Bedlington terriers All Information and Pictures.?

It has been described as a dog with the heart of a lion and the appearance of a lamb. With his pear-shaped head, arched back and curly coat, the Bedlington Terrier in fact does look like a little sheep. The head has no stop, descending in an unbroken line from crown to nose. The eyes are small and deep set. It has a pointed tail and straight front legs with hare-like feet. The thick double coat is a mixture of soft and harsher hairs and comes in blue, liver or sandy. The dog may have tan markings over the eyes and on the legs, chest and rear. The Bedlington has a unique springy gait, particularly when moving slowly.

Temperament

Careful breeding has resulted in a more companionable and affectionate temperament in today's Bedlington Terriers. Playful and cheerful, the Bedlington Terrier is loving with children and fairly friendly with strangers. They are loyal, lively and headstrong. This breed needs to learn to like cats and other household animals when they are young. Usually they can get along with other dogs, but keep them away from those that want to dominate, as once challenged they are terrifying fighters, despite their gentle appearance. A little powerhouse, it is courageous and energetic, with the ability to run very fast. It is an enthusiastic digger. Bedlingtons like to bark, and need to be told enough is enough, if it becomes too obsessive. They can be high-strung without enough mental and physical exercise. Only let this breed off its lead in an enclosed area. Like the Whippet, he is fast and loves to chase! Be sure you are always your dogs firm, confident, consistent pack leader, to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, and separation anxiety.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 16-17 inches (41-43cm) Bitches 15-16 inches (38-41cm)

Weight: Dogs 18-23 pounds (8-10kg) Bitches 18-23 pounds (8-10kg)

Health Problems

Bedlington Terriers may have a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. They are also prone to hereditary kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems and eye problems, such as cataracts and retinal disease.

Living Conditions

This breed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise

These active dogs need plenty of exercise and, like other terriers, will be bored and mischievous without it. They need to be taken for a long daily walk.

Life Expectancy

17+ years, one women reported her Bedlington lived to be 23 years old.

Litter Size

3 - 6 puppies

Grooming

The coat sheds little to no hair and requires specialized clipping every six weeks, so it is probably best if you learn to do it yourself. The coat is thinned and clipped close to the head and body to accentuate the shape. Shave the ears closely leaving a tassel on the tips. On the legs, the hair is left slightly longer. Have a professional groomer show you how to do it. Brush the dog regularly and clean the pluck inside the ears. Although frequent bathing will not dry out skin as it does on so many other breeds, it should not be washed too often or the coat will become lank, which is not considered appropriate for the breed. Dogs which are to be shown require higher levels of grooming. This breed is considered good for allergy sufferers.

Origin The Bedlington Terrier was originally named the Rothbury Terrier, after the district of Rothbury on the English border. Gypsy nailmakers in Rothbury prized the breed as a hunter of various game including foxes, hares and badgers. In about 1825, a Rothbury dog was mated to a Bedlington *****, resulting in the Bedlington Terrier. Some sources mention the Otterhound and Dandie Dinmont Terrier as some possible contributors to the breed. Today there are some breeders, especially in England, that will cross Bedlingtons with Whippets and Greyhounds to produce what they call Lurchers. The Bedlington was used as a vermin hunter by the miners of Bedlington who also exploited its gameness as a fighting dog in the pits. Hunters also used them as retrievers. The Bedlington was first exhibited as a separate breed in 1977. Originally it was developed for the hunting of rats and small game in lairs or on open ground (talents it has certainly not forgotten). Today the Bedlington is a good apartment dog. It is also an attentive and barking watchdog.

Group

Terrier, AKC Terrier

Recognition

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, CCR, ANKC, APRI, ACR

Some pics- http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images11/BedlingtonTer...

http://puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/dogimages/bedl...

Yes they are a rare breed, you might have trouble finding breeders. The best thing you can do is go to some local dog shows in your area and see if you can talk to breeders about the breed. Because of the type of hair they have they will need to be groomed quite often. Brushing will help, but it wont stop the fact the dog need to be groomed. When you find a reputable breeder they should be able to answer any questions you have and you could even go meet some of the dogs to make sure its the correct fit. Until then keep researching them, breeders love it when you already know about the breed, it shows you are actually interested in the dog.

Here are some sites that might help you out. Good luck!

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bedlingtonterrier.htm

http://www.akc.org/breeds/bedlington_terrier/index...

http://www.pbrc.net/breeding3.html