Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed

History

The Bedlington Terriers’ actual origins remain a bit of a mystery. However, they are known to be one of the oldest terrier breeds that can trace their lineage back to a dog named ’Old Flint’, who whelped in the late 1700s. Many breeds are thought to have contributed to the Bedlington Terrier we know today, including the Rough Scotch Terrier, Otterhound, and the Whippet. Today, they also show similarities with the Dandie Dinmont, Kerry Blue, and Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers. These dogs first appeared in a small village called Bedlington, a town near Rothbury.

In the early years, Bedlington Terriers were utilised by gypsies and poachers to catch game. However, it wasn’t long before the elites of that time realised that these adorable terriers were excellent hunters. So, they hired the people who poached their lands to remove unwanted vermin from their estates. These dogs were also a strong favourite of coal miners because they kept rat numbers under control.

Lord Rothbury was a real enthusiast of the breed and promoted it heavily. At the time they were referred to as either Rothbury Terriers or Northumberland Terriers. It was Joseph Aynsley who finally coined the name Bedlington Terrier in 1825. These dogs first appeared on the show scene in 1870. They were particularly successful in America. Anthony Neary and his wife Anna arrived in Pennsylvania in 1929 with their own Bedlington Terriers. Ten years later, their dogs were invited by William Rockefeller to run his Rock Ridge breeding program. Then in 1948, the breed had its biggest win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with one of William Rockefeller’s dogs named Rocket.

In the UK, the Bedlington Club was established in 1869. In 1879, the first breed classes were introduced at a dog show in Newcastle. After many years, in 1948, the Kennel Club officially recognised the breed. While these highly skilled terriers have found their way to several regions globally, they remain a relatively rare breed.

Appearance

While they have a graceful and agile appearance, Bedlington Terriers are solid and muscular with remarkable wedge-shaped heads that give them their unique and striking appearance. They also have a gentle and very mild look about them that disguises the fact that they are skilled hunters.

One of their most distinctive physical traits is their narrow heads that are profusely covered in nearly all white-coloured hair, with a unique silky topknot. They have long, tapering jaws with tight lips and nicely defined large nostrils.

Their eyes are small and triangular-shaped but very bright. Those with blue coats boast darker eyes, while those with blue and tan or sandy coats commonly have lighter coloured eyes, such as light hazel or amber. Their moderate-sized ears are neat and filbert-shaped. They are set relatively low and flat to their cheeks. The ears are velvety to the touch and covered in short, fine hair. The tips have a little fringe of silky hair.

Their necks are long, tapered, and deeper at the base. These dogs have straight front legs set quite wide apart on the chest and sloping shoulders. They have well-proportioned bodies with a curved topline that showcases their distinct tuck-up. Their back legs should appear longer than their front legs, giving them a powerful and agile appearance. Their feet are similar to a hare, with tightly closed pads. The tail is fairly thick and tapers to the tip, held slightly curved but not over the back.

Another defining feature of this breed is their coat, which is thick and linty but never wiry. It stands well away from the body. The hair has a distinct twist in it, particularly around the face and head. Acceptable coat colours include: Blue, Blue and tan, Liver, Liver and tan, Sandy, Sandy and tan.

It is also worth noting that dogs with blue coats have black noses while those with sandy and liver-coloured coats have brown noses.

Personality

Confident by nature, the Bedlington Terrier has a real zest for life. They are intelligent and good-natured dogs that make great family pets. Compared to other terrier breeds, they are calmer but can show a bit of their “terrier” stubbornness at times. So, Bedlington Terriers need to be handled and trained with firm yet gentle hands for them to understand their place in the “pack”.

Bedlington Terriers are alert, smart, and energetic. They love being the centre of attention and enjoy entertaining people. They were bred to hunt and chase down game so naturally they have a lot of energy. Regular games or long walks are essential to keep these dogs happy. They are very adaptable as long as they get all the mental and physical stimulation they require.

Bedlington Terriers, like many terrier breeds, are known to be big barkers, especially when visitors approach your home. However, this can be curbed somewhat with training.

Trainability

Bedlington Terriers are intelligent but they also have a bit of a stubborn streak. The best way to train these dogs is through positive reinforcement and short, fun training sessions. Bedlington Terriers do not respond well to harsh training methods. In fact, this is more likely to bring out their stubbornness and willfulness.

Nevertheless, these dogs have competed in the obedience ring successfully for years. Bedlington Terriers view the agility ring as an excellent opportunity to exhibit their grace, enthusiasm, and speed. They also love Earth Dog competitions that showcase their terrier tenacity and eagerness to find prey underground.

With early training and proper socialisation, these active and intelligent dogs can make excellent canine companions. Introduce your pup to a range of sights, sounds, people, and other animals to ensure they grow into well-rounded, obedient, and well-balanced dogs. Remember that these dogs have a strong hunting instinct so it’s advisable to keep them on a lead when outside until fully trained.

Coat & Care

These unique dogs shed very minimally, so they are a good option for allergy sufferers. Although, it’s important to note that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic.

Bedlington Terriers should be brushed at least three times a week to keep the coat mat free and in good condition. It can be helpful to mist the coat with water before brushing to prevent hair breakage. On top of this, your Bedlington Terrier will need to be clipped and trimmed by a professional groomer several times a year because their coats grow very quickly.

Bedlington Terriers need to be bathed sparingly, no more often than once a month unless they get particularly dirty or muddy. Overbathing can alter the balance of the natural oils in the coat and skin, leading to dryness and a range of skin issues. Make sure to use a dog-specific shampoo that contains the proper pH balance.

Daily dental hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth and gum disease. But twice a week brushing is sufficient enough to prevent tartar and bacteria build-up.

Their nails should be checked and trimmed around once a month. However, remember that this timeframe will vary depending on how active your dog is. Check them regularly because long nails can cause pain and even mobility issues. While you trim their nails, check their paw pads are dirt-free and injury-free.

Moreover, check their body as you groom and clean them for any signs of infection or illness. These can include rashes, inflammations, wounds, and abnormal swellings. Your Bedlington Terrier’s eyes must be clean, clear, and healthy without swelling, inflammation, or discharge.

Introduce a grooming routine when your puppy is young, so they get used to it. This will make the process much simpler and more enjoyable for both of you.

Health

Bedlington Terriers can live for 11-14 years, given that these energetic dogs are fed a high-quality diet that matches their age and needs, as well as appropriate care and exercise. These dogs are prone to a few health issues so make sure you only purchase puppies from a licensed breeder. They will be able to check for any underlying health problems through DNA testing.

Some of the health conditions seen in Bedlington Terriers include:

Entropion – A condition where the eyelashes turn inward and rub against the eye, leading to eye irritation. It may need surgery to correct.
Cushing’s Disease – A condition where the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenals, two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. This condition can cause symptoms such as increased thirst and hair loss.
Retinal Dysplasia – A hereditary condition that involves one or both retinas. This can cause progressive blindness.
Imperforate Lachrymal Punctum – A congenital disorder that involves the lack of an opening to the tear duct in the conjunctiva. It can affect one or both eyes.
Hyperkeratosis – A skin condition where excess keratin is produced, causing skin thickening and hardening.
Copper Storage Disease – A liver disease that prevents copper from being excreted from the liver. This causes a build-up of copper which can lead to liver failure. This fatal disease can be tested for by a breeder.

Children & Other Pets

The Bedlington Terrier can be a great playmate for children when raised together. However, make sure to oversee any interaction between a young child and your dog to prevent any injuries. These dogs can handle and tolerate rough handling but will set limits when it gets too rough.

These high-energy dogs can get along well with other dogs, especially when raised with them. However, like all terriers, Bedlington Terriers have a bit of a dominant streak so make sure introductions are done slowly and gently, particularly with other dogs of the same sex. These dogs are not suitable for homes with smaller pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits because of their strong predatory drives.