Origin and History

The Bedlington Terrier hails from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England. Originally known as the Rothbury or Rodbury Terrier, the breed was named after the town in 1825. Some dogs' pedigrees can be traced back to as early as 1782. The Bedlington Terrier was initially bred to hunt and was favored by northern miners, who used them for rabbit coursing and racing.

Bedlingtons were also known as "Rothbury's Lambs" due to the Lord of Rothbury's fondness for the dogs. They were used by Romani people and poachers for hunting, and were first mentioned in a book titled "The Life of James Allen" in 1825. The first dog show with a class for Bedlington Terriers was held in 1870 at Bedlington, and the breed has since been recognized for its distinctive appearance and versatile temperament.

In 1948, a Bedlington Terrier named Rock Ridge Night Rocket won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed is closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Whippet, and Otterhound, and has a high incidence of copper toxicosis, a condition that is autosomal recessive and characterized by an accumulation of copper in the liver.

Appearance and Coat

The Bedlington Terrier is described as resembling a lamb, with a distinctive lamb-like terrier appearance. They have a graceful, lithe build, arched back, and a pear-shaped head. Their coat is medium in length and consists of a combination of hard and soft hairs, giving it a shaggy, hard, and rugged style. The coat is nonshedding and has minimal odor, but requires weekly grooming to remove dead hair.

The Bedlington Terrier comes in blue, liver, or sandy coloration, with tan points possible. They carry the greying gene, which causes puppies with black or dark brown fur to lighten to grey or liver with age. The fur on the top of the dog's head forms a topknot, which is generally lighter than the body according to modern breed standards, although historically, it was sometimes darker.

Bedlingtons are known for their "linty-haired" coat, which can be difficult to maintain. A show clip, where the fur is groomed to stand out no more than 1 inch from the body, requires significant effort and expense. Most pet Bedlingtons are kept in a lower maintenance "pet groom" style.

Temperament and Behavior

The Bedlington Terrier is intelligent, affectionate, energetic, playful, courageous, and alert. They are sharp and plucky, with a hound-like bark that has been compared to the firing of a machine gun. Despite their gentle appearance, they are known to be formidable fighters, especially when challenged. Their high endurance and powerful swimming skills make them versatile and quick, with a gait described as light and springy.

Bedlingtons are known for their tenacity in hunting vermin and are prone to jealousy around other dogs. They have been used in dog fighting, although the AKC and ASPCA describe the breed as mild and gentle, recommending them as good with children. The New Zealand Kennel Club warns against keeping them with dogs of dominant personalities, as they can be terrifying fighters once challenged.

Despite their high energy level and playful nature, Bedlingtons can be high-strung and excitable, and are prone to being headstrong. They are generally good with other dogs, but may chase small animals outside. Inside, they are accepting of them and can be quiet house dogs.

Health and Genetic Concerns

The Bedlington Terrier has a life expectancy of 11-16 years, with a 2024 UK study finding a median lifespan of 13.7 years. The leading causes of death among Bedlingtons include old age, urologic issues, and hepatic conditions, with copper toxicosis being the leading hepatic cause. Copper toxicosis is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by an accumulation of copper in the liver, closely related to Wilson's disease in humans.

Bedlingtons are also prone to reproductive issues, heart murmurs, and eye problems such as epiphora, retinal dysplasia, and cataracts. They have a high incidence of kidney problems and copper toxicosis, which occurs in about 5% of living dogs. Reputable breeders conduct DNA testing to reduce the incidence of this disease in the breed.

Inbreeding is a concern for the Bedlington Terrier, as it can lead to the accumulation of harmful traits. Responsible breeders will not breed pups that carry the copper toxicosis gene, significantly reducing the incidence of this disease.

Breed Standard and Recognition

The Bedlington Terrier has a well-defined breed standard, with specific requirements for appearance and temperament. They are recognized by major kennel clubs, including the AKC and the ASPCA, which describe the breed as mild and gentle, suitable for children. The breed standard calls for a rounded head, almond-shaped eyes, and a slightly longer body than height.

The Bedlington Terrier's topknot is a distinctive feature, with most modern standards requiring it to be lighter than the body. However, historically, there was a belief that the topknot should be darker.

The Bedlington Terrier has a rich history in dog shows, with the first class for the breed being introduced in 1870. The breed has won numerous awards and recognition, including the best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1948.

Buying a Bedlington Terrier: A Practical Checklist

• Research reputable breeders who conduct DNA testing to reduce the incidence of copper toxicosis.
• Consider the breed's high energy level and ensure you can provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
• Understand the breed's history and temperament to ensure a good match for your lifestyle and household.
• Prepare for potential health issues, including copper toxicosis, reproductive issues, heart murmurs, and eye problems.

Buying a Bedlington Terrier requires careful consideration of the breed's unique characteristics, health concerns, and grooming needs. By doing thorough research and working with reputable breeders, you can ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your new companion.