The Bedlington Terrier has a very unusual appearance - it looks like a fluffy and graceful lamb, such a charming cloud with lively and expressive eyes and a pink tongue. But do not flatter yourself, the fearless fighter and the dexterous hunter are hidden behind the appearance of the plush toy.
Breed history
Experts say that the first record of a terrier similar to Bedlington, whose name was Old Flint, owned by Squire Trevelyan, dates to the end of the 18th century.
These animals lived in the Rothbury area in Northumberland county, so at first the breed was called rotbury terriers. These dogs were trained to hunt rabbits and poison rats. In addition, they conducted a normal hunt for otters and badgers. Perhaps crossing them with the Whippets rewarded these terriers with a curved back and the ability to run fast. The successful combination of greyhound speed and terrier stamina made these dogs excellent hunters. Bedlington Terrier was the most common breed in the vicinity of Bedlington. In 1825, it received its current name.
Bedlington Terrier, known for his courage and hunting aggressiveness, exhibited in fights with foxes and badgers, in which he almost always won.
By the middle of the XIX century, breeders who took up its improvement drew attention to this breed. As a result of breeding work, these dogs lost most of their anger and aggressiveness. They have become great companions. In the middle of the XIX century, the first standard of the breed was released, and in 1877 the club of lovers of these dogs was registered.
Description
The Bedlington Terrier dog is a small animal, not exceeding 40 centimeters in height. She is muscular, but at the same time very graceful and flexible, with a pear-shaped head, with a narrow, deep and rounded skull. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is invisible, a straight line should form from the nape to the nose. The jaws are powerful, with a scissor bite. The ears have a triangle shape with rounded tips. They are very thin, low set and close to the cheeks. The eyes are shiny, small in size, round. The look is soft.
By standard, the flexible and muscular body of the terrier should be slightly longer than its height at the withers. The back is arched, the chest is deep, the front legs are slightly shorter than the hind legs, the legs of a hare have thick pads. The tail is set low. It is thick at the base, and tapering towards the tip.
Wool and color
Bedlington Terrier has a very unusual coat. It is silky, thick, reminiscent of cotton wool to the touch. On the face and head, curls into small rings. On the head, it forms an almost snow-white hat. On the ears it is thin, short and very light. There are neat tassels at the tips of the ears.
Character
Many experts say that Bedlington Terrier is a dog with the appearance of a lamb and the heart of a lion. It can hardly be argued with this statement, because for a long time these animals were used as hunters and fighters. Therefore, today they have not lost their fearlessness.
However, judging by the reviews of the owners, the Bedligton Terrier dog is a great family companion. They communicate well with children, play with them willingly. They can make friends with a cat, but if they know it from childhood. And he will chase unfamiliar cats on the street.
Again, referring to the reviews of the owners, we can conclude that the Bedlington Terrier, whose photo is often shown on the covers of dog magazines, is the most flexible and obedient of his large family. He quickly understands and accepts the rules of conduct in the house where he lives. Of his own free will never get involved in fights, preferring not to notice the provocations directed at him. But if attacks cannot be avoided, he will react with lightning speed and fiercely, like a real terrier!
Even an adult Bedlington Terrier likes to play, but if the owner does not have time to deal with it, he will step aside and lie down calmly.
Features of education
Despite the fact that the Bedlington Terrier is naturally endowed with an angelic appearance, it is a serious dog that requires respect from a person.
We have already mentioned that today's individuals have lost the viciousness of their ancestors, but they retained their stubbornness and courage. They perceive the members of the family in which they live as relatives - they are very fond of all, affectionate and playful with them, very bored when they are alone.
Relationships with animals are not so smooth. The Bendlington Terrier has a very developed hunting instinct, and therefore can be a danger to small animals, and with those dogs that are prone to domination, the Bedlington can engage in fierce fights. These “sheep” dogs run very fast, and the owner’s task is to teach them to return to the call from puppyhood.
Activity
The Bedlington Terrier, whose photo you see in our article, always likes to get what he wants. That is why he needs to be given the opportunity to use his indefatigable energy, quick wit, intelligence, doing interesting things.
The Bedlington Terrier will never be just a dog. It is recommended to attend obedience courses with such a pet, participate in agility, or enroll in a club of normal dogs.
Health
Bedlington Terrier is naturally endowed with good health. However, like all other animals, he has a predisposition to certain diseases. These dogs have eye diseases - glaucoma, retinal atrophy, eyelid inversion, distichiasis. Puppies up to a year often have increased tearing, which experts explain by teething.
An increased susceptibility of dogs of this breed to viral infections is noted, therefore timely vaccination for these animals is especially important. Some pedigree lines are predisposed to hip dysplasia, ureteric ectopia, and epilepsy.
Care and maintenance
The unusual hair of these terriers should not be trimmed. She is sheared twice a year. A very short coat is left on the body and head, and a longer coat on the limbs. To prevent inflammation of the organs of vision from puppyhood, you need to teach your dog to rinse his eyes and clean the hair around them.
These dogs should be bathed as they become dirty, and combing is recommended once a week. Bedlington terrier needs attention from the owner, he needs active walks and activities that provide work for a strong body and high intelligence, so they are not suitable for an overly busy or completely inexperienced person.
Raising a puppy
Dogs of the Bedlington Terrier breed from a very early age should be raised consistently. Their training will require patience and perseverance from the owner, because their mind and quick wits are combined with obstinacy and sometimes aggressiveness. Puppies should be better acquainted with cats and other small pets. The pet must understand that this is not prey, but a playmate. During the day, the little Bedlington should be busy with something. If the owner does not come up with such an activity, then the puppy will do it himself, which is unlikely to give the owner pleasure.
Bedlingtons are very attached to the person, but, more importantly, they are very sensitive to intonations. If they are scolded, they become so unhappy that a rare person does not tremble and does not have a desire to feel sorry for the unfortunate animal.
But if the terrier feels the owner’s weakness (and they do it masterfully), they turn into stubborn and uncontrollable animals, so raising a puppy should be firm (not to be confused with cruel) and consistent.
At an early age it is necessary to get rid of the habit of dripping and barking everywhere. It is inherent in babies by nature. Not too noticeable in puppyhood, these habits in an adult dog will cause dissatisfaction with the owners - endless barking and an out-of-doors garden will be very unpleasant for anyone. From a young age, Bedlington should know that the person is the main in the house, and he will have to obey his commands.
Bedlington Terrier Owner Reviews
With regard to this dog, the opinions of dog breeders were divided. Experienced owners are happy that this charming doggie has appeared in their house. They perfectly understand each other, there are no problems. They made a cheerful and affectionate friend, a wonderful companion.
It is more difficult for beginners in dog breeding. Spoiling the little lump that they brought home a few months ago, they often turn it into a domestic tyrant, which they can’t handle later.
This is exactly what we talked about in the article. Berligton is smart, and a solid person with experience in raising other dogs can cope with him.