Origin: In the 1870s, coal miners in England's Northumberland county came up with a terrier-of-all-work that could swim down an otter, draw a badger, dispatch vermin, run down a rabbit and hold his own in a fight. To add to its swiftness, it was crossed with the Whippet, giving it its present-day conformation. Once known as the Rothbury Terrier, it was eventually renamed the Bedlington Terrier. The breed's gameness and talents caused it to become the poacher's greatest asset and in some places, it's still known as the 'Gypsy Dog.' In time, it was adopted by the elite and developed into the stylish pet we see in the show rings today.

Temperament: Despite the lamb-like appearance, the Bedlington is all terrier. He is alert and possesses immense energy and courage.

Activity level: With the body outline of a sighthound, the Bedlington is capable of galloping at great speed. Gentle in repose, he likes a certain amount of action and has never lost his proclivity for work. He requires regular moderate exercise.

Height/Weight: The preferred height for the breed is 16.5 in (42 cm) for a male, slightly less for a female. Weight should be proportionate to height and in the neighbourhood of 17-23 lb (8-10.5 kg).

Coat: The thick and linty coat is a distinctive mixture of hard and soft hair that stands out from the skin and shows a tendency to curl.

Colour: The accepted colours are blue, sandy or liver, with or without tan markings. The lighter blue-grey shade is the colour seen most often.

Grooming: Maintaining the breed's unique appearance takes time, talent and a fair amount of scissoring skill on the part of the owner. The alternative is a regular appoint-ment with a professional groomer. Bedlington Terrier


Owning
The Bedlington Terrier is strong, lithe, graceful, and built for speed. The Bedlington Terrier's unique appearance combined with his assertive demeanor are two reasons why this dog is described as having ''the head of a lamb,'' and ''the heart of a lion.'' The coat is distinctive in appearance and requires daily five-minute groomings to keep its unique shape and healthy condition. The alert, energetic Bedlington loves to play, but is known for his mild and gentle side. His personality earns him the reputation of a great companion dog.

Characteristics
A graceful, lithe, well-balanced dog with no sign of coarseness, weakness or shelliness. In repose the expression is mild and gentle, not shy or nervous. Aroused, the dog is particularly alert and full of immense energy and courage. Noteworthy for endurance, Bedlingtons also gallop at great speed, as their body outline clearly shows.

Did You Know
The Bedlington Terrier was first known as the Rothburg Terrier in the Hannys Hills of England. Joseph Ainsley of Bedlington owned the first dog known to be called a Bedlington Terrier. The breed was originally bred in Englandfor hunting. Find the right dog for your lifestyle by answering a few simple questions.

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The Bedlington Terrier --David Harrison Levi Beverly Hills, California 90210 USA