Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terriers have an affectionate personality. They are cheerful, playful, lively, and loyal. This breed is deeply devoted to their family, and loving with considerate and well-behaved children. They will get along with cats and other animals they have been raised with, but will not tolerate dominating or threatening behavior. Despite their gentle appearance it is important to remember that the Bedlington Terrier is a terrier breed. If they are challenged they are ferocious and terrifying fighters. They are fairly friendly with strangers. They make excellent watchdogs as they are extremely protective of their family and will alert them to danger and visitors.

It is claimed that the Bedlington can boast a longer traceable pedigree than any other terrier and once was known as the Rothbury Terrier, hailing from the former mining areas of the north of England. His fame spread outside his native region and an association was started for the breed in 1877. Although his expression is mild he is quite capable of fending for himself, but will not seek a scrap. He is a tough little dog, this unique breed has a lamb-like look about it, but don?t be fooled, and he is a terrier through and through. A North Country dog, originally his role was to catch rabbits for the family pot, and a sporting dog he still remains.

The Bedlington needs daily exercise in a safe place; she loves to run and chase. Her needs can be met with a good long walk or vigorous romp. This is not a breed that should live outside. Her coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus scissoring to shape the coat every other month. Hair that is shed tends to cling to the other hair rather than shedding.

Bedlington Terriers are an exceedingly active breed that requires a great deal of exercise and stimulation. They are fairly active indoors and benefit from family play sessions. They are excellent walking companions provided they are securely leashed. They enjoy outdoor play provided the yard is securely fenced and they are supervised. This breed is highly prone to digging. The Bedlington Terrier will do okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise.

This is a high maintenance breed. They require professional specialized clipping every six weeks. They must be brushed and combed on a daily basis. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Bedlington Terrier is prone to a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. They also have a tendency for such health issues as thyroid problems, cataracts, and kidney disease.

This dog is pretty easily to train because it is smart and learns fast, being sensitive to the tone of the voice. The training must be firm and consequent. Although it has a moderate level of activity, it likes to make exercise daily, to run, to jump.

This dog doesn't moult. Its fur must be frequently combed and brushed. The excessive washing may lead to the disappearance of the waves.

Buy only from stock that has been DNA tested or (better) liver-biopsied for copper toxicosis, an inherited liver disease common in the breed. Some bloodlines are prone to cataracts, detached retina, and PRA. May also be prone to kidney and thyroid problem