Background
The Bedlington Terrier was bred in the village of Bedlington Northumberland during the 1800s and had been a great companion for the northern miners. The Bedlington has had many different names: Rodbury Terrier, Rothbury Terrier, and Rothbury’s Lambs (named for the Lord of Rothbury who loved the breed). Even before that they were known as “gypsy dogs” because gypsies and poachers used them for hunting.
The Bedlington Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
Sizing up
- Weight: 17 to 23 lbs.
- Height: 15 to 16 inches
- Coat: Mixture of hard and soft fur. The texture is crisp but not wiry and has a curl to it.
- Color: Blue, liver, or sandy coloration and some have tan points. They carry a greying gene which causes puppies born with black or dark brown fur to lighten to grey or liver with age.
- Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years
What’s the Bedlington Terrier like?
The Bedlington Terrier is a dog of many traits. He can be the perfect family dog: quiet, reserved, and loving in the company of children. He can also be aggressive and active at times. He’ll definitely need exercise in order to get all of his energy out so plan for plenty of walks and play dates.
The Bedlington Terrier can be stubborn. He can be very jealous around other dogs and may even resort to fighting, but early training and socialization can help to rid him of his nasty pugilism habit. If possible get him into a puppy kindergarten class when he’s around ten or twelve weeks old so he can have opportunities to socialize with other dogs at a young age.
The Bedlington’s coat should be combed at least once a week and trimmed every six to eight weeks.
Health
The Bedlington Terrier is generally a healthy breed but watch for any of the following:
- Heart murmur
- Copper toxicosis (liver disease)
- Retinal dysplasia
- Distichiasis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Takeaway Points
- The Bedlington Terrier is actually fairly easy to groom.
- The Bedlington Terrier is great with children.
- The Bedlington Terrier is extremely fast so keep an eye on him when off his leash outside.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.