Page 205 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

TERRIERS

Bedlington Terrier BEDLINGTON HISTORY

The ancestors of the Bedlington Terrier included
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Sandy various terrier types that lived in the area of
16–17in 18–22lb 14–15 years Liver Rothbury Forest, in Northumberland, England,
(40–43cm) (8–10kg) All colors may have tan markings. and were known as Rothbury Terriers. The earliest
example of a dog with a Bedlington-like look was
born in 1782 and called Old Flint. In 1825, in the
Despite its cuddly appearance and short, high-stepping town of Bedlington, a man named Joseph Ainsley
gait, this is an eager, swift, and tenacious breed mated a pair of terriers with this Bedlington “look”
and declared the resulting puppy the first of a new
breed, the Bedlington Terrier.
The typical terrier spirit lies beneath the than some terriers. Now usually kept as
woolly coat of the Bedlington Terrier, a dog a companion, the dog is normally quiet,
that has been described as having “the look affectionate, and rather sensitive, but if
of a lamb but the heart of a lion.” The breed provoked it will defend itself in true terrier
originated in Northumberland, in northeast fashion. The Bedlington Terrier needs plenty
England, and was bred by both the upper of physical and mental activity to work off its
classes and working men. It was descended energy and prevent boredom. Owners may
from the Whippet (see p.128) and from need to be vigilant when walking outdoors,
other terrier breeds, and used to hunt hare, to stop the dog from giving in to its strong
rabbit, fox, and badger above ground. It chasing instinct. It has proved itself in agility
could also work in water to hunt rat and and obedience competitions.
otter. A national breed association was The puppies are born dark blue or dark
formed for the Bedlington Terrier in 1877, brown. Their coats grow lighter as they
and the breed became a feature in the show mature, and need regular trimming. Show
ring as well as in family homes. dogs have a unique clip, with long hair on
Its sight hound ancestry has given the the face and legs and tassels on the ears.
Bedlington Terrier not only great speed
and agility but a more tolerant temper

Hair left
longer on head Relatively small eyes
Thin, velvety, Black nose
drop ears

Non-shedding,
thick coat
Arched,
flexible back
Show clip leaves
tassels on ear tips

Blue

Dark blue
Hind legs Deep chest
appear longer
than forelegs

PUPPY

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