Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier is a charming family companion dog with strong hunting instincts. It is a perfect choice for a family seeking a playful, active, non-shedding companion.
Origin
The Bedlington terrier has a similar look to that of a lamb. Also known as Rothbury Terrier, it hails from the Hanny hills of Northumberland, England. In 1825, Joseph Aisley, a man from Bedlington, bred two of his Rothbury Terriers and counted the result as a Bedlington Terrier. It has excellent hunting skills and a keen sense of smell but is rarely used in fields. The breed was later imported to America, getting attention for its lamb-like appearance.
Size
The male Belington Terrier has a shoulder height of 16 inches, whereas a female stands 15 inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from 17-23 pounds. It has a thin round head, almond-shaped eyes, sloping forehead, and a distinct muzzle. The breed has a body structure more like a Greyhound than a standard terrier that runs at great speed. Their front legs have an inward angle that allows them to change directions quickly. It has a tucked-in belly, arched rear, and narrow feet.
Coat
It has a similar appearance to that of a lamb. It comes in blue, liver, white, or sandy colors with tan markings on the body.
Temperament
The Belington Terrier is an active, playful, and energetic breed. It is an excellent companion dog and makes a good watchdog. It loves to be the center of attraction and likes to entertain its people. The breed gets along well with children. It does not bark often, but it is a fierce fighter when it gets a challenge. It may become aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex and chase small furry animals. They are usually friendly with strangers and love to be around family all the time. The breed may become destructive and suffer separation anxiety if left alone for a longer time or if there’s nobody around to supervise.
Care
The Belington Terrier is a super energetic breed that loves running and the high jump. Make sure to give it opportunities to do it as often as possible. It requires a fair amount of exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. It is suitable for apartment living only if adequately exercised. They are not eligible for novice owners as they may get stubborn sometimes. It is a quick learner, but a stern trainer is required for this breed. It requires regular brushing as well as professional grooming several times a year. Take care of the overall hygiene and trim nails regularly. Brush their teeth twice or thrice a week to remove tartar buildup and prevent bad breath.
Health
The Belington Terrier has a lifespan of 15-17 years. It is generally a healthy breed, but like all other breeds, it is prone to some health conditions such as Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Patellar luxation, and Renal Cortical Hypoplasia, and Retinal Dysplasia. Make sure to take your dog for regular health check-ups to detect the signs of diseases, if any. Do ask for the health clearance when you get the breed home.