Bedlington Terrier - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

The breeds origin is not clear, but it is believed that the Bedlington Terrier is closely related to Otterhounds and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. During the 1700s there was a dog named Rothbury Terrier, which was used for hunting purposes and which is considered as the first Bedlingtons. It is believed that the breeder Joseph Ainsley bred two Rothbury Terriers in 1825, and the resulting puppies were named as Bedlington Terriers, after English mining city Bedlington.

2) Hunters
They might look like total cuties, but do not forget that this is a terrier. And just like all terriers, they are brave, courageous, kinda independt dogs with excellent hunting skills and higher prey drive. The Bedlington Terrier was succesfully used to hunt rabbits, rats, foxes, otters or badgers.

3) Dark color
Most Bedlington Terriers are in light colors, for example in sandy or blue. But when they are born, puppies have very dark coat and it gets lighter as they grow. And if your dog sustains an injury, which somehow damages the coat, than the coat on this spot grows back very dark again.

4) High energy
The Bedlington Terrier is a highly energetic dog with high stamina. They are also very fast, when they want to be. Not only on land, but also in water. Yes, this is an extraordinary swimmer. Their high activity level is a reason why they excell in various dog sports, for example in agility or tracking trials.

5) Social animals
Bedlingtons just love to be in center of attention. This is a very enthusiastic and social animal who will want to spend every minute with you. Sometimes, they can act clownish and they will definitely make you smile. Thanks to that, they make amazing playful companions for older children.

6) Training
This dog breed is clever, bright and intelligent and they will get new commands quickly, but they are not total pushovers to train. Just like all the terriers, this is an independent animal and they can be stubborn at times. That is why they need firm and patient, but not a harsh trainer to become obedient companions.

7) Brave dogs
There is a saying about the Bedlington Terrier which says, that it is a dog with head of a lamb and the heart of a lion. And indeed, sometimes, they can be absolutely fearless and have serious protective streaks. But of course, their protective side can be castly influenced by early training and socialization.

8) Size
The Bedlington Terrier has curly coat, pear shaped head, deep chest, slender muzzle and arched back. The average height should be between 38-44 cm, which is 15-18 inches and weight between 7-11 kg, which is 17-23 pounds. The females are naturally little bit smaller than males.

9) Hypoallergenic
Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Bedlington Terrier is close to it. They do not shed and have only a very little of the typical doggy odor. But still, they do produce some dander and saliva, so it is no guarantee that the Bedlington Terrier will not trigger your allergies. Eventhough they do not shed, the maintenance is not the easiest and they need regular brushing, monthly clipping and combing.

10) Long lifespan
Great fact about Bedlingtons is, that they have one of the longest lifespan of all dogs of their size and it is between 13-15 years. Of course, just like all dogs they do suffer from some health issues, most common are patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, distiachisis and copper toxicosis, which is hereditary disease is caused by failure of the liver to expel dietary copper.