Bedlington Terrier

Origin & history

The Bedlington Terrier takes its name from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, in the north of England, where it was developed in the early 1800s. Miners and country folk bred it to kill rats and other vermin and to hunt rabbits, hares and even badgers, and the breed earned a reputation for speed and gameness out of all proportion to its size. There is widely accepted Whippet blood in its make-up, which explains the arched loin, the turn of speed and the running-dog outline beneath the curly coat. It was once a favourite of poachers and miners before becoming a fashionable show and companion dog later in the century. Today the Bedlington is an uncommon sight in Australia, kept mainly by terrier enthusiasts and people drawn to its unusual looks and low-shedding coat.

Temperament

At home the Bedlington is loving, lively and closely bonded to its people, often more devoted and sensitive than a typical terrier. It is generally good with children in the family and enjoys being in the middle of things. Underneath the soft looks, though, the terrier temperament is intact, so it is bold, determined and quick to react, with a strong drive to chase and dispatch small animals, which makes it an unreliable companion for cats and pocket pets unless raised with them. It can be quarrelsome with strange dogs, especially of the same sex, despite being playful with familiar ones. Bedlingtons are intelligent and learn quickly but have an independent, sometimes stubborn streak, so consistent reward-based training and early socialisation pay off. They make alert little watchdogs that will bark at the unfamiliar. The main needs are daily exercise, mental engagement and firm, kind handling of the prey drive.

Appearance

A small, lithe terrier, usually around 39 to 44 cm at the shoulder and roughly 8 to 10 kg, built lean and racy with a distinctive arch over the loin. The coat is the signature feature, a thick, crisp, curly mixture of hard and soft hair that stands off the skin and is traditionally trimmed to emphasise the lamb-like silhouette, complete with a tasselled topknot. Colours are blue, liver or sandy, any of which may carry tan points. The head is narrow and pear-shaped with low-set, tasselled ears, and the eyes are small and almond-shaped. Despite the soft, woolly look, the dog underneath is muscular, springy and quick.

Suitability

The Bedlington suits an active individual or family who will give it a proper daily walk, some play and a bit of training, and who appreciates a dog with a strong personality. It adapts well to apartment or house living thanks to its size, provided it is exercised, and the low-shedding coat is a genuine draw for tidier or allergy-prone homes, as long as the owner commits to regular professional clipping. It can manage moderate time alone better than many companion breeds but still prefers company. Households with cats or small pets should think carefully given the prey drive. The curly coat offers reasonable protection without being heavy, so the breed handles the Australian climate well enough, but as with any dog, provide shade and water and avoid hard exercise in the heat of the day.

Health

Bedlington Terriers usually live 12 to 15 years and are mostly healthy, but the breed carries one well-known inherited disease that buyers must understand. Copper toxicosis is a genetic condition in which copper accumulates in the liver and causes progressive damage, and the Bedlington is the breed most associated with it. Fortunately a DNA test exists for the main mutation, so responsible breeders test their stock and breed away from affected dogs. Beyond that, the breed can be prone to eye conditions such as cataracts and retinal problems, and to some kidney issues. Only buy from a breeder who DNA-tests for copper toxicosis and can show clear or carrier results for the parents, and who also eye-tests their dogs. Ask directly about copper status, since it is the single most important health question for this breed.