Bedlington Terrier
Summary
The Bedlington Terrier is probably the terrier with the most surprising appearance: at first glance it looks like a lamb, with its curly coat and characteristic topknot. However, beneath that delicate appearance hides a courageous and tenacious hunting dog, developed in Northumberland, in northern England, by the miners of Bedlington in the 18th century. It was used to catch rodents in the mines and to hunt fox and otter.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 41 cm
- Height (female)
- 38 cm
- Weight (male)
- 8–10 kg
- Weight (female)
- 7–9 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 11–16 years
- Coat
- abundant, curly; mixture of hard and soft hair; with topknot on the head
- Common Colors
- blue, sandy, liver; or blue-and-tan, sandy-and-tan, liver-and-tan
Temperament & Personality
Despite its stuffed-toy appearance, the Bedlington is a dog of strong character. It is very affectionate and loyal to the family, good with children, and less aggressive toward other dogs than most terriers. However, if provoked, it reveals the typical terrier courage. Intelligent, it enjoys mental and physical activities; it tends to be calmer at home than other terriers, adapting better to family environments.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate to high
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 45–60 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Minimal
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4–6 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Copper toxicosis (severe hereditary liver disease)
- Eye problems
- Mitral valve disease (MVD — main cardiac cause in senior Whippets)
- Patellar luxation
- Skin allergies
- Recommended Health Tests
- Copper toxicosis genetic test (mandatory)
- Eye examination
- Joint X-ray
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- With Other Dogs
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Acceptable
