The origin of the breed, the standard of the exterior, the nature of the Bedlington Terrier, health, care and training characteristics, interesting facts. Puppy cost. It is difficult to confuse the Bedlington Terrier with any other dog, so unusual is its exterior, reminiscent of a small graceful lamb. But this dog is only seemingly such a harmless "cutie". The cute "lamb" has a "steel" character and the heart of a real fearless tiger, strong, dexterous and courageous, always able to stand up for his rights. And a cute "mask-cap" made of fluffy curly wool is so … "snag" for especially sensitive ladies. Well, and - a special outfit for exhibition shows, of course. The Terrier from Bedlington must look dignified and "in full dress", claiming the title of champion.
The origin story of the Bedlington Terrier
Compared to other ancient dog breeds with almost a thousand-year pedigree, the history of the Bedlington Terriers looks rather modest. The first information that has come down to our days about dogs similar to the modern Bedlington dog dates back to the end of the 18th century. And geographically come from the English county of Northumberland, located on the border with Scotland. The very first animal mentioned in the document dated 1782 and which, according to the researchers, is the forefather of the future "Bedlingtons" was a dog named Olden Flint (from English - "Old Flint"), which belonged to Sir Trevelyan from the town of Netherwhitton) near Rothbury. It is from the name of the small town of Rothbury that the original name of the dogs of the future breed - Rothbury Terrier - comes from. However, another, less known in our time, name of the species has survived - the Northumberland Fox Terrier.
The main occupations in England of these nimble and dexterous dogs were the extermination of rats and other rodents, as well as helping humans to hunt rabbits, foxes, otters, beavers and badgers. The Rothbury Terriers combined the high speed of hounds with the strength, agility and extraordinary slyness of a hunting terrier biter (according to researchers in the folk selection of those ancient years, there were crosses of terriers with greyhounds).
In the future, the Rotbery Terriers became most widespread in the northwest of Northumberland County in the vicinity of the mining town of Bedlington. In 1820, the first pair of promising rat fighters was brought to Bedlington: an almost black (with a light strand on the crown) female Phoebe and a liver-colored male with the original nickname Old Piper (Old Piper). Soon from them was received the dog Young Piper (Young Piper), which is now officially considered the first dog-bedlington. Well, since 1825, the Rotbery Terriers began to be called quite differently, changing the old breed name to a more consonant with their new homeland - the Bedlington Terrier. It is also believed that short-legged terriers were subsequently bred into dandy-daimont-terriers, and long-legged individuals became full-fledged "bedlington".
Some time later, Bedlington Terriers, in addition to hunting rabbits and rodents, began to be used to bait badgers and foxes for the amusement of the crowd (bloody entertainment was gaining momentum in Great Britain). Thus, developing in them not only fighting talents, but also excessive aggression and bloodthirstiness. Closer to the middle of the 19th century, a new dog from Northumberland County was finally noticed by English dog breeders and already received planned development. And the first thing the breeders started with was they tried to eradicate the inadequate aggressiveness of Bedlington Terriers that has appeared in recent years. At the same time, they tried to improve not only the working qualities of the animal, but also to increase its presentability due to a special recognizable exterior. It is assumed that for this purpose, breeders used not only the brightest representatives of the Bedlington Terrier species, but also Whippet and Greyhound dogs.
In 1867 the first Bedlington Terrier Standard was developed, and in 1875 the first British National Bedlington Terrier Club was established. From that moment on, cute "Bedlington" dogs were constantly exhibited at championships and exhibitions held in Britain, popularizing the breed in every possible way.
The increased show popularity over time served a rather negative service, turning a cute animal with an original "cap" on its head from a working terrier into a purely exhibition specimen of a decorative dog, completely devoid of any working skills. And this state of affairs did not at all suit the English hunters and dog breeders, who wanted to see a full-fledged representative of the breed, and not his pitiful likeness. Thus, gradually the breeding of these dogs received a division into the Show Terrier branch and the Bedlington working dog branch. In 1970, through the efforts of enthusiasts, the Working Bedlington Terrier Club of Great Britain was finally officially created.
In the United States, the first "Bedlingtons" appeared at the end of the 19th century, brought in by British officers, and were included in the Studbook of America's Dogs in 1886. But it wasn't until 1936 that the breed became a full-fledged member of the American Ktnnel Club. The breed reached its peak in popularity in the United States in 1965, reaching its largest population of 816 individuals.
For more than a hundred years, the bedlington breeding standard has changed at least five times, constantly adjusting to changes in the exterior of the animal. Finally, in 1981, the last revision was approved, which still exists today (with only minor clarifications).
The modern breed "Bedlington Terrier" is recognized by all canine organizations in the world (FCI, CKC, AKC, ANKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR) and is in great demand, especially in the aristocratic circles of Great Britain, as well as among English hunters.
Despite the fact that the breed is quite in demand, it has never experienced a particular boom in popularity.
Purpose and use of the Bedlington Terrier breed
The main purpose of the past years of these cute "lambs" is the extermination of rats and the hunt for a wide variety of game: river otter, badger, rabbit, fox and beaver.
Nowadays, Bedlington specialization is divided into hunting dogs, which are still in demand by British and American hunters, and show-class terriers that compete in show championships and live as companion dogs or ordinary pets for the soul. It is extremely rare for "bedlingtons" to be found in agility or flyball competitions.
Bedlington Terrier external standard
The Bedlington is a terrier with unique working qualities. And although this cannot be said by its cute appearance, this dog is able to give odds to many other terriers in hunting rodents and even larger animals - badgers and foxes. All of his cleverly cut graceful body is perfectly adapted to the pursuit of game and prolonged single combat with a strong opponent. The height at the withers of the Bedlington Terrier reaches a maximum of 38 to 43 centimeters, with a body weight of up to 10 kg.
- Head has a refined pear-shaped shape (this is what was written in one of the first standards, but later this term was abandoned, having decided to call the shape of the head "wedge-shaped"). The animal's skull is relatively wide, the cheekbones are pronounced, the area under the eyes is well filled. The stop (the transition from the forehead to the muzzle) is not distinct, rather smooth (there should not be a sharp stop). The muzzle is elongated and, as written in the early standards, "with an expression of shyness, meekness." The head and muzzle of the Bedlington Terrier is covered with an elegant "cap" of curly silky wool (which does not allow you to see the feet and the back of the dog's nose). Lips tight to the jaws, without flews. The nasal bridge is refined and straight. The nose is large, pigmented in accordance with the color of the terrier's coat (black in silver and black-silver individuals, brown in dogs of brown and silver-brown color). The jaws are very strong and tenacious. The teeth are even, with a regular scissor bite.
- Eyes small, deep and wide set, ideally triangular. Eye color varies from coat color. Dogs with silver and black-silver color have the darkest eye color (dark brown and black). Individuals of black-silver with tan color have a lighter eye color (hazel or light brown). Brown terriers (in all variations) have the lightest eyes (amber brown and pale brown).
- Ears the Bedlington Terrier is of medium size, low set, thin, nut-shaped, hanging along the cheekbones. The ears are covered with short hair, forming a kind of fringe at the tips of the ears (often trimmed in the form of tassels).
- Neck elongated, strong, muscular, dry, without dewlap.
- Torso gracefully elongated, lithe, slender, muscular and agile. The chest is wide, long, well developed. The back is strong, not wide, has a dome-shaped line in the lumbar region, characteristic of the breed. The withers are barely marked. The croup is strong, short, noticeably sloping towards the tail. The belly is well tucked up, athletic.
- Tail Bedlington Terriers are of medium set, rather long, whip-shaped (thick at the base and thin at the tip). It is slightly hairy at the base. The rest of the tail is covered with a light fluff of wool (or is completely devoid of it).
- Limbs straight, parallel, elongated, well-muscled, with strong bones. Feet are small, round and compact. The pads are firm and firm. When cutting, the limbs are usually left covered with wool, forming only neat long "pants".
- Wool dense, well separated (standing) from the body, the quality resembles fluffy fibers that form rings and curls, curls and strands. Hair quality is soft and silky (but not wiry).
- Color Bedlington Terriers are diverse. Colors recognized by the standards: blue (sometimes called silver), blue and tan, liver (sometimes called liver), liver and tan, sand, sand and tan, black and silver, black and silver with tan.
Bedlington Terrier character description
These dogs, despite their rather harmless appearance, are quite serious dogs and require a respectful attitude and a thoughtful approach to themselves when raising. Of course, show terriers have almost completely lost both their former malice and the usual suspicion and irritability for this type of animals. But stubbornness and perseverance are still preserved, which, combined with genetic courage and courage, sometimes causes problems for the owners. It is extremely difficult to force an ill-mannered adult "Bedlington" to do something against his will.
It is quite another matter - a terrier, passed through the hands of an experienced dog handler and socialized in a timely manner. Such a dog becomes a truly great companion and friend of the owner's entire family. He is affectionate, playful, cheerful and benevolent. Remarkably friendly in the company of other dogs and during championships, without causing inconvenience to others.
And although the dog finds a common language quickly enough with the dogs living in the house, it usually does not work out with other pets. Contact with cats is possible only if the puppy and kitten are about the same age and entered the house at the same time. Well, Bedlington Terriers have a special, hereditary attitude to domestic hamsters, mice and rats - sooner or later they will become game. Therefore, keeping these animals together with a terrier is a questionable pleasure.
The Bedlington Terrier is a very energetic creature that loves freedom, communication and walking. He travels with pleasure, loves forays into nature. But in the forest or in the meadow it requires special control, as he is inclined to get carried away by hunting research, and can run far enough.
This dog is smart, quick-witted and curious. He cares about everything. And he knows how to get his way. The energy of such a pet beats over the edge, and therefore the owner of such a pet is simply obliged to correspond to him - to actively play sports, hunting, fishing or lead an energetic lifestyle. For those who like to sleep or lie on the couch, as well as for the elderly, such a dog is clearly not suitable. Moreover, "Bedlingtons" are never averse to barking and making noise.
Bedlington Terriers are very affectionate to their owners, loyal and quite controllable, although they require a certain rigidity and severity in education.
And one more feature of these dogs, rarely mentioned in the literature - they just love to dig the ground. And if the dog is left on its own for a long time in the garden or near a flower garden, then after a short time you may find a hopelessly dug garden. The dog does the same with prolonged loneliness in the apartment, spoiling the floors and carpets.
Well, in general, he is not so bad this Bedlington Terrier. Once you approach this amazing creature with the charm of a humpback lamb, you will never regret your choice.
Bedlington Terrier health
These terriers differ from their counterparts in fairly good health and great resistance to diseases. Although not devoid of breed problems introduced during crosses with other breeds (presumably Whippets and Greyhounds).
Of the main breed problems of Bedlingtons, the following can be distinguished: thyroiditis, cataracts, predisposition to various diseases of the kidneys and liver. The maximum lifespan of Bedlington Terriers is within 14 years (which is quite consistent with the lifespan of dogs of this size).
Bedlington Terrier grooming tips
The original curled bedlington hair needs to be trimmed regularly (at least once every five to six months). The head, ears and body are cut short enough, and on the limbs the hair is formed into beautiful "trousers-trousers". Also, beautiful long curls are left on the ears and a cute "mask-cap" on the head.
With a regular haircut, the dog hardly needs frequent combing. It is quite enough 1-2 times a week. It is the same with bathing a dog. Bathing is necessary only when the animal is heavily soiled (which is quite rare and only in working terrier hunters) or on the eve of the exhibition championship.
Features of dog training
An active and energetic terrier that has retained the obstinate disposition of its ancestors does not suit the role of the "first dog" for an inexperienced owner. Strives to dominate relationships. Needs early socialization and obedience education with the participation of an experienced dog handler.
Price when buying a Bedlington Terrier puppy
In Russia, the first good-looking bedlingtons appeared in the mid-90s of the XX century. Now the breed has adapted well in the country and gained popularity. All over the country there are many nurseries of these animals with a good breeding fund. Therefore, there are no problems for those wishing to purchase a Bedlington puppy in Russia.
The average cost of a good thoroughbred Bedlington Terrier puppy ranges from RUB 30,000 to RUB 54,000. Show class puppies are much more expensive.
More informative information about Bedlington Terriers in this video:
