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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Bedlington Terrier

dog Breed Profile

The Bedlington terrier is unmistakable for its striking resemblance to a lamb.

Attributes

Dolicocephalic (long face), floppy ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

17-23 lbs.

17-23 lbs.

Height

15 in.

(at withers)

16 in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

Blue with or without tan, sandy with or without tan, liver with or without tan

Care

Exercise

20-40 minutes/day

Energy level

Average

Longevity

12-14 yrs

Needs

Moderate

Traits

Barking

High

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

High

Grooming Needs

High

Social Needs

Moderate

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Terrier

UKC Class.

Terrier

Prevalence

Rare

The Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed

Considered a hypoallergenic breed, the Bedlington is considered an acceptable pet for the typical allergy sufferer.

About the Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington terrier is unmistakable for its striking resemblance to a lamb.

Bedlington Terrier personality

The Bedlington is blithe, playful and generally loyal to its owners, friendly to strangers and loving to children. Courageous, energetic and headstrong, the dog is a fierce fighter that rarely backs down from a challenge. Despite its friendly appearance, the Bedlington can be unwelcoming toward cats and other household pets, unless adapted to them at an early age. Bedlingtons like to bark, dig and chase.

What to expect

Active dogs, Bedlington terriers are swift runners that need ample exercise. Without sufficient recreation opportunities, the Bedlington is prone to boredom and mischievous behavior. The are suitable indoor dogs, even for apartment dwellers, as long as adequate exercise is provided. The Bedlington sheds little to no hair and requires specialized clipping every six weeks. The novice owner can learn how to clip the coat at home. Considered a hypoallergenic breed, the Bedlington is considered an acceptable pet for the typical allergy sufferer.

History of the Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington terrier emerged in the parish of Bedlington in Northumberland, England in the early 19th century. Originally known as the Rothbury Terrier, after the namesake district on the English coast, the breed was prized by gypsy nail makers as a hunter of foxes, hares, badgers and rats. In about 1825, a Rothbury dog was mated to a Bedlington bitch to produce the Bedlington terrier. The otter hound and the Dandie Dinmont terrier are also thought to have contributed their genes to the breed.

As a vermin hunter, the plucky Bedlington terrier was a fearless combatant. The dog was also used by the hunters as retrievers. Over time, the terriers were welcomed into homes of the elite, who valued them as well-behaved, first-class companions.

The present-day Bedlington, which was inducted by the American Kennel Club in 1967, is larger in stature than its earlier counterparts.

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