Bedlington Terrier

Your first ever glance at Bedlington Terrier makes you wonder “Is that a lamb?”. The proud pet parent of a Bedlington Terrier often hears this question.This unique breed turns heads with its lamb-like appearance, thanks to its curly fur, arched back, and slender tail. The Bedlington Terrier is more than just a pretty face, though. Their history and charming personality make them a special companion for dog lovers.

A Breed with History

The Bedlington Terrier hails from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England. Originally bred to hunt vermin, these medium-sized terriers quickly became more than just working dogs. Over time, their affectionate and loyal nature won the hearts of many, making them beloved companions.

When it comes to appearance, the Bedlington Terrier is known for a few key features. Their soft, curly coat, distinctive topknot, and unique pear-shaped head give them an elegant and graceful look. With a narrow skull, tapering muzzle, and almond-shaped eyes, the Bedlington Terrier is truly one of a kind. When fully grown, they stand 15-17.5 inches tall and weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.

Caring for a Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier
Image-source : Dogster

Bedlington Terrier is a charming and loyal breed, known for forming deep bonds with their family. They’re gentle and affectionate, though they can be a little cautious around strangers. Early socialization is key to helping Bedlington Terrier puppies grow into confident and well-adjusted adults.

Although calm at home, Bedlingtons retain the spirit of their terrier ancestry. Originally bred to work, they have a strong prey drive and may be tempted to chase small animals like rabbits, squirrels, or even cats. This makes proper training and supervision a must. Regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, is essential for keeping your Bedlington Terrier healthy and happy.

One of the most recognizable aspects of the Bedlington Terrier is their curly coat. Maintaining this unique appearance requires regular grooming. To keep their coat looking its best and prevent matting, Bedlingtons should be brushed several times a week. Clipping is necessary every two months or so, either by a professional groomer or an experienced owner.

Bedlington Terrier Health Issues

The Bedlington Terrier is generally a healthy breed, with a lifespan of 11-16 years. However, like all breeds, they have some predispositions to specific health concerns. Being aware of these can help you take the best care of your pet.

Copper Toxicosis

One of the most significant health risks for Bedlington Terriers is copper toxicosis, a hereditary condition where excess copper builds up in the liver. Over time, this can lead to serious liver damage. Managing copper toxicosis involves controlling copper intake through diet and, in severe cases, medication to help eliminate excess copper from the body.

Signs of copper toxicosis can include:

  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea or vomiting (which may contain blood)
  • Yellowing of the skin and gums (jaundice)
  • Pale gums

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get your Bedlington Terrier to the vet promptly.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is another common issue in Bedlington Terriers. This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing discomfort and potentially leading to arthritis. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve medication, supplements, or surgery.

Eye Problems

Bedlington Terriers are prone to several genetic eye problems, including cataracts and persistent pupillary membranes. Abnormally growing eyelashes that irritate the eye are also a concern. Routine eye exams and veterinary screenings can help catch these issues early.

Before purchasing a Bedlington Terrier puppy, it’s a good idea to ask breeders for health screenings, especially for copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, and eye conditions.

Feeding Your Bedlington Terrier

Providing the right nutrition is key to your Bedlington Terrier’s overall health. High-quality dog food is essential, especially if your dog is at risk for copper toxicosis. Look for foods that control copper levels and contain moderate to high amounts of protein. Easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or barley are excellent choices.

How to Feed a Bedlington Terrier: Make sure your dog food meets the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and is suited to your Bedlington Terrier’s life stage. Puppies, for example, need frequent meals to support their growth, while adult dogs do well with two meals per day. Senior Bedlingtons may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion.

Because of the Bedlington Terrier’s unique head shape and topknot, consider using a wide, shallow food bowl to prevent tangling while they eat.

How Much to Feed: The right portion size depends on your Bedlington Terrier’s age, weight, and activity level. Start by following the feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging, and consult your vet for specific recommendations.

Behavior and Training Tips for Bedlington Terriers

Bedlington Terrier
Image-Source : borrowmydoggy

The Bedlington Terrier thrives on attention and loves to be part of the action. While they enjoy bursts of energy and active play, they aren’t overly high-energy dogs. This makes them a great choice for families who want a playful companion that can also relax.

Training a Bedlington Terrier: With their intelligent and curious nature, Bedlington Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent training. They appreciate mental challenges, so activities like agility courses or nose work can be particularly rewarding.

Fun Activities: Your Bedlington Terrier will enjoy a variety of activities, such as:

Grooming Your Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terriers are relatively low-shedding dogs, making them a good choice for pet parents with allergies. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Bedlington Terriers are easier to manage in that regard. Regular brushing helps to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. Professional grooming every couple of months ensures their curly fur stays neat and free of mats.

Don’t forget about ear care! Regular checks for redness or unusual discharge can prevent ear infections. Cleaning your Bedlington Terrier’s ears regularly will also help keep them healthy.

In terms of coat color, Bedlington Terriers come in shades like blue, liver, and sandy. Blue Bedlingtons, with their blue-gray hue, are one of the most popular colors.

With their distinctive lamb-like look and lovable temperament, the Bedlington Terrier is a breed that stands out in the best way possible. Whether you’re attracted to their unique appearance or their charming personality, a Bedlington Terrier can make a wonderful companion for the right family. Just be prepared for regular grooming, a bit of training, and lots of love from this affectionate and loyal breed.

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