Bedlington Terrier

Although this small terrier

looks like a stuffed toy, she is

a game little hunter. In England, the

breed was used to kill badgers, foxes, and

other vermin. Named for the mining village

where the breed was popular, this dog

did not reach the public’s attention until

the ...

ate 1800s when the National

Bedlington Terrier Club (England) was

formed.

Bedlingtons stand 15.5 to 16.5 inches

tall and weigh 17 to 25 pounds. They

have narrow heads crowned by a topknot

of coat, which is lighter in color than the rest of the coat and tapers down the face to just behind

the nose. The eyes are small, and the ears are triangular and hang flat. The chest is deep, and the

back arches to the hips. The coat has a mixture of both hard and soft hairs and has a tendency to

curl. It may be blue, sandy, or liver-colored, with or without tan markings.

This breed can be a challenge to learn to groom, and most pet owners would do well to ask their

dog’s breeder to show them how. The topknot on the face must be shaped, and the coat must be

trimmed on the body. Show dogs can have no more than 1 inch of coat on the body, although the

legs can have a slightly longer coat.

Bedlingtons are not as active as many other terriers. A good

walk morning and night, with a playtime in between, will keep

most of these dogs happy. If allowed to run off leash, they must

be in a safe, fenced-in yard. These dogs can be enthusiastic

hunters and will chase rabbits, squirrels, or running cats.

Training should begin early so that dog and owner can bond

and the terrier can be socialized to other dogs. Training is often

a challenge, so the owner should be patient and keep the training

structured yet fun.

The Bedlington is a scrappy little dog, yet she enjoys the

comforts of home, too. She can be dog-aggressive, especially to

dogs of the same sex. She can be good with cats but cannot be

trusted not to chase them. Health concerns include copper toxicosis,

eye problems, and kidney disease.

BREED IN BRIEF

Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC
Occupation: Hunter,companion
Size: 15.5 to 16.5 in tall; 17to 25 lbs
Longevity: 10 to 12 years
Exercise: Moderate
Training: Moderate
Grooming: Difficult