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Bedlington Terrier

General
Other Names		Rothbury Terrier
Dog Group Kennel Club		Terrier
Breed Classification		Bedlington Terriers belong to the terrier group and are mainly used as companions and seen in the show-ring. However, they are also still used today as ratters.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		< £4 per week
Feeding Requirements		Bedlingtons are generally healthy eaters and can be fed tinned or dry food once or twice a day.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The price of a puppy will be around £350 to £500. They are a hardy breed therefore veterinary expenses should be low.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years The average age expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
Average Litter Size		4 Litter sizes will be around 3 to 4 pups.
General Physical Description		The Bedlington has a narrow skull, is a long legged terrier and has a lamb like coat. They are capable of galloping at high speed.
Height Min Max Bitch 38cm (15") 43cm (17") Dog 38cm (15") 43cm (17") Weight Min Max Bitch 8kg (18lbs) 10kg (22lbs) Dog 8kg (18lbs) 10kg (22lbs)
Size Category		Small
Weight Height Range		Both dogs and bitches measure between 38 - 43cms and weigh between 8 - 10kgs.
Ailments		Although the Bedlington has a decent life span of 12 - 16 years, it does have some hereditary health problems to contend with. The most studied is Copper Toxicosis (CT). Now, with DNA testing, both carriers and affected dogs can be identified and eliminated from breeding programmes, although this is not 100% reliable.. Less serious diseases also afflict the Bedlington, such as Distichiasis. Imperforate Nasolacrimal Puncta is another eye disorder common in Bedlington Terriers.
Common Ailments		Imperforate Nasolacrimal Puncta
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		Originally bred from a combination of local terriers with an outcross to whippets, this is a lean, racy and assertive terrier. Miners in the Rothbury area of Northumberland developed the breed sometime in the 18th century. It was not shown until 1869, but in the meantime developed a reputation as a killer of vermin, a poacher’s sidekick and a fighter. Alternate names it was known by are 'The Rothbury Terrier' and 'The Gypsy Dog', (due to its assistance with poaching.) Although now rarely called into the field, The Bedlington was an excellent hunter due to its acute sense of smell and hearing, as well as its speed and its ability to ‘go to ground.’ It was even known to take on badgers. In its other arena, dog fighting, Bedlingtons were known to fight to the death.
Intelligence		The Bedlington owner should remain aware that this is a wolf in lamb’s clothing and should arrange to socialise it with other dogs and a variety of different people at an early age, in order to avoid problems with aggression. Once good social skills are established, this is a lively, loyal and rewarding companion. This is an intelligent breed but it does have a mind of its own. One must convince the dog that it wants to do what you want it to do. Force would never work with this breed, as it can be more stubborn than most humans. Coercion, such as with positive reinforcement training, is a more efficient method of getting a Bedlington to co-operate.
Show Characteristics		The overall look should be of gracefulness. The Bedlington has a narrow skull with a long tapering jaw that should be solid, not snipey. High at the occiput and wedge shaped, there is no discernible stop, rather a continuous slope to the nose, giving a Roman outline. The topknot is curly and crisp but not wiry and should taper into the nose. The almond shaped eyes should be clearly visible. The eyes are deep set, small and bright. A filbert shaped ear is 3 inches at its widest and narrows to a silky fringe at the tip. The fringe should be 1 - 1 ½ inches long and can look like a tassel. The rest of the pinnae has fine, short hair. The low set ear should be long enough to reach the corner of the mouth and hang flat against the head. The Bedlington’s neck is long and arched. It is deep at the base and extends into flat shoulders. It should help hold the head high. Both front and back legs are long but the hindlegs appear longer due to the roaching of the back. There is slightly more coat on the legs and it should be straighter than other areas. The pasterns of the forelegs are long and sloping. In the hindlegs, the hocks are turned neither in or out and the stifles are well angled. Long, harelike feet should have the dewclaws removed. A s
Country Of Origin		Britain
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		40 - 60 minutes per day. Two long walks a day are adequate to keep the Bedlington Terrier in shape. They excel in games that involve running, jumping and retrieval. They must be kept mentally stimulated to avoid behavioural problems developing.
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Medium
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		High
Compatibility With Other Animals		Low
Suitable For Children		Medium
General Character And Temperament		In the home, the Bedlington would need to be trained to get along with cats and other pets. In terms of other dogs, there can be difficulties if the pack hierarchy is in question, but once the Bedlington establishes itself as dominant, there should be no more problems. They seem to accept larger dogs more easily. Strangers will be announced and repelled if unwelcome, but once accepted into the house by the master, will be given a friendly reception. Bedlingtons do make good watchdogs, as they will be quite courageous once roused. In general, they will be fairly placid if they are receiving a regular amount of mental and physical stimulation. They can adapt to life in a flat if given adequate exercise. They are good with children. Generally, the Bedlington will bond strongly with one family member.
Grooming
Coat Length
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming
Requires Professional Groomer		True
Grooming		Grooming can be somewhat demanding with the Bedlington. The coat should be brushed for about 5 minutes a day and a comb should be run through it at least once a week. About every two months, the dog will need a trim. This can be done by a professional groomer as it is an unusual cut. The other option is to learn the trim yourself from a breeder. Show grooming demands that there be no more than one inch of coat anywhere on the body so this would be even more time consuming.
Colour		The colour begins dark and lightens as the dog matures into blue, the most common colour. Blue and tan, liver and sandy are also seen.
Shedding		None
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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