The Bedlington terrier, this adorable breed with an unusual appearance that resembles a bit of a sheep, attracts the attention of both dog lovers and people who accidentally meet these animals on the street. Although they are dogs with extremely soft fur and a fairy tale-like appearance, they have a lot of energy and character. In this article, we will take a closer look at this unusual breed to help you understand what makes the Bedlington terrier a unique dog.
What do you find in the article?
Bedlington terrier – description and appearance of the breed
Bedlington terrier is a medium-sized dog with a slender but muscular body. Its characteristic feature is its hair – thick, soft and curly, which, when properly trimmed, resembles a sheep’s fleece. Depending on grooming, the fur can vary in length, but it should always be neat and soft.
The Bedlington terrier’s head is quite small compared to the rest of the body, with a prominent foot and medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes. The ears are low-set and pendulous, covered with long, soft fur. The color of the eyes depends on the color of the fur and can be dark brown or hazel.
Character of the Bedlington terrier dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
The Bedlington terrier is an extremely versatile dog that was originally used to hunt pests such as rodents. Thanks to its intelligence and agility, it also does well in various dog sports and competitions, such as agility and obedience.
What kind of personality does it have?
Although the Bedlington terrier is an energetic and agile dog, he is also surprisingly calm and gentle. He is loyal to his family and gets along well with children. It is also a dog that gets along well with other animals, although it may try to dominate other dogs.
Bedlington terrier – how to train and raise?
Bedlington terrier is a breed that needs consistent training and positive parenting methods. They are intelligent and eager to learn, but can also be a bit stubborn. Owners should be patient and consistent in their training methods, as well as devote sufficient time to daily exercise.
For whom is the Bedlington terrier suitable?
Due to its active nature and potential tendency to dominate, the Bedlington terrier is best for owners who have experience with dog ownership. However, this breed is not suitable for the elderly or for those who are unable to devote time to daily physical and mental activity.
Bedlington terrier – price
The price of a Bedlington terrier puppy can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the breeder, the pedigree line of the puppy, as well as its color and sex. The average price for a puppy of this breed in USA is about $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
Among the disadvantages of Bedlington terriers is their potential propensity for dominance, which may require consistent training and the establishment of a hierarchy. In addition, due to their energy and need for daily activity, they may not be suitable for all families.
Advantages
Advantages of this breed include their versatility, intelligence, and loyalty. They are dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, and their soft and hypoallergenic coat makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
Bedlington terrier – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
The Bedlington terrier, like any dog, needs a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. It is usually recommended to feed the dog a high-quality dry food that is adapted to the dog’s age, size and activity level.
Grooming
Grooming Bedlington terriers requires regular brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Regular trimming of the coat by a professional groomer is also recommended to maintain the breed’s distinctive appearance.
Diseases
The Bedlington terrier is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain diseases, such as hip dysplasia, eye disease and kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to have regular veterinary checkups and adequate health insurance for your dog.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Before buying a Bedlington terrier puppy, it is important to prepare the right accessories and equipment. This includes food and water bowls, a bed, toys for chewing and playing, a leash and collar, as well as various grooming tools such as brushes and scissors.
History of the Bedlington terrier dog breed
Origins
The origins of the Bedlington terrier breed date back to the Northumberland region of northern England, where they were bred in the 19th century by miners who employed these dogs to hunt rodents and vermin. The region, famous for its many mines, was home to many pests that posed a threat to the health and safety of miners and the mines’ infrastructure. The Bedlington terrier, with its agility, courage and intelligence, proved to be the ideal dog for this kind of work.
Development of the breed
Over time, the Bedlington terrier gained recognition not only as an effective pest hunter, but also as a companion and family dog, thanks to its intelligence, loyalty and unique sheep-like appearance. Owners began exhibiting these dogs at dog shows, appreciating their elegant appearance and friendly disposition. By the 19th century, the breed was well established and began to gain popularity outside the UK.
Today
Today, the Bedlington terrier is recognized and appreciated around the world, both as a companion and sporting dog. Despite its origins and original purpose, it is a breed that has found its place both in homes and in sports arenas. It was even chosen as the mascot of the town of Bedlington, England, which gave it its name.
Unusual appearance, intelligence, versatility and devotion to man make the Bedlington terrier a highly valued breed among many dog owners. This breed, which got its start in the red mines of Northumberland, has become synonymous with elegance, strength and fidelity, making the Bedlington terrier now prized around the world.
Bedlington terrier dog breed standard
The Bedlington terrier is a dog with a distinct, unique appearance that stands out among other breeds. Its build is simultaneously slender and muscular, marking both the speed and strength that were so important to its original role as a hunting dog.
The Bedlington’s head is long and slender, with a distinctive “stop” between the eyes, as well as a pronounced almond shape. The eyes are small and well set, often with a dark color that contrasts with the light coat. The ears are low-set and tipped with a fringe.
The Bedlington terrier has a strong, deep chest and well-muscled paws that are proportional to the rest of the body. Its tail is short and sharply pointed, often raised upward, but does not cross the line of the back.
What distinguishes the Bedlington terrier most is its coat. It is thick, curly and soft, similar to a sheep’s coat, giving it a distinctive hairy appearance. The coat can come in a variety of shades, including blue, silver, brown and light gray, usually with darker “markings” on the ears.
The breed standard recommends that the coat be trimmed and groomed regularly to maintain the dog’s distinctive appearance. In practice, this means regular brushing to prevent the coat from becoming tangled, as well as professional trimming to maintain its shape and appearance.
Bedlington terrier – interesting facts about the breed
The Bedlington terrier is a breed that is full of surprises and uniqueness, both for dog lovers and for those who are just getting to know these unique dogs.
- Starting with their unique coat, which is thick, curly and similar to that of a sheep. It is this woolly coat that attracts the attention of many people and makes these dogs easily recognizable.
- Despite its sheepish appearance, the Bedlington terrier is a breed that is full of energy and agility. These dogs are known for their skills in various sports, including agiliti, obedience and coursing.
- Although the Bedlington terrier is a dog with a strong character, it is also very loyal and devoted to its family. It is known for its firm yet gentle disposition. They are dogs that excel in the company of children and other animals, provided they are properly trained and socialized.
- The Bedlington terrier has the unique ability to change pace and lifestyle depending on the situation. They can spend hours lazily lounging on the couch, but when it’s time to play or work, they can immediately switch into activity mode.
- This breed is known for its talent for “singing.” The Bedlington terrier can make various sounds that can resemble melodies. Some owners claim that their dogs “sing” in response to music or instrument sounds.
- The Bedlington terrier is one of the few breeds that have a hypoallergenic coat, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
- Finally, the Bedlington terrier is a breed that has its own mascot – “Bobby” – a statue of the dog, which is located in the town of Bedlington, England, where the breed originated.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.
