Bedlington terrier

A brave lion in sheep's skin is often described as a bedlington terrier, elegant with a toy-like appearance. This breed has long formed a small but loyal circle of connoisseurs. Bedlington terriers are the favorites of European aristocratic circles. However, the dog got into the salons from the coal mines of old England.

History of origin

Bedlington terriers similar to those described in English documents of the XVIII century. The origin of them to establish and trace failed. According to one of the existing versions, this breed is descended from the Rotbury Terrier, originally from the forests of Rotbury. On the other hand, the terrier’s roots go to Northumberland.

The official “start” of the breed is the acquisition of the bitch Coates Phoebe by J. Ainsley from Bedlington, from which the first Bedlington Terriers appeared.

In the 70s of the XIX century. Several fans of the breed engaged in its popularization. Bedlington began to participate in competitions and exhibitions. As a result, representatives of the breed became interested in aristocratic salons, and the exterior of the brave hunters underwent a number of changes. Dogs have become more refined, graceful. Therefore, the breed standard adopted in 1867 was changed several times.

Such changes were not liked by all the Bedlington adherents, and in 1970 they founded the Bedington Terrier Workers Club, which fights for the return of the hunting qualities of the breed.

Nowadays Bedlington Terriers are one of the most expensive and rare breeds, enjoying deserved popularity among connoisseurs and connoisseurs. However, the special excitement around the representatives of this breed was never observed.

Description of breed Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington terriers have an original and unique exterior. Their height , according to the breed standard, is on average 41 cm, but 37-45 cm are allowed. The dog's weight varies from 8 to 10 kg.

Despite the "saloon" of the breed, its representatives are not characterized by weakness and effeminacy. These are active, strong and muscular dogs. The Queen of England herself was delighted with the strength and dexterity of the Bedlington Terriers. The standard describes the breed as follows:

1. The head is pear-shaped or wedge-shaped. The skull is rounded, with no pronounced occiput and stopper. Slightly compressed laterally and narrowed to the muzzle. The line of transition from the forehead to the nose is almost straight. No pronounced superciliary arches and infraorbital depressions. Muzzle slightly down.
2. Jaws sufficiently strong, with a scissor bite, white, strong, large teeth. Complete dentition. Lips tight, dark. Color can be one-color or two-color. Valid variations are from black to brown.
3. Nasal mirror with large, relief-drawn nostrils, pigmented with black or brown shade.
4. The eyes are hidden in the sockets of medium size, but, because of the depth, look small and triangular. The color varies, depending on the color, from dark (in blue) to light walnut with amber sparkles (in sand and tan).
5. Medium sized ears have an elongated shape ("nut leaf"). Landing low, tight to the cheeks. The auricle is thin. The ears are covered with a short silky hair with “pompoms” at the tips.
6. The neck is long, set high, with skin tight and without flax and plumb.
7. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. It has developed muscles. Rib ribs flat. The chest is wide enough and deep, reaching the elbow joints by the lower border. The back is straight, in the lumbar region forms an "arch", which confirms the version of the hounds blood admixture.
8. The stomach is raised. His line follows the back line.
9. Apron limbs straight, in the chest area a little wider than in the lower part. The hind limbs are muscular, visually appear longer than the front ones, which gives the body a somewhat “hare” look.
10. Paws are arched, with tightly closed toes and thick pads.
11. The tail is thick at the base, tapers towards the end and gracefully curved. It is low and should not rise above the level of the back.

The Bedlington Terrier's gait is somewhat mincing, light and resilient. The dog is moving rapidly, able to go into a gallop and develop a significant speed. The bedlington terrier has a unique, characteristic only for this breed wool - soft, thick, prone to curls, but not curly. Dense "fur coat" is separated from the skin and gives the appearance of a dog kind of "cute lamb".

Colors

The color of the dresser is varied - from blue to sand. There are pure white and reddish-brown. Preference is given to saturated colors. Puppies at birth have a darker color, which with age becomes lighter.

Character

One can talk endlessly about the character of the bedlington terrier, as it is contradictory and multifaceted. In it features of furious and courageous hunters and English restraint of aristocratic dandy are shown. Typical features of terriers:

• ingenuity, learnability, ability to make independent decisions;
• fighting character, which was not able to smooth over the attempts to make the dogs nice and docile meek;
• rancor and self-will with insufficient socialization and education.

Fearlessness, dexterity and malice in the character of Bedlington well underline the stories of the inhabitants of medieval England. The fighting qualities of a bedlington terrier manifest themselves by attacking enemies far superior in size and strength. The dogs, devoted to the owner, are ready to fight for him against any opponent until the last breath.

The opposing traits of the teasers and boys of the Bedlington terriers are their pride, their intolerance of rudeness and violence, gentleness and patience with regard to children. “Cute lambs” treat older children equally well, becoming participants in active games, and to kids, patiently carrying their pranks.

The British like to be in the center of attention, they are curious about the visits, but, possessing high sensitivity and insight, they quickly “read” the character of the guest. Therefore, some visitors may show distrust and even hostility.

Bedlington Terriers leaders. They and their pets try to establish a “boss-slave” relationship. Dogs are jealous of the owner and may be offended if he pays more attention to someone else. Express their love and affection with restraint. They can simply lie side by side, watching the “object of adoration”.

Bedlington terriers love active games, swimming, burrowing and chasing small animals. So they show the hunting instinct laid down at the gene level. Bedlington terriers are very tidy and will not intentionally soil the coat, jumping through the puddles and overcoming the dirt. And in the house they are also neat. Bedlington, even being alone in an apartment, will not nibble at furniture or small objects.

Dogs are very playful, love to tinker with toys, especially balls, but the owner’s strong instinct does not allow sharing them with fellow animals or other pets.

Training

Despite the fact that in the character of the Bedlington Terriers there are marked the features of stubbornness and self-will, they are well trained. Smart, possessing good memory terriers are able to master a large number of teams. To develop and maintain mental abilities require special training.

The "sporting" spirit of a bedlington terrier manifests itself in competitions, agility, and training. Therefore, they should be involved in active games and training from an early age. Thanks to strength, stamina, flexibility and intelligence, a dog can reach significant heights in sports. And with a professional approach from a bedlington terrier you get a great guard dog.

The title of "Gypsy dogs" bedlington terriers received not only for poaching. They earned a piece of bread as artists. Traveling with a roving camp, the dogs deftly performed various tricks and participated in performances. In Old England, it was often possible to see a bedlington terrier in the circus arena.

It is better to entrust the training and education of dogs with such an “explosive mixture” in character to professionals. When training you need to use encouragement, take into account hunting instincts, use game techniques. Raise the voice or apply punishment can not, otherwise the dog may respond with aggression.

Care and health

The thick, fluffy wool of a bedlington terrier requires special care. It should be regularly combed, removing dead hair and dust. Too often, you should not wash the dog, as the coat may weaken, become thinner and smoothed out. The British are very clean, do not emit smell and do not fade, so it is enough to bathe your pet 1-2 times a year, and to protect the fur coat in the slushy weather, wear waterproof overalls.

Wool trimmed typewriter and scissors. You should start cutting a pet from 2-3 months and make a haircut regularly - once in 1.5-2 months. It is better to entrust trimming to specialists, since in order to impart a characteristic look to a bedlington terrier, it is necessary to know the peculiarities of their structure, to have artistic taste and skills. This is especially true of dogs participating in exhibitions.

The hair in the ears is plucked with fingers or tweezers. The ear is cut from both sides with the help of a typewriter, leaving a brush on the end. Requires care and eyes, teeth. Eyes wipe with a special lotion or warm boiled water. Teeth brush paste, accustomed to the procedure from an early age. The claws are cut, the hair between the fingers is cut. With proper care, maintenance and nutrition, dogs live 12-15 years, maintaining physical activity until the end of their lives.

Diseases

The Bedlington Terrier is distinguished by good health, but because of the multicomponent "cocktail" of blood, they have breed diseases:

• liver - copper toxicosis or copper hepatopathy. As a rule, they suffer dogs of 6 years of age;
• kidney and urinary tract;
• eye - conjunctivitis, retinal dysplasia, cataract, eyelid reversal;
• thyroid gland;
• hip dysplasia;
• epilepsy.

Diseases of the liver and urinary system are hereditary. To prevent diseases, it is necessary to follow the schedule of vaccinations and regularly examine animals that have genetic diseases in the family.

Feeding

Due to the hereditary predisposition of bedlington terriers to liver pathology, one should strictly observe the diet and exclude foods containing large amounts of copper:

• liver, heart, brain of animals;
• legumes;
• cereals, especially buckwheat - do not give the dog thick cereals;
• vegetables (raw carrots, cabbage of all varieties), leafy greens;
• sweet fruit.

When choosing a natural feeding, you should consult with the breeder regarding the selection of optimal products for your pet.

When choosing dry fodder one should pay attention to the content of yeast, sea kale, seafood in them. When using ready-made rations, it is important to purchase a premium and super premium quality product.

Content

The Bedlington Terrier is a small and neat dog, so its maintenance in a city apartment does not cause any difficulties. She will not give unpleasant surprises to the owner, even staying at home alone. But in order to properly develop and maintain health to a very old age, the dog needs to move. His need for active physical activity does not satisfy walking in the fresh air. The dog must train, walk on specially equipped grounds.

The hunting instinct can chase the pet to pursue small animals, moving objects, therefore in the city it is better to walk with the dog on a leash. The dog loves to run and swim, travels with pleasure. If the city does not have the ability to satisfy its activity, then it is necessary to travel to the countryside, where it can be worn enough without a leash.

The apartment should be equipped with an individual bed, remote from the places of active movement of the household and sheltered from drafts. The dog must have its own toys, and especially balls. On the street, despite the thick "coat", you can not keep a dog. It does not tolerate temperature fluctuations.

Photo of a bedlington terrier

Bedlington Terrier Videos

Where to buy a puppy

The breed is very popular at home - in the UK, in some European countries. In the territory of the former Soviet Union there is a bedlington terrier kennel in Estonia, Belarus, Latvia. In the Russian Federation there are also young nurseries. In Moscow, you can buy a bedlington terrier puppy in kennels:

• Airy Step - http://airy-step.ucoz.ru/;
• Solo of Russia - http://soloross.ru/.

In Ukraine, there are also several nursery breeding bedlington terriers. You can buy a puppy in Kiev in: Bedlington Ukraine nursery http://bedlington.at.ua/index/0-2.

Depending on the availability of documents, the status of the nursery, the cost of a bedlington terrier puppy starts from $ 750. In Moscow, the average price of a puppy in rubles is 50 thousand rubles.

If we analyze the rise in prices for the bedlington terrier puppies in nurseries in Moscow, it becomes clear that gradually these elegant and unusual “British” are gaining popularity in our country.

The Bedlington Terrier is an amazing breed, combining both courage and cockiness, as well as unlimited devotion and love for its owner. Such pets are suitable only for strong-willed and very active people.