Bedlington Terrier

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Alternative Name

Rothbury Terrier (The Lamb-like Dog)

Basic Info

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of dog. It is one of many breeds of terrier and is named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. The breed is often described as looking like a lamb on a leash, probably because it has fur with a linty texture. This is a non shedding coat. Born blue, sandy, or liver, all as solid colors or with tan markings, these colors become paler when the dog becomes an adult. The head is wedge-shaped with sparkling eyes. Although it looks meek when reclining on the couch, they are argumentative and every inch a terrier when aroused. Its body shape is unusual for a terrier, being somewhat like a Greyhound or Whippet in construction, which enables it to gallop at great speed. However, the front legs are constructed differently from coursing hounds in that the front legs are closer together at the feet than at the elbows. This enables them to turn or pivot quickly when chasing quarry at high speed. At a trot, the Bedlington moves with a 'mincing' gait, picking its feet up in what appears to be a dainty manner. They are groomed with large patches of fur on their heads and ears. This is because the breed used to hunt rats, which would try to claw at their ears or head. With the fur, they just became entangled in it.

Origin

United Kingdom

History

The original name of this breed of dog was the Rothbury Terrier after a town, like Bedlington, in Northumberland. The Rothbury Terriers were bred by gypsies in the Rothbury Forest near the border with Scotland. Indeed, they were said to have developed at the heels of gypsy caravans, chasing down squirrels and other small game. The Bedlington Terrier, which was first shown in Bedlington in 1870, is likely to have come from the Rothbury Terrier. Unlike other Terriers, the Bedlington's quarry—hare and rabbits—lived above ground, which is why a galloping or coursing breed was useful. In addition, this breed was used for dog fighting at one time. The first Bedlington Terrier club was formed in 1877.