Bedlington Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bedlington Terrier?

Developed in the north of England, the breed was originally known for its hunting abilities and its talents for catching vermin that would often plague the local squires' estates. The exact origins of the Bedlington Terrier are a mystery and one theory points toward travelling with Rom or gypsies that would use them to poach game on any estate that they would come by.

Lord Rothbury was a fan of the terrier and the name Bedlington terrier originated from Rothbury himself whose estate was situated in Bedlington, within the county of Northumberland.

There are some whisperings that the Whippet was added to the breed at some point, a breed known for its skinny frame and fast speed. Bedlingtons would join other show dogs in the mid-1800s and the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed back in England in 1877. The American Kennel Club recognised the first dog in 1886 and as of today, the Bedlington ranks 128th among the 155 recognised breeds in the AKC.

Who are Bedlington Terrier dogs best for?

The Bedlingtons are dogs that are perfect as a companion for most households. In general, they're fairly tolerable around children and with their small size, they're not going to seem too overbearing. With a playful nature, they'd certainly suit a younger family as they tend to need space to play and plenty of exercise.

They're useful for those that live in apartments but they're also well suited to larger properties too. On the whole, they're a versatile dog for most dog owners or those that may not hold much experience with dogs.

How much grooming does a Bedlington Terrier need?

As a dog breed, the Bedlington's coat is a combination of harsh and soft hair. It feels both crisp and wiry, especially around the head and face area.

The dog hair doesn't shed much, making it a great one for those who don't want mountains of hair building up around the home. These purebred dogs come in several different colours and combinations. These colours include sandy, liver, tan, sandy and tan, and blue. With markings on all areas of the body, they certainly are unique from one dog to the next.

You'll only need to comb your terrier once a week or more if you're able to. You should take them to professional groomers to be clipped and the face requires hand scissors to get that distinctive shape.

Other hygiene upkeep includes brushing their teeth around two to three times a week and trimming their nails once or twice a month.

Do Bedlington Terrier bark much?

Due to their hunting heritage, the Bedlingtons will likely have an instinct to chase and take hold of small creatures that are running away. They do, therefore, tend to bark, especially if they're in a quiet area and they're suddenly made alert to a knock on the door or someone at the window.

However, compared to other dogs, they're not as yappy or loud.

Do Bedlington Terrier bite?

As with all dogs, it's important to be aware of the habits that they can pick up when it comes to biting. It's always good to iron out this behaviour from a young age and to walk away whenever they get too playful or excited.

Distractions are a good way to stop the dog from biting and where possible, let out a high-pitched noise if they do try and nip your skin.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bedlington Terrier?

Temperament is an important one and this can be affected by several things like socialisation and training. Before they grow up, it's good to socialise the Bedlington puppies early on so that they can be as well-behaved as possible. Naturally, due to their hunting origins, they can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs of the same gender and will often chase small animals.

Personality-wise, they're an enthusiastic, energetic and alert breed, making them a fun breed to be around.

What is the weight & size of a Bedlington Terrier?

The weight and size of males and females can vary. For males, they stand at 40 cm tall and females are an inch shorter. For their weight, you can expect them to range from 7 to 12 kilos and stand in proportion to their height.

How much training does a Bedlington Terrier need?

Dog ownership when it comes to the Bedlington Terrier is fairly active. They do need a certain level of activity in the day, so make sure to have a fenced-off outdoor space where possible. You'll also want to go for a nice walk that gets their legs working and their heart pumping!

The Bedlington is an intelligent breed and so they're going to pick up training fairly easily. As they're intelligent, you'll want to persuade them with treats and keep the training consistent so that they pick it up quickly. In comparison to other dogs, they're a lot quicker to pick it up with praise and repetition.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bedlington Terrier?

Health Bedlington Terriers can be prone to certain diseases and conditions, despite how well you look after the. Here are a few health conditions that you may encounter in most terriers, including this one.

Copper Toxicosis - Failure of the liver to rid the body of dietary copper. This leads to a build-up in the body that could be life-threatening. It's an inherent gene and one that can come from both parents.

Distichiasis - The dog's eyes will have an additional row of eyelashes that grow on the oil gland. This can irritate the eyes and cause the dog to squint or rub its eye. With this condition, treatment is available and involves surgically freezing excess eyelashes with liquid nitrogen.

Renal Cortical Hypoplasia - Affected dogs of this condition can experience abnormalities in the kidneys. This can then lead to kidney failure. There's no cure and so it's important to use preventative measures to reduce the damage caused to the kidneys themselves.

What is the lifespan of a Bedlington Terrier?

The average lifespan for the Rothbury Terrier is typically around 12-14 years old. With the right training and approach to diet, this lifespan is a fairly average one when comparing it to other breeds.

How much should you feed a Bedlington Terrier?

The recommended feed for this healthy breed is 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food split up between two meals. As small to medium-sized dogs, they don't require a huge amount and it's always good to manage the food carefully to avoid overfeeding.

What is the price of a Bedlington Terrier in Australia?

These terrier breeds aren't overly expensive when comparing them to other 'designer' breeds. The average cost for a dog of this size and breed is around $1,500 in Australia. Make sure when you're looking for a breeder, you take a look at the breed club for guidance on finding the right match.