier's diet should be balanced and nutritious to meet its high energy needs. High-quality dry or wet food that is tailored to the dog's age, size and activity level works well. Some Bedlingtons may be prone to food allergies, so their diet should be carefully monitored. The Bedlington Terrier has a dense, curly coat with an undercoat that requires regular grooming. A weekly brushing will help prevent tangles and keep the coat nice. The Bedlington Terrier sheds little and is often considered hypoallergenic.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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