The Bedlington Terrier has the looks of a cute little lamb, with a curly mixture of hard and soft hair. Their thick double coat is most often blue, sandy, liver, tan or a combination of the above. It requires experienced trimming and daily brushing. Both the males and females weigh around 18-23 pounds (8-10 kg), but there is a slight difference in height. The dogs can be over 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), while the bitches are a little bit smaller: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm). The body shape of this breed is different from most terriers - actually it is different from any other breed: the legs on this dog create a rather unique triangular shape when viewed from the front.
The Bedlington Terrier is a type of terrier named after the town of Bedlington, situated in North East England. The breed was first used for hunting and racing. Therefore it became very graceful in shape and quite speedy. Its pear-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes give it the tranquil and peaceful look of a lamb, while at the same time maintaining the agility of a hunter. The dog is mild and gentle, but full of energy and playfulness, although much calmer than most of the other terriers.
Fearless and agile, these dogs can be strong fighters if challenged, which is why they should be kept far from dogs that have a tendency to dominate. They are smart, reliable, clean (they will not jump in the mud without any good reason) and real family companions, as they enjoy playing with children and are really responsive to commands. When it comes to their relationship with cats and other animals, they need early, solid and consistent training. When with other dogs, they have the tendency to take the role of leaders and they seem to more easily accept larger sized dogs.
Although they need exercise and regular walks, they can make good dogs even for indoor living and small interiors. These dogs are very active and energetic, and it is recommended that they are allowed to express their hunting instincts in all sorts of exercises and playing routines.
Because the Bedlington Terrier has a strong character and personality, it has to be kept active and occupied at all times. As it is quite stubborn (sometimes even more stubborn than its own master), one should not use force in training. Even for simple exercises, the breeder should be gentle and not a all superior in his behavior towards the dog. They like to dig and bark, but they compensate by being friendly and affectionate. They can be jealous and protective, but not normally aggressive. They are also extremely sensitive to peoples feelings and they get attached especially to one member of the family.
The longevity of a Bedlington Terrier can be over 17 years, which is longer than most breeds of similar size. It gives birth to three to six puppies a year. Unfortunately, this breed can develop copper toxicosis, an accumulation of excess copper in the liver.
With the courage of a lion, the personality of a smart and determined child, the look and softness of a lamb, the energy of a young jogger, the Bedlington Terrier can become the perfect dog to cheer up and color your daily life.
