Bedlington Terrier: The Graceful and Gentle Aristocrat

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Bedlington Terrier, a breed known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance and gentle demeanor. This page explores the Bedlington Terrier’s unique characteristics, care, and companionship, offering insights into a breed that exudes both grace and agility.

Physical Characteristics

• Unique Appearance: Bedlington Terriers are recognized for their curly, woolly coat and pear-shaped head, giving them a distinctive look akin to a lamb.
• Lithe and Athletic: Despite their gentle appearance, they are robust and agile, originally bred for hunting and racing.

Temperament and Personality Bedlington Terriers are affectionate and loyal, known for their good nature and mild manners. They exhibit a mix of terrier spunk and gentle disposition, making them adaptable companions for various lifestyles.

Training and Exercise Needs

• Training: They are intelligent and responsive to training, though their terrier independence can require patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement methods work best.
• Exercise: Moderate exercise is sufficient for Bedlingtons. Daily walks and play sessions are essential for their physical and mental well-being.
• Mental Stimulation: They enjoy engaging activities that stimulate their minds, such as interactive play and obedience training.

Health and Nutrition

• Diet: A well-balanced diet suited to their size and activity level is crucial. They tend to have a healthy appetite and should be monitored to avoid overfeeding.
• Common Health Issues: Bedlington Terriers can be prone to certain genetic conditions, including Copper Storage Disease. Regular health screenings and veterinary check-ups are important.

Grooming and Care

• Coat Maintenance: Their unique coat requires regular grooming to maintain its texture and appearance. Professional grooming may be necessary to achieve the traditional Bedlington look.
• General Health Care: Routine care practices such as dental hygiene, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are important for their overall health.

Living with a Bedlington Terrier

• Family Compatibility: Bedlingtons are great with families, including those with children. They are typically friendly with other dogs and pets when socialized from a young age.
• Adaptability: They adapt well to various living environments, from apartments to houses with yards, as long as they receive adequate exercise.
• Companionship: Bedlington Terriers form close bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship and inclusion in family activities.

Responsible Ownership and Adoption

• Selecting a Breeder: Choose breeders who prioritize health and temperament, and who provide health clearances for breeding dogs.
• Adoption Options: Consider adopting from shelters or breed-specific rescues, which can be a rewarding way to welcome a Bedlington Terrier into your life.

Conclusion The Bedlington Terrier, with its unique appearance and charming temperament, is a delightful breed for those seeking an affectionate and moderately active companion. Their adaptability and gentle nature make them a beloved addition to many households.

Description

Bedlington Terriers require weekly brushing and monthly trimming. Their coats shed very little. Bedlingtons need a moderate amount of room for regular exercise.

Temperament

Loyal and easy to train, Bedlington Terriers love to be around their families. They make good watch dogs.

Bedlington Terrier Housebreaking

Housebreaking the Bedlington Terrier requires consistency on your part. Dogs are creatures of habit, and knowing the tips and tricks of training will make the process so much easier and less stressful.

Puppy Housebreaking     Adult Marking & Retraining

Find a Puppy: Bedlington Terrier

If you are looking for a puppy or adult dog, please read our important information on choosing a puppy from a breeder and adopting a dog from a rescue. There are good dog breeders and good dog rescues and there are bad dog breeders and bad dog rescues. Our information will help you to make an informed decision and will give you tips on what to look for and what to avoid.

Pet shops are not the best place to look for a puppy. Dogs from pet shops often come from puppy mills, and puppy mill dogs are often kept in unhealthy conditions. The best way to end puppy mills is to rescue or buy from reputable sources.

Nutrition

The Bedlington Terrier should only be fed high-quality dog food targeted toward the dog’s age, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Avoid cooked bones and food with high fat content. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s weight.

Training

The Bedlington Terrier is extremely eager to please their owners. At the very least, these dogs can benefit from learning basic commands, like sit, come, and stay. Because this breed is highly intelligent and easily bored, it is important to give them multiple challenging toys to keep this breed occupied.

Health

(Click here for Health Dictionary)
Watch for: Copper Toxicosis, Hereditary Eye Disorders.