Bedlington Terrier

Recognizable for their lamb-like appearance, Bedlington Terriers are lively and devoted dogs. They have above-average grooming and exercise needs, adore children and are quick to bark.

The Bedlington is a cross of a Whippet and Dandie Dinmont. The breed was named after the mining town in northeast England where it originated. In the 19th century they were used by miners to fight and hunt vermin.

Personality

Lively, happy, faithful and devoted, with a bit of Terrier stubbornness and feistiness mixed in
Known to have the appearance of a lamb and the heart of a lion
If another animal challenges the Bedlington, this little lion will not back down and can be a surprisingly frightening fighter

Size

15-23 pounds
15-17 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

Excellent companion that adores children and can be welcoming to strangers
Gets along well with other pets as long as they are properly introduced and socialized
Needs lots of exercise
Well suited to an urban or suburban environment
Quick to bark at any new sound, person or animal; will likely need training to learn when not to bark

Training

Excitable as puppies and can begin training early on
Respond best to reward-based, gentle but firm, consistent training

Exercise

Need plenty of exercise: one hour on leash and one hour off leash for younger Bedlingtons
Tend to be both mischievous and destructive if not properly exercised
Off-leash play should only take place in secured areas, because if they see what they think is prey, they will chase after it
Great agility dog

Coat

Can be blue, sandy or liver and have tan markings
The color lightens as they get older
The “pom-poms” on the end of the ears and longer hair on top of their heads were intended so that the vermin they were hunting would get caught in the fur instead of harming their ears or head
Should be brushed two to three times per week, paying special attention to the ears
Professional grooming required every six to eight weeks

Care

Ears need special attention: comb them on the outside and use an ear wipe on the inside

Health

Sturdy breed that may be genetically prone to Cooper Storage Disease (an inherited liver problem), kidney disease, thyroid problems, cataracts and retinal disease

Lifespan

15-17 years

Rescue

To adopt a Bedlington Terrier, visit the Bedlington America rescue group

PHOTO: David Owsiany

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