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 Bedlington Terrier Training and Temperament
The Bedlington Terrier is loving with children and quite friendly with strangers. Keep them away from dogs that want to dominate Because once challenged they are courageous fighters. Likes to dig.
This breed needs to be trained to get along with cats and other household pets when they are young. As with all dogs, Bedlington Terrier training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
First Impressions
Bedlingtons general appearance is that of a whippet-like body with a terrier's coat. Their head and body are unusually narrow.
The History Of The Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is also known as Rothbury Terrier and the Gypsy Dog. They originated in England during the 19th century.
The origin of the breed is lost in time but it came to popularity in the mining County of Northumberland, England. Miners took it underground to clear the mines of rats.
It was also used as a poacher's dog by Gypsies. Believed to be a cross between whippets and Dandie Dinmont Terriers, it was refined in the 1870's to its present form.
Description Of The Bedlington Terrier
Dewclaws are removed. Hanging ears are clipped smooth except for small tassels at the tip. They are never altered. The tail is held low in a curve and is not altered.
The breed averages 16 - 17 inches tall for dogs and 15 - 16 inches for bitches. Dogs weigh 18 - 23 pounds and bitches 18 - 23 pounds.
It has been described as having the heart of a lion and the appearance of a lamb. The thick double coat comes in blue, liver or sandy. The dog may have tan markings over their eyes, legs, chest and rear. The Bedlington has its own unique bouncy gait, particularly when moving slowly.
Coat & Grooming
An unusual mixture of hard and soft hairs. The coat tends to curl and show dog coats are trimmed to 1" in length with a longer topknot and ear tassels. It really requires expert grooming.
The coat sheds little to no hair and requires specialized clipping every six weeks. The coat is thinned and clipped close to the head and body to accentuate the shape. It is perfectly possible to learn the clipping skill for yourself.
Non-shedding and non-allergenic so great for allergy suffers.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average lifespan for a Bedlington Terrier is around 17+ years.
Bedlington Terriers may have a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. Also prone to hereditary kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems and eye problems such as cataracts and retinal disease.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
This breed will be fine in an apartment given sufficient exercise. They are quite active indoors and can manage without a yard.
These are active dogs and need plenty of exercise... like other terriers they get bored and mischievous without it.
For More Information on the Bedlington Terrier
To get more information, check out the Bedlington Terrier web site:
www.bedlingtonamerica.com
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.bedlingtonamerica.com/rescue/index.htm
Summary
A black puppy will turn into a blue adult and a chocolate brown puppy will become sandy or liver. This transformation takes a full year. An excellent watch dog but a hopeless guard dog.
:: Bedlington Terrier Training ::
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