Bedlington Terrier
Description
The bedlington terrier has been described as a lamb with the heart of a lion. With his pear-shaped head, and his curly coat, in fact the Bedlington Terrrier does look a little bit like a sheep. The head has no stop, descending down in an unbroken curve from crown to nose. The eyes are small and deep set. It has a pointed tail and straight front legs with hare like feet. Bedlington Terriers can come in blue,tan, white, gray, black ,brown with its' curly double coat.
Temperment
They are very playful, and happy dogs. They are very caring to children and fairly friendly with strangers, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. They are loyal, lively and head strong. Its' best if you have any other small animals to raise them in puppyhood that way they grow to like them. Usually they get along with other dogs but, keep them away from those who want to dominate. A little powerhouse, it is courageous and energetic, with the ability to run very fast. It is an enthusiastic diggers. Bedlington terriers love to chase.
Exercise
These dogs need plenty of exercise. If not they will become bored and mischievous without it. They need to be taken for a long daily walk.
Living Conditions
These dogs will do okay in apartment life but need sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active in doors and wil do alright without a yard.
Height and Weight
A male will grow upto 16-17 inches.
A female will grow upto 15-16 inches.
A male will weigh upto 18-23 pounds.
A female will weigh up to 18-23 pounds.
Health Problems
Bedlington terriers can inheret serious liver disease, known as Copper Storage Disease. They are also prone to hereditary kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems and eye problems, such as cataracts and retinal disease.
Life Expectancy
Usually they live upto 17+. One women claimed that her dog lived upto 25 years.
Litter Size
Usually 3-6 pups.
Grooming
the coat sheds to little to no hair, but needs specialized clipping every 6 weeks so it's probably best if you learn to do it yourself. The coat is thinned and clipped close to the head and the body to give it accentuate the shape. Shave the ears closly leaving a tassel at the tips. On the legs, the hair is left slightly longer. Have a professional show you how to do it. Brush the dog regularly and clean the pluck inside the ears. Although frequent bathing will not dry out skin as it does on so many other breeds, it should not be washed too often or the coat will become lank., which is not considered appropriate for the breed. Dogs that are shown are to require higher levels of grooming. This breed is good for allergy sufferers.
