Mary Allen
Curly Terrier? Yes! The Bedlington Terrier is a very unusual member of its species, resembling a small lamb in appearance, but definitely a real Terrier in character. He is witty, independent, intelligent, and extremely charming. Don’t forget a noticeable hunting instinct! Anyone who knows how to accept a charming Briton has a loyal and active companion for sports and everyday life.
Handsome Englishman with Unusual Ancestors
The Bedlington Terrier is a dog breed with a striking exterior. Its genetic basis is a veritable supermix of numerous British dog breeds, from the Scottish Jagd Terrier to Greyhounds, Otterhounds, and English Terriers, a wide range of different construction dogs and sight hunters have shaped this extraordinary dog breed. At the beginning of the 19th century, in the north of England, very close to the border with Scotland, they began to breed Bedlington Terriers with strong, fast, and active dogs that could reliably provide their owners with rabbits.
However, these original dogs have little in common with today’s shepherd dogs. It was only about 100 years ago, with increased interest in breeding shows, that the development of today’s Bedlingtons began. Today’s typical characteristics of the breed, such as the upturned back or mutton nose, and Poodle-like coat texture are modern breeding targets.
The Temperament of the Bedlington Terrier
In the early years of its existence, Bedlington Terrier was a real station wagon. Like most terriers, one of his duties was to guard the home yard from rats and chicken robbers. Therefore, he is alert and always ready to jump on the stimulus of movement. You, as a keeper, still have to deal with this hunting instinct today. As an independent hunter, this breed has a high degree of courage, self-confidence, and determination. Thus, small animals in your own home can be just as dangerous as a stray cat.
Thanks to its greyhound ancestors, the long-legged terrier loves to run and jump. He is full of energy and loves to move. With his people, Bedlington is honest, cooperative, and attractive. It is not for nothing that he is considered the most gentle terrier and brings a fair amount of “will to pleasure” – willingness to cooperate – into the relationship between a dog and a person. He is smart and a fast learner, which makes learning easy on the one hand and challenging on the other. Because doing stupid things alone is just as welcome in Beddy as serious work.
Upbringing & Attitude
Long-legged terriers are not only considered the most gentle breed of terriers, but also quite sensitive. Therefore, when teaching, it is all the more important to pay attention to a calm, consistent, and at the same time fair approach. The Bedlington Terrier requires clear leadership, but at the same time always appreciates a respectful attitude.
A charming bunch of energy always loves to be around. However, Bedlingtons learn well to be alone by the hour. The cheerful terrier also likes to sleep this time at home on the couch or in a basket. A prerequisite for this, however, is regular and breed-appropriate use.
Strong four-legged friends really need to run and move. Long walks and dog sports such as agility or lunges help this need. When they grow up, practical terriers will make great companions for jogging, cycling, or even horseback riding. However, in order for this to become possible, work must be done in advance to control the hunting instinct. Especially popular are quests that involve chasing visible “prey”. Some dog trails offer classes or training for non-greyhounds – your Bedlington Terrier might love this!
Train Your Bedlington Terrier From the Very Beginning
From the first day in a new home, the focus is on suitability for everyday use. The Bedlington usually learns basic commands such as “sit” and “down” quickly. However, impulse control and frustration tolerance are more important. Both are critical to living a peaceful life with a hunting-loving terrier by your side.
A simple game that trains these important skills in the first few weeks at home is the treat game: Sit next to your puppy and put a treat on your leg. If the puppy pounces, cover the treat with your hand and wait. If he cannot achieve this, he will eventually sit down and think. Raise your hand and now let him eat it. Pretty soon your puppy will sit right at the start of the game. Now put the treat in different places and practice active release. This trains his patience, self-control, and ability to cope with not being allowed to have something. This is the basis for controlling the hunting instinct.
Just as important as these exercises are socialization. Because of their sensitivity, Bedlingtons tend to become overly shy or even aggressive if not adequately socialized. Thanks to her mostly open-minded attitude towards all dogs and people, this is not a problem for the attractive “Beddy”. Take advantage of offers from dog schools and puppy playgroups. But an afternoon in the park, where you sit comfortably on a blanket and watch people and dogs with your puppy, is incredibly educational for a dog dwarf.
Care & Health
The texture of the coat of the Bedlington Terrier resembles that of a Poodle or even a lamb. It is soft, curly, and does not shed. Since it ties easily, it is important to comb it regularly. A short haircut with a clip keeps effort to a minimum.
In addition, it is best to check the eyes, ears, teeth, and claws every day. Most Bedlington Terrier s are very sociable dogs that will alert their owners to injury and illness.
The strong breed of dogs has almost no typical hereditary diseases. Only copper toxicosis was more common in the past, so serious breeding today pays close attention to it. Therefore, it is advisable to buy a puppy from a registered, verified breeder.
As for feeding and caring for them, Bedlingtons are considered uncomplicated. With an active life, plenty of exercise, and an appropriate diet, Bedlington Terriers can live up to 15 years or more.