The Bedlington Terrier looks more like a lamb than a dog, but do not let her appearance fool you. She is not a pushover. She can be very aggressive with other animals and stubborn. She may do well with other dogs as long as they do not try to dominate her. She may get along with cats if you socialize her for cats early. She will also get along with older children well. As a reminder, never leave any young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time. She can be raised in an apartment as long as she is walked frequently and her high intelligence is also exercised. She is a good watch dog and likes to bark. Generally she gets along well with strangers.

*Approximate Adult Size. The ideal approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Bedlington Terrier is 16 and one half inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and the ideal female adult height at the withers is 15 and one half inches. The weight should run between 17 and 23 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed. With the Bedlington Terrier be aware of Copper Toxicosis, Detached Retina, Distichiasis, Canine Micropthalmia, Cataracts, Lacrimal Duct Atresia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Retinal Dysplasia, Renal Cortical Hypoplasia, Thyroid Problems and Kidney Disease.

*Grooming. Bedlington Terriers need weekly combing even though they barely shed and are considered non-allergenic for owners. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Additionally, she will need to see a professional groomer often to be clipped to keep her coat in good shape.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The can live up from 14 to 17 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Bedlington Terrier was originally named the Rothbury Terrier and was kept and bred by gypsies for small game hunting. She was first shown in the town of Bedlington, England, in 1870, hence the name. She was rumored to also be used as a fighting dog. The Bedlington Terrier was approved as a breed by the American Kennel Association on September 12, 1967.

Some Registries:

Bedlington Terrier Club of America. Inc.

National Bedlington Terrier Club (UK)

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

ACR = American Canine Registry

Category: Terrier. Galloping or coursing breed.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Barely sheds.

Is non allergenic in most cases.

Good watch dog.

Intelligent but sometimes difficult to train.

Can run very fast.

High energy dog.

Will tolerate both heat and cold.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Not a guard dog.

Will fight a dog that tries to dominate it.

Likes to dig.

Needs to be restrained as she likes to chase and is very fast.

Can be stubborn.

She likes to bark.

May either go over or under a fence or both!

Has serious potential health problems.

The breed has a wide variation of personality.

*Other Names Known By: Gypsy Dog, Rothbury Terrier