BEDLINGTON TERRIER Breed Standards
Also known as the Rothbury Terrier, the Bedlington is believed by some to have been originally bred by the gypsy people of the Rothbury Forest in England. Most sources, however, are content to say the Bedlington’s ancient origins are a mystery, and credit a man named Joseph Ainsley of Bedlington, England with breeding the first true Bedlington Terrier in 1825. Starting at that time, the dog found instant popularity as a skilled ratter and hunter of small game. In this capacity, the dog is greatly aided by its incredible speed, which some point to as evidence that the Whippet might be one of its ancestors.
In 1877, the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in England. Since then, the breed has been recognized by many canine organizations, including the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today, the Bedlington Terrier can be seen in the field, the show ring and in the family room, although the breed’s extensive grooming needs tend to scare away all but the most attentive of owners.
SKILLS: In the past the Bedlington Terrier was used to destroy vermin and for hunting hares and foxes, among other smaller animals. Today they are chiefly family pets. A graceful, lithe, well-balanced dog with no sign of coarseness, weakness or shelliness. In repose the expression is mild and gentle, not shy or nervous. Aroused, the dog is particularly alert and full of immense energy and courage. Noteworthy for endurance, Bedlingtons also gallop at great speed, as their body outline clearly shows.
SIZE: The should-height is approximately 41cm (16 1/4 in) with a permissible 2.5cm (1in) higher and lower latitude.
COAT: The Bedlington Terrier in fact does look like a little sheep. The head has no stop, descending in an unbroken line from crown to nose. The eyes are small and deep set. It has a pointed tail and straight front legs with hare-like feet. The thick double coat is a mixture of soft and harsher hairs and comes in blue, liver or sandy. The dog may have tan markings over the eyes and on the legs, chest and rear. The Bedlington has a unique springy gait, particularly when moving slowly. The Bedlington Terrier used to be called a wolf in sheep's clothing. Its coat grows in curly short whirls, which stand out from the body. They can be plain blue, blue with brown, liver or sandy-colored. The most common color is blue. Puppies are born black brown.
CARE REQUIRED: This dog needs to visit a professional at least once a year for its coat to be kept in order and also requires regular grooming with brush and comb. It does not shed. Keep the inside of the ears free of hair by removing the hairs yourself or get a professional to do it for you. Bedlingtons should not be washed too often the coat will become lank, which is not considered appropriate for the breed. Dogs which are to be shown require higher levels of grooming.
CHARACTER: The Bedlington Terrier is brave and tenacious, intelligent, peaceful indoors and equable. It is loving with children, playful, barks little, is loyal, cheerful and has a mind of its own. These dogs tend to bond closely with one member of the family
TRAINING: Bedlingtons are intelligent and they grasp things quickly, although they can be a bit stubborn. They react well to your voice, but the occasional sterner corrective measure may be required.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: This breed usually gets on well with children. They need to learn to like cats and other household animals when they are young. Usually they can get on well with other dogs but keep them away from those that want to dominate, as once challenged they are terrifying fighters!
EXERCISE: The Bedlington Terrier can run fast and jump high and it loves doing both. Letting it un beside your bicycle is an ideal way for it to burn off energy.
