|
Bedlington Terrier |
Blue and sandy
colors of
Bedlingtons, working
dogs from England
|
| Alternative
names |
| Rothbury Terrier |
| Country of
origin |
| United Kingdom |
| Classification
and breed standards |
| FCI: |
Group 3 Section 1 #9 |
Stds |
| AKC: |
Terrier |
Stds |
| ANKC: |
Group 2 (Terriers) |
Stds |
| CKC: |
Group 4 - Terriers |
Stds |
|
KC (UK): |
Terrier |
Stds |
| NZKC: |
Terrier |
Stds |
| UKC: |
Terriers |
|
The Bedlington Terrier is a
breed of dog. It is one of many breeds
of
terrier and is named after the
mining town of Bedlington,
Northumberland in North East England.
Bedlington
Terrier Appearance
The Bedlington Terrier is often
described as looking like a lamb on a
leash, probably because it has fur with
a linty texture. This is a non-shedding
coat. Born blue, sandy, or liver, all as
solid colors or with tan markings, these
colors become paler when the dog becomes
an adult.
The head is wedge-shaped with
sparkling eyes. Although it looks meek
when reclining on the couch, the
Bedlington Terrier is argumentative and
every inch a terrier when aroused. Its
body shape is unusual for a terrier,
being somewhat like a
Greyhound or Whippet in
construction, which enables it to gallop
at great speed. However, the front legs
are constructed differently from
coursing hounds in that the front legs
are closer together at the feet than at
the elbows. This enables a Bedlington
Terrier to turn or pivot quickly when
chasing quarry at high speed. At a trot,
the Bedlington moves with a 'mincing'
gait, picking its feet up in what
appears to be a dainty manner.
They are groomed with large patches
of fur on their heads and ears. This is
because the breed used to hunt rats,
which would try to claw at their ears or
head. With the fur, they just became
entangled in it.
Bedlington
Terrier History
The original name of this breed of
dog was the Rothbury Terrier after a
town, like Bedlington, in
Northumberland. The Rothbury Terriers
were bred by gypsies in the Rothbury
Forest near the border with Scotland.
Indeed, Bedlington Terriers were said to
have developed at the heels of gypsy
caravans, chasing down squirrels and
other small game.
The Bedlington Terrier, which was
first shown in Bedlington in 1870, is
likely to have come from the Rothbury
Terrier. Unlike other Terriers, the
Bedlington's quarry—hare and
rabbits—lived above ground, which is why
a galloping or coursing breed was
useful. In addition, this breed was used
for dog fighting at one time.
The first Bedlington Terrier club was
formed in 1877.
Bedlington
Terrier Grooming & Exercise Needs
Bedlington Terriers don't shed but
need weekly combing and professional
grooming every 3-4 months to keep their
coats (which tend to curl) in good
shape. This high-energy dogs needs
several vigorous walks and aerobic play
sessions daily.
