Bedlington Terrier Breed Information

  Learn about this dog breed including behavior, physical characteristics, origins, history and more.

Bedlington Terrier Breed Information

Learn all about Bedlington Terrier dogs, read about the Bedlington Terrier breed information, find out about the Bedlington Terrier Breed Standard, Bedlington Terrier behavior and more.

Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Introduction

The Bedlington Terrier dog breed is one of the most unique-looking of all the terrier breeds. At first glance, Bedlington Terrier dogs seem to have almost a lama shape, with their pronounced necks and rounded backs. Perhaps the most striking feature is the distinctive coat of both hard and soft hair. But the powerful, almost rabbit-like hind legs are also impressive. Bedlington Terriers don't just run, they gallop. In addition to being fast, Bedlingtons also tend to show remarkable endurance.

Here are the characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Bedlington Terrier's Behavior

The Bedlington Terrier dog breed is great for people who can handle a lively animal. Bedlington Terrier dogs tend to be alert, extremely energetic, and courageous. Just don't try to race a Bedlington: those hind legs really are as powerful as they look.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Bedlington Terrier's Physical Characteristics

• Size: Males: 16½ inches; females: 15½ inches.
• Coat: Hard and soft hair standing well out from the body in a distinctive coat.
• Color: usually white.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped and small, color: blue, sandy, liver, blue and tan, sandy and tan, liver and tan.
• Ears: Triangular, rounded at the tip.
• Skull: Narrow, deep and rounded.
• Nose: Large, well-defined nostrils.
• Tail: "Scimitar-shaped," in the words of the American Kennel Club's breed standard. The tail starts out thick and then tapers to a point.

Bedlington Terrier's Origins and History

Here are the barebone facts of the Bedlington Terrier dog breed's history, according to Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: United Kingdom

Original purpose: hunting, particularly chasing hare and rabbit. The breed was also once popular for use in dogfights.

Name: named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in northeast England.

Historical notes: The original name of the Bedlington Terrier breed was the Rothbury Terrier. Rothbury is a town, like Bedlington, in Northumberland, England.

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