Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
History:
Country/Date of origin: England/19th Century
The origin of the breed is a mystery but it came to popularity in the mining town of Northumberland, England. Miners brought it underground to clear the tunnels of rats. Used as a poacher's dog by gypsies who admired its speed and gameness. Probably the result of crosses between whippets and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. Refined in the 1870's to its present form.
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
Back to TopRothbury Terrier, Gypsy Dog
AKC Group: Terrier
Breed Club: Bedlington Terrier Club of America
Rescue Club: Bedlington Rescue
Back to TopBody Type:
- Height: 15-17 inches (at shoulder)
- Weight: 17-23 pounds
- Bedlingtons are a dog of curves and arches. General appearance is of a racy whippet-like body with a terrier's coat
- Head and body are unusually narrow
- Dewclaws are removed
- Hanging ears are clipped smooth except for small silky tassels at the tip
- They are never altered
- Tail, which is held low, forms a scimitar curve and is not altered
Personality:
- Bedlingtons are excellent companions for children
- Softer and more gentle than other terriers
- Intelligent but can be stubborn
Coat:
- An unusual mixture of hard and soft hairs. The feel is described as "linty" and is crisp but not wiry
- The coat tends to curl and show dog coats are trimmed to 1 inch with longer topknot and ear tassels
- Profuse topknot is lighter than the color of the body coat
- Lamblike appearance requires expert grooming
- Blue, sandy or liver often combined with tan, are the allowed colors
Health Concerns:
- Hereditary liver disease, called copper toxicosis, which is fatal
- Tear duct abnormalities
- Eye problems
Tasty Tidbits:
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