Bedlington Terrier – Terrier
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The Bedlington Terrier – the Lamb-like Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier - If you want a poodle, but also a terrier, this is the dog breed for you.
Is it just us who think they look like a character out of a Star Wars Movie?
Image: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com
Quick Overview
Name: The Bedlington terrier
Size: No bigger than 16.5 inches
Weight: No heavier than 10.5 kg or it is overweight
Grooming: Minimum needed, hypoallergenic and odour free
Training: Reasonable – medium difficulty
Exercise: 2 hours daily
Temperament: Will slaughter your enemies and cover your children in kisses
Origins: Bedlington, in England, a mining town
Lifespan: Up to 16 years
Breed Type: Terrier
Where Does the Bedlington Terrier Come From?
Image: Piotr Zajda/Shutterstock.com
At some time in the 1800s, the men that mined the pits in England realised there was the need for a new type of terrier. One which was big enough to scare rats out of the mines, small enough to get down the shafts. They also had to be fast enough to get out when they had to, and intelligent enough to know the differences in these decisions. The Bedlington was born as a ratter, made to patrol the tunnels of the mines. But it wasn’t long before others started to see their potential…
The Bedlington was first known as the Rothbury Terrier, but the first recorded Bedlington was in 1825. It is said that miners kept them as a constant companion, often betting on which dog would catch the most rats. Later, this breed would earn the name of the ‘gypsy dog’, since travelling Romani’s kept them for their fantastic rabbit and vermin hunting skills. Their speed also meant that they could keep up with any caravan, regardless of speed.
The first dog show featuring this breed was in 1870, with the dog making an appearance at the Crystal Palace shows a year later. The Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in 1875 and, although we couldn’t find it today, we did track down the Bedlington Terrier Association, which is close.
The Bedlington Terrier has spent the last two hundred years or so at every end of society. They have been the pets of the nobleman, have worked the mines, and have patrolled factory floors. They have been seen in warehouses, used as travelling buddies, and eventually found their place at our sides again, this time as companion dogs to anyone who loves a little lamb.
In 1877 the breed standard was finally set by the UK kennel club, and seven years after that they found their way to America. This is a hardy, intelligent rat-chasing dog who has a heart full of love. They have had such a profound effect on the community that birthed them that the football team for Bedlington are known as ‘the Terriers’ to this very day.
Fun Facts!
There are loads of dog breeds that are great fun out there, and the Bedlington is a brilliant example. They’re balls of fluff that would tackle elephants to the ground, but besides this, here are some of the other fun facts from Five Minutes Spare:
- We weren’t kidding about them being like lambs, it is noted in their breed standard and everything! A white one could get lost forever in a sheep field.
- The first known dog of this breed was known as Piper. It is said he could take down a grown badger at 8 months old and that he was still working until he went blind. He died at 15, revered all over the country for his skills.
- They are thought to be cousins to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, one of the worst named dog breeds in the world.
- They are so closely related that it is possible to bring a Dandie and a Bedlington from the same litter of pups!
So now you know, this is an exceptional breed of terrier whose ability as a rat catcher are only exceeded by their ability to capture our hearts.
How Do You Groom Your Bedlington?
Once a week for brushing. They might not need to be brushed at all, but it is good bonding for you two. They don’t shed, they don’t smell, if you want a low maintenance pup, this could be the medium-sized dog breed of your dreams. Don’t forget they will need their nails clipped and teeth brushed often.
What About Exercise?
This is a medium breed, so two long walks a day or one long walk and one long play is needed. They are dainty pups that will put on weight easily if you overfeed, so do be careful. Remember too that they were bred to chase things around all day, so you have to burn off that energy or risk a wrecked home…
How Easy is it to Train a Bedlington Terrier?
They will need to be socialised from the moment they arrive in your home, but they are generally friendly. They are natural ratters, which means they have a high prey drive and will chase small things. You shouldn’t let them off the lead without obedience training to ensure they will come back to you.
Where Can I Buy A Puppy?
When buying any puppy – not just a Bedlington terrier – you should see a list of registered breeders rather than buying from someone that you found online. Cheap puppies are often the result of puppy farming, which is a cruel practice that hurts the dog. If your breeder won’t let you meet one of your pup’s parents, or can’t provide paperwork, they might well be a farmer. Your local kennel club will have a list of registered safe breeders, but you should try your local shelters before you buy a breed dog.
Are They a Healthy Breed?
The Bedlington Terrier is known to live for a long time. A kennel club survey of 48 dogs found the average lifespan at 18.4 years old! This being said, health problems to look out for involve cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and kidney problems. They are not an ancient breed otherwise and are relatively healthy in terrier terms.
Left Wanting More?
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