Bedlington Terrier Wonderful Performance Recommend Foods Breeders

The Bedlington Terrier developed in the area of Rothbury, England. It hunted otter, coursed rabbit, and worked as a pit fighter. In the NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs , the Bedlington Terrier was one breed used in the testing of copper requirements. Copper is needed to form red blood cells in all dogs. These tests showed that this breed has copper requirements that are totally unique and very low. Yet, I stress the importance of providing copper to the Bedlington. I also stress that the Bedlington's copper be balanced to other nutritional team members as outlined in the chapter "Nutritional Teams." For this breed, the copper should not be from a sulfate source.

Native food supplies for this breed would have been otter, fresh water fish, rodents, oats, and wheat, - such as those found in the area of Rothbury, England. For the Bedlington I recommend foods that are a blend of horse meat and fish with wheat and oats. I also recommend that you avoid feeding a food with soy, lamb, white rice or yellow corn to this breed.

The Bedlington Terrier is graceful, alert, intelligent, and entertaining. They are characteristically inquisitive, perceptive, opinionated, and affectionate. Their great love of people and particular joy with children endears them to young and old.

Bedlington Terrier

The temperament is two-fold; very quiet, much like a sporting dog, until aroused then the aggressive terrier spirit predominates. Bedlingtons are bright, clownish extroverts. Always anxious to love, please and be the center of attraction, whether in the show ring or in any room of your house. Their greatest talent is running a household. This includes being fantastic hosts that leap with joy when company arrives. Astute judgment as to the legitimacy of any arrivals has proved them to be excellent watchdogs.

Given the chance, most Bedlingtons today will prove themselves in the field. They have all of the instincts of a good hunting dog: sight, scent, retrieving and going to ground. Many are natural pointers. In spite of these natural attributes, they are too rarely put to use as hunting companions, but shine in Earthdog trials. Many of the Bedlington’s keen hunting characteristics have been put to use in other competitions like Agility and Rally. Although Bedlingtons make wonderful companions, they are thrilling to watch in performance venues as they go joyfully through their exercises.

Bedlington Terrier Puppies

The outstanding breed characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier are outlined in great detail in a standard that has been approved by the American Kennel Club. This condensed outline of the standard is helpful when viewing the breed, whether in the show ring, the performance venues or looking for a Bedlington Terrier of your own.

This breed originated near Bedlington Terrier, England. Records can be traced back to the 18th Century. History tells us how the breed was developed to “go to ground” for game as well as to “run” it down. Their racy form clearly shows that they are built for speed, and their lean, agile body makes “going to ground” a snap.

Bedlingtons are virtually shed-proof and a great choice for those who may be allergic to other breeds of dogs. Puppies are born with a very dark coat and grow gradually lighter as they mature. Bedlington Terrier owners need to comb and brush their dogs at least once a week. Trimming a Bedlington Terrier about every two months will keep the coat healthy and beautiful. A Bedlington breeder should be able to teach you to trim your dog or help you find a competent groomer in order to maintain it’s unique appearance.

Living with a Bedlington Terrier is an ongoing pleasure. They are easily house trained, adaptable, and versatile companions throughout the average lifespan of 11 - 16 years. Those who have had the opportunity to live with Bedlingtons of either gender agree that both males and females are excellent companions. If you believe that a Bedlington Terrier is the right dog for you and your family, contact a good breeder. A good breeder always breeds for improvements using the Bedlington Terrier breed standard as their criteria.

General Appearance: A graceful, lithe, well balanced dog with so sign of coarseness, weakness or shelliness.

Bedlington Terrier Breed Srandard

Head: Narrow, but deep and rounded with a light, profuse topknot.
Eyes: Deep set, almond shaped and bright.
Ears: Triangular, set on low, thin and velvety in texture and a tassel at the tip.
Body: Muscular and markedly flexible with a good natural arch over the loin, creating a tuck up of the underline.
Legs & Feet: Hind legs longer than the forelegs, which are straight and wider at the chest than at the feet.
Tail: Low set, not carried over the back or tight to the underbody.

Coat: A distinctive mixture of hard and soft hair, standing out well from the skin.
Color: Blue, sandy, liver, blue and tan, sandy and tan, liver and tan. Adult topknots should be lighter than the body color.
Height: Males 16 - 17 1/2 inches and females 15 - 16 1/2 inches at the withers.
Gait: Unique lightness of movement, springy in the slower paces.