The Bedlington Terrier is also known as: Rothbury Terrier
Fast Facts
| Group classification: Terrier | Country of origin: England | Date of origin: 19th century |
| Weight (M): 17 - 23 lb | Height (M): 16.5" | Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years |
| Weight (F): 17 - 23 lb | Height (F): 15.5" |
General Description of the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful medium-sized dog of good proportion. The head is well-rounded yet narrow, with a short skull and long jaw. On top of the head is a thick topknot which is lighter in shade than the rest of the coat. The almond-shaped eyes are set high on the head, and range in color from hazel to dark brown depending on coat color. The expression is one of courage and energy. The low-set triangular ears sport rounded tips and are three inches at their widest point. The nose features large, well-defined nostrils, while the jaws and muzzle are strong and well-tapered. The head is carried high on a muscular, tapered neck, leading to a deep-chested, muscular body. The hind legs are a bit longer than the front legs, slightly bent at the pasterns. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point that reaches to the hock. The coat texture is quite distinctive, not wiry, yet not soft, with a slight curl. Coat color can vary, and can include sandy, silver, blue, blue and tan, sandy and tan, and liver and tan.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
Bedlington Terriers are playful and affectionate, and are ideal for households with children. They can also be kept in homes with smaller pets like cats if they are socialized with them from puppyhood. Bedlingtons are energetic without being yappy. Because these dogs are terriers bred to hunt small vermin, they should be kept on a leash or in a well-fenced yard to prevent them from running after rabbits and squirrels. They are loyal and quite friendly, even with strangers. The Bedlington Terrier makes a great indoor dog provided it gets a chance to exercise everyday. You may want to supervise your Bedlington when it is outdoors, as these dogs are voracious diggers.
Caring for a Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier usually does not shed in the normal sense, since shed hairs tend to cling to the coat. You will need to brush and comb the coat on a regular basis and take the dog for coat clipping every two months or so. Keep the ears clean and free from dirt and mites, and the nails trimmed. People with allergies often choose the Bedlington because of its hypo-allergenic coat qualities. Like most dogs, the Bedlington Terrier will need to be walked daily. When left alone for long periods or not given sufficient exercise, the Bedlington can become destructive out of boredom. Health problems in this breed include copper toxicosis, distichiasis and renal cortical hypoplasia.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
Bedlington Terriers are playful and affectionate, and are ideal for households with children. They can also be kept in homes with smaller pets like cats if they are socialized with them from puppyhood. Bedlingtons are energetic without being yappy. Because these dogs are terriers bred to hunt small vermin, they should be kept on a leash or in a well-fenced yard to prevent them from running after rabbits and squirrels. They are loyal and quite friendly, even with strangers. The Bedlington Terrier makes a great indoor dog provided it gets a chance to exercise everyday. You may want to supervise your Bedlington when it is outdoors, as these dogs are voracious diggers.
Caring for a Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier usually does not shed in the normal sense, since shed hairs tend to cling to the coat. You will need to brush and comb the coat on a regular basis and take the dog for coat clipping every two months or so. Keep the ears clean and free from dirt and mites, and the nails trimmed. People with allergies often choose the Bedlington because of its hypo-allergenic coat qualities. Like most dogs, the Bedlington Terrier will need to be walked daily. When left alone for long periods or not given sufficient exercise, the Bedlington can become destructive out of boredom. Health problems in this breed include copper toxicosis, distichiasis and renal cortical hypoplasia.
