| AKC Group: | Terrier |
| A.K.A.: | None |
| Functions: | Hunting |
| Year of Origin: | 1800s |
| Country of Origin: | England |
| Life Span (yr): | 14 - 17 |
| Colors: | Blue, Liver, Sandy, Blue and Tan, Liver and Tan, Sandy and Tan |
| Height (Inch): | 15.5 - 17.5 |
| Weight (lb): | 17 - 23 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: |  |
| Self Protection: | |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: |  |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The Bedlington Terrier has tapered, round head. He has a unique look in that his skull is shorter and his jaw is longer. He has an adorable topknot that is typically lighter in color than the rest of his body. He has eyes that are shaped like small almonds. They are sunk into his skull and never tear. The color of his eyes change depending on the color of his coat; however, they can range from dark to light hazel. His ears have rounded ends and are triangular in shape. They hang down next to his face and are very soft with a cute tassel at the ends. The nose of the Bedlington Terrier can be black or brown, again depending on the color of his coat. His coat is curly or wavy, but not really wiry.
Temperament:
Although the Bedlington Terrier was not always friendly and loving, he is now, due in part to selective breeding. He loves to play, especially with children and he is even rather welcoming to people he does not know. He is a faithful breed of dog and can also be described as stubborn. With proper socialization, especially in the puppy years, he can learn to get along with cats and other family pets. Other household dogs are usually less of an issue, although he may try to assert his dominance over smaller dogs. The Bedlington Terrier has a side of his personality that causes him to fight, bark, and dig.
Health:
Copper Storage Disease is a serious liver disease that can be inherited by the Bedlington Terrier. With the disease, copper literally accumulates in the liver and can be deadly if not treated. In fact, sixty-six percent of the Bedlington Terriers in the United States are affected by the disease and it can even lead to severe hepatitis. There is a registry for the disease for this breed to attempt to reduce the likelihood of passing it on from generation to generation. The Bedlington Terrier is also predisposed to cataracts and to progressive retinal atrophy – a disorder where the rods and cones of the eyes are affected and that can lead to blindness.
Maintenance:
The Bedlington Terrier requires only an average amount of grooming. He should be trimmed every month and a half – so for the pocket book – it is best to learn how to trim his fur without the use of a professional groomer (aka do it yourself). Trim his coat close to his body and head but do not trim the tassels at the tips of his ears. He should be brushed routinely and the fur growing inside his ears should be plucked. The Bedlington Terrier likes to exercise and without enough exercise, he will find trouble. Taking him for a walk each day will usually help to keep him out of mischief.