Description

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Originally bred to hunt vermin in mines, the Bedlington Terrier has since been used in dog racing, numerous dog sports, as well as in conformation shows and as a companion dog. It is closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Whippet and Otterhound.

It is described as a very versatile yet contradictory dog, being both good with children and "fit to kill any other dog of his weight". They have powerful swimming skills, comparable to those of water dogs such as the Newfoundland, and are noted for being very quick and having high endurance. Bedlingtons are noted for their similarity in appearance to lambs. The dogs have blue, liver or sandy colouration, all three of which may have tan points. Their fur forms a distinctive top knot on the dog's head.

Originally known as the Rothbury or Rodbury Terrier, the name Bedlington Terrier was not applied to the breed until 1825, but some dogs have pedigrees that can be traced back as far as 1782. The first dog show with a class for Bedlington Terriers was held in 1870 at Bedlington. Bedlington Terriers shown at early shows were frequently dyed to improve the look of their fur. In 1948, a Bedlington Terrier known as Rock Ridge Night Rocket won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed has a high incidence of copper toxicosis, but with the exception of eye problems, it is mostly free from health complaints.

 

Appearance

The Bedlington Terrier has been described as resembling a lamb. It has also been compared to a miniature version of the Scottish Deerhound. George Shields stated that exceedingly well-bred dogs possess the spirit of a thoroughbred racehorse.

The dogs have blue, liver or sandy colouration, all three of which may have tan points. Bedlingtons carry what is known as the greying gene, a dominant trait carried on the G locus. This gene causes puppies born with black or dark brown fur to lighten to grey or liver with age. The fur of the Bedlington creates a shape on the top of the dog's head known as a topknot. Although most modern breed standards call for the dog's topknot to be lighter than its body, when the breed was first being formed there was at least one prominent breeder, Mr. Pickett, who believed that the topknot should be darker, not lighter.

The dog's coat has been described as shaggy, hard, and rugged in style and it has also been described as linty in texture, giving the breed the nickname of "linty-haired terrier". Its coat is made up of a combination of hard and soft hairs. It is extremely difficult to maintain a "show clip", even for professionals, and grooming can be quite expensive. Dogs in what is referred to as show clip, or groomed for the show ring, cannot have fur that stands out more than 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) from their body, and the coat must have a "crisp" texture. If grooming is not performed regularly, the coat's condition rapidly deteriorates. For that reason, most Bedlingtons that are kept strictly as pets keep a lower maintenance "pet groom" style. Bedlington Terriers have been referred to as a nonshedding hypoallergenic breed.

The head of the dog must be rounded in shape with no stop. Their eyes are almond-shaped and small, and the lips are close-fitting and lack flews. The back must be arched, and the body should be slightly longer in length than in height. Although 16.5 inches (42 cm) is the preferred height for male dogs, a range from 16 to 17.5 inches (41 to 44 cm) is allowed; for females, the preferred height is 15.5 inches (39 cm) and the acceptable range is from 15 to 16.5 inches (38 to 42 cm). Both genders must weigh between 17 and 23 pounds (7.7 and 10.4 kg). They possess a light, springy gait.

 

Temperament

Bedlingtons are sharp and plucky. Their bark has been called hound-like and has been compared to the firing of a machine gun. Fast dogs with high endurance, the Bedlington Terrier is just as quick in water as it is on land, and their swimming speed rivals that of the Newfoundland. Bedlington Terriers "have pace enough to keep up with the ordinary speed of a horse." Because of the Whippet in their lineage, they have a tendency to bolt. Their versatility has been praised, with some dogs willing to "[be] a house-dog, a gun-dog, a rat-dog, a badger-dog, or, if needed, [to] bolt a fox."

They are also known for their intelligence and tenacity when it comes to taking on vermin. Bedlingtons are quite fond of fighting, and are prone to jealousy when around other dogs. One man stated that "this dog was about fit to kill any other dog of his weight" and compared him to the fighting dogs used in dog fighting. They have also been used in pit fighting.

However, both the AKC and the ASPCA call the breed "mild" and "gentle" and recommends it as being good with children. PetFinder says the breed is soft in temperament, companionable, demonstrative, loyal, and a quiet housedog. Although the breed may chase small animals outside, it is accepting of them inside. Playful and cheerful, the breed can be high-strung and excitable, and is prone to being headstrong. The New Zealand Kennel Club warns against keeping them with dogs that have dominant personalities, "as once challenged they are terrifying fighters, despite their gentle appearance", but otherwise the breed is good with other dogs.

Some breeders, notably George Newcombe, have argued that the working ability and courage of the Bedlington terrier has declined since it began being bred for show. Poodle may have been introduced into the breed to make the coat easier to groom and maintain. George Newcombe of the Working Bedlington Terrier Club said that "the pure [Bedlington Terrier] could no longer be considered a serious working breed" and proceeded to cross his dogs with Lakeland Terriers in an attempt to bring back the Bedlington's working qualities.

Group

Terrier Group

Country Of Origin

England

Size

 

Color

 

Coat

The medium-length haircoat is blue, liver, or sandy; also bi-color such as blue and tan, liver and tan, and sandy and tan. They are trimmed for show to a one-inch coat length on the body. Coat is thick and somewhat curly. Their coat has been called a "lamb's coat"; this is a distinguishing feature of the breed. The coat needs very regular grooming and clipping to prevent matting.

Grooming

 

Life Expectancy

 

AKC Group

 

UKC Group

Terrier

Height

• Female 15.5" (39 cm)
• Male 16.5" (42 cm)

Weight

• Females 17-20 lb (7.5-9 kg)
• Males 20-23 lb(9-10.5 kg).

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Points Of Conformation

This is a moderately sized dog with an alert demeanor. The head is narrow with no stop, skull is dolichocephalic, and the profile is slightly convex (Roman-nosed). Eyes are almond-shaped, and blue dogs have dark eyes, while others may have a range including hazel. Pendulous ears reach to the lateral commissure of the lips. Nose is pigmented black or brown. They have a long, tapered neck and have a deep thorax, with moderate arch and obvious tuck. Dewclaws are usually removed. The low-set tail reaches to the tarsus. These dogs move straight and true, with a springy gait.

Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits

Reported traits include: Enjoys company, but can be aloof with strangers. The dog will also do alarm barking, and enjoys barking in general. They are average in activity level, and are low shed, low allergy dogs. Regular exercise is important, and one should introduce other dogs or cats with care when the dog is young. Though a fearless fighter, these dogs are playful and gentle with the family.

Inherited Diseases

Copper Toxicosis (CT): Autosomal recessive disorder causing hepatotoxic levels of copper by 2-4 years of age. Without treatment, affected dogs develop progressive liver disease and die. Acute signs include anorexia, depression, and jaundice. Treat with copper chelating agents and liver support medications. A linkage-based test was previously available that had false positive and negative results. A mutation in exon 2 of the COMMD1 gene (formerly MURR1) has now been identified that provides an accurate direct genetic test. (See genetic tests.) Some reports state that there are phenotypically affected dogs that do not test homozygous recessive for the defective gene, and that a second, undetermined mutated gene may also cause the disease in these dogs. The disease can be diagnosed phenotypically by a liver biopsy after 12 months of age. Worldwide screening for CT in various populations of Bedlington Terriers reveals affected frequencies of 11%-57%, and carrier frequencies of 43%-69%. Molecular genetic diversity studies show reduced diversity in the breed, and a call to use quality carrier Bedlington Terriers in breeding programs (bred to normal mates) to reduce further gene pool loss. Reported at an affected frequency of 12.9% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports a high incidence, but very few Bedlington Terriers have been screened to determine an accurate frequency.

Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited congenital laxity of patellar ligaments, causing medial luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treated surgically if causing clinical signs. OFA reports 12.3% affected. Reported at a frequency of 1.4% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. Too few Bedlington Terriers have been screened to determine an accurate frequency.

Retinal Dysplasia: Autosomal recessive disorder, present at birth, with concurrent retinal detachment and cataract. Present at a low frequency in the breed.

Disease Predispositions

Hypothyroidism: Inherited autoimmune thyroiditis. 12.7% positive for thyroid auto-antibodies based on testing at Michigan State University. (Ave. for all breeds is 7.5%). Reported at a frequency of 4.3% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.
Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency): Immune-mediated pancreatic acinar atrophy. Clinical signs are poor weight gain, and steatorrhea. Treatment is with enzyme supplementation. Reported at a frequency of 8.9% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Cataracts: Anterior, equatorial or posterior intermediate and punctate cataracts occur in the breed. Age of onset 3-24 months. Reported in 8.49% of Bedlington Terriers presented to veterinary teaching hospitals. Identified in 8.41% of Bedlington Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. Reported at a frequency of 7.8% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004. CERF Does not recommend breeding any Bedlington Terrier with a cataract.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes: Strands of fetal remnant connecting; iris to iris, cornea, lens, or involving sheets of tissue. The later three forms can impair vision, and dogs affected with these forms should not be bred. Identified in 6.47% of Bedlington Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Distichiasis: Abnormally placed eyelashes that irritate the cornea and conjunctiva. Can cause secondary corneal ulceration. Identified in 4.96% of Bedlington Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. Reported at a frequency of 20.0% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Deafness: Congenital deafness can be unilateral of bilateral. Diagnosed by BAER testing. Reported at a frequency of 3.3% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004. Not listed as a breed at risk by Strain.
Heart Murmur/Valvular Heart Disease: Reported at a frequency of 3.1% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004. No specific valve involvement reported.

Allergic Dermatitis: Inhalant or food allergy. Presents with pruritis and pyotraumatic dermatitis. Reported at a frequency of 2.7% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Idiopathic Epilepsy (Inherited Seizures): Control with anticonvulsant medication. Reported at a frequency of 2.4% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Dental Issues: The BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004 reports 2.4% of Bedlington Terriers with undershot bites, and 1.2% with missing teeth.

Aggression: Reported at a frequency of 2.3% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.
Imperforate Nasolacrimal Puncta: Blocked or malformed tear duct. This defect usually results in excessive tearing. Reported at a frequency of 2.1% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease): Hyperfunction of the adrenal gland caused by a pituitary or adrenal tumor. Clinical signs may include increased thirst and urination, symmetrical truncal alopecia, and abdominal distention. Reported at a frequency of 1.6% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS, Dry Eye): Ocular condition causing lack of tear production and secondary conjunctivitis, corneal ulcerations, and vision problems. Age of onset 2-5 years. Reported at an increased frequency verses other breeds. Reported at a frequency of 1.1% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicles): Can be unilateral or bilateral. This is a sex-limited disorder with an unknown mode of inheritance. Reported at a frequency of 1.1% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Entropion: Rolling in of eyelids, often causing corneal irritation or ulceration. Reported at a frequency of 1.1% in the BTCA Health Survey 2003-2004.

Corneal Dystrophy: Causes opacities on the surface of the cornea. Identified in 1.08% of Belington Terriers CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Glaucoma, Microphthalmia, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Renal Dysplasia are reported.

Genetic Tests

Tests of Genotype: Direct test for Copper Toxicosis is available from VetGen and the Animal Health Trust. Direct test for the brown color allele is available from VetGen.

Tests of Phenotype: CHIC Certification: Required testing includes patella evaluation, CERF eye examination at a minimum of 1 year of age. and genetic test for copper toxicosis. 
Recommend hip and elbow radiographs, thyroid profile including autoantibodies, and cardiac evaluation.

Miscellaneous