The Loyal and Charming Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a dog breed that was initially bred to be a vermin killer and hunter’s sidekick. Today, dogs that belong in this breed are known to be excellent human companions as well as fantastic and obedient dogs in the show ring. However, even if they are excellent in hunting and they have a good sense of smell, as well as the energy to go around, Bedlington Terriers are rarely used in the field. Instead, they are irresistible TV-time companions. In this article, we are going to know more about Bedlington Terriers, their history, characteristics, and how to take care of them.

Origins of Bedlington Terriers

Bedlington Terriers were first bred in the north of England. However, even experts cannot tell where exactly they came from. One theory suggests that this dog breed traveled with gypsies and Rom, who used them to poach game on the estates. The Bedlington Terrier’s talent in hunting rats, vermin, and badgers made them famous, which is why people back then started to take care of these dogs.

For a short time back then, this dog breed was known as Rothbury terriers. Still, eventually, the name Bedlington Terrier stuck. The first dog to be actually called a Bedlington Terrier was a dog named Ainsley’s Piper, and his owner was Joseph Ainsley of Bedlington.

Some dog enthusiasts say that the Bedlington Terrier was crossbred with a Whippet at some point because people wanted to increase their agility and speed. Since then, the popularity of the Bedlington Terrier grew, and it crossed all social boundaries. They were favorite pets of mine and factory workers because they are excellent hunters of rats, and they used to race this breed against Whippets during their off-hours.

Characteristics of Bedlington Terriers

Height: 15-17.5 inches

Weight: 17-23 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-16 years

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Bedlington Terriers can grow from 15 to 16 inches tall and weigh from 17 to 23 pounds. They are energetic, alert, and intelligent dogs that can be an excellent watchdog and companion. Bedlington Terriers enjoy being around people, and they like to be the center of attention. However, they can be quite aggressive when it comes to other dogs of the same sex, and they have the tendency to chase small furry animals.

The temperament of a Bedlington Terrier is affected by several factors, such as training, heredity, and socialization. Bedlington Terrier puppies often have playful and curious characters, and they are willing to approach anyone. If you want to have a Bedlington Terrier as a pet, we suggest that you choose a middle-of-the-road puppy who is not beating his littermates or hiding in a corner. Keep in mind that you should at least meet one of its parents to make sure that they will have excellent temperaments that you can be comfortable with.

Just like any other dog breed, the Bedlington Terrier requires early socialization training, such as exposure to different sights, experiences, sounds, and people while they are still young. This helps your Bedlington Terrier puppy to grow up to be a well-rounded dog. You can enroll them in a puppy kindergarten class, or you can just train them to get used to other people by inviting visitors over to your house regularly or taking them to parks and leisurely strolls.

Caring for Bedlington Terriers

Bedlington Terriers are somewhat a hardy breed that has moderate activity levels. They can run at high speeds, that is why having a safely fenced area is a must. However, they are not meant to live outdoors. They are perfect for people who are living in an apartment just as long as they get a safe place where they can exercise. This means that you must take your Bedlington Terrier for a nice walk or a game of fetch at least every day. This way, you can train their agility and obedience while they are having fun.

Bedlington Terriers are intelligent dogs, which means they are easy to train. They perform well if you persuade them well and give them positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise. Keep in mind that physical force and harsh words can only bring Bedlington Terriers to release their stubborn streak. They can also be destructive, which means that you have to crate them to make sure that they do not get into trouble when you are not around.