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Bedlington Terrier




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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:

Rothbury Terrier, Gypsy Dog

AKC Group: Terrier        Breed Club: Bedlington Terrier Club of America

Rescue Club: Bedlington Rescue
Breed Characteristics


Body 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:

  • A black puppy will turn into a blue adult and a chocolate brown puppy will become sandy or liver; transformation takes a full year
  • Nonshedding and nonallergenic
  • An excellent watch dog but a hopeless guard dog
  • Likes to run
AKC Miscellaneous Group AKC Herding Group AKC Non-Sporting Group AKC Sporting Group AKC Toy Group AKC Working Group AKC Hound Group AKC Terrier Group
 
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