- to rise: 15.5-17.5 inches
- Weight: 17-23 lbs
- life span: 11-16 years old
- group: AKC dog
- Best suitable for: Families with children, active singles, seniors, apartments, homes with/without yards, guarded
- print: Fun, loyal, gentle, friendly
- Similar Breeds: Blight, Dandy Dinmont Terrier
Bedlington Terrier Basics
This breed was developed in the early 1800s and is named for the Bedlington Mining Shire in Northumberland, England. It was primarily used to hunt vermin, but coal miners also raced dogs for sport, as their slender body was built for speed and endurance. Bedlingtons were pitted against Whippets and frequently won these races.
Once word got about this wonderful breed, hunters and sportsmen began to use it to catch rabbits, otters, polecats and foxes. They can hunt for long periods of time and never get tired. They were even used in the brutal sport of dog fighting. These dogs will never instigate a fight, but once involved, they will fight to the death.
Pedigree
Alert, loyal and strong-willed, the Bedlington Terrier is a true terrier. They love to play with children and will cuddle up on the couch after a long day of play. A great watchdog, this breed will bark whenever a stranger approaches the home. Even if it’s not a stranger, this dog will bark to greet family and friends alike. Yes, you could say this dog loves to bark. To keep this trait in check, training and socialization are mandatory.
When raised with other dogs, the Bedlington Terrier is well suited to the group. But with strange dogs, he can become aggressive. When outdoors, keep your Pediclington in a secure, gated area in the area and always supervise him, as the breed is known for digging its way out of the yard. Plus, he’ll chase any small animal that crosses his path, so if he’s out of range of the handle, he won’t be called upon easily.
joint health problems
life expectancy
The Bedlington Terrier has an average lifespan of 11 to 16 years.
practice requirements
This is an active breed, but a daily walk can be enough exercise for the Padlington Terrier. It also works well on hills and downhills, if you’re so inclined. Because of its small size, this breed can live comfortably in an apartment, as long as it is out for a daily walk
Playing with children is a great form of exercise for a Bedlington Terrier. But you should teach children not to play too much with this breed, because this dog will gnaw or bite when pushed away.
Alert, loyal and strong-willed, the Bedlington Terrier is a true terrier.
AKC
The American Kennel Association says of this breed: “She has a icy suit and is smooth in appearance, and she has a big heart and a lovable nature. This breed is known for its woolly coat that starts out dark and turns pale grey, sandy or liver, giving it the appearance of a lamb The AKC first recognized this breed in 1886.
coat
The Bedlington Terrier’s hair is both soft and comfortable to touch. Also, this hair is prone to curling, especially around the head and face. Most puppies are born with a darker coat that lightens as they get older. You can find coat colors in white, blue, liver, sandy, blue and tan, sandy and tan or liver and tan. The Bedlington has a cap on top of the lightest remainder of his coat.
Bedlington Terriers should be combed once a week and taken to a professional groomer for his lamb clip.
puppies
Start the socialization process early for the Padlington Terrier, because he has a tendency to distrust people and other dogs. Take your dog to all kinds of places so he can meet new people and be exposed to new situations.
Image credit: ccho/Flickr; David Osiani / Wikimedia
