Bedlington Terrier hund

Den smukke hvide pels på en ung bedlington terrier

En smuk voksen bedlington terrier, der ligger stille

Et nærbillede af en bedlington terriers smukke lange ører

En ung voksen bedlington terrier sidder opmærksomt

Et nærbillede af en bedlington terriers dejlige hvide hår og spidse næse

En vidunderlig bedlington terrier, der står oprejst og viser sin velplejede pels frem

En smuk, lille bedlington terrier hvalp, der sidder pænt

En ung bedlington terrier hvalp med en dejlig, blød pels

En smuk, lille bedlington terrier leger udenfor

History

The Bedlington is a small breed of Terrier named after the mining town of Bedlington in North East England. They were bred to hunt vermin in mines, but soon became adept at catching rabbits, fox, badger and otters. It is said they are closely related to Whippets, Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Otterhounds. They love water and are powerful swimmers, comparable to other water dogs such as the Newfoundland. By the 1800's, they became more popular with the upper classes and were soon gracing the show ring.

Behaviour

The Bedlington is feisty, affectionate and loyal. One of the least Terrier-like of all Terriers, they do have a tenacious instinct when it comes to small furry things, but are calm and an ideal pet. They like people and are happiest when curled up on the sofa for cuddles on your lap. Described as a 'lamb dog', the breed does resemble a lamb due to its unusual coat. They are quiet house dogs who are good with strangers and usually excited when anyone comes to the door. Good with children, they are usually patient and rarely snap. However, the terrier instinct will kick in if they are unhappy about a situation. For all it's soft, quiet appearance, they will not be bullied by other dogs and will fight if they feel threatened. They are fearless and plucky and can be incredibly stubborn when they want to be, but form a close bound with their owners and like to please you (if they are in the mood for it). They need a fair amount of exercise, but can be lazy, much preferring a doze of the sofa. They aren't the easiest to train and recall can be a problem once they get a scent. They are fast runners and can bolt at the smell of a rabbit or rat. Best walked in a secure area or on lead, just to be safe or you will find yourself trying to get them out of a rabbit hole on the other side of the field.

The coat requires regular grooming or stripping to keep it in top condition. They are classed as a non shedding breed. The only real health issue is Copper Toxicosis which is more common in the breed than most others. Generally they are a hardy little dog.

Temperament

Bedlington Terriers have a companionable and loyal temperament. Don't let their size or lamb like a appearance fool you these are tough little dogs. Bred to hunt vermin such as rats or badgers but since becoming more popular as a show or companion dog they have not lost all of their hunting instincts.

Be careful with them around cats and make sure they get plenty of exercise, this breed will do best in families with older children.

Health Problems

Health problems that may affect Bedlington Terriers include copper toxicosis (a copper storage disorder which can be fatal), retinal dysplasia (folding of retinal tissue that can cause blindness) and renal cortical hypoplasia (underdeveloped kidneys that will worsen in time).