Bedlington Terrier - description of the breed and character of the dog

Dog lovers with a twist will definitely pay attention to the bedlington terrier. This is one of the most original breeds in the world. Bedlington terriers owe their uniqueness to the appearance that brings them closer to the sheep. The dogs have an elongated head resembling a pear, the pet fur coat is slightly curly and has a white color. However, the character of the representatives of this breed is very multifaceted. He became the reason for securing such a nickname for the dogs - “lambs with a lion's heart”. Consider the features of this breed in more detail.

The history of the breed Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington terriers appeared in the eastern part of the UK, in a small town called Bedlington. It is easy to guess that it was in his honor that the animals were named. Were taken pets not for the sake of mere curiosity. The newly minted breed was needed by the miners: the Bedlington Terriers were to hunt rats, which filled the whole space of the mines and prevented them from working.

This breed has not only been used there. Dogs were taken for hunting, which led to the growth of its breeding among poachers. Interesting is that the skills of the Bedlington Terriers pushed the inhabitants of England to the establishment of a competition-competition for catching rats. The developed intelligence of dogs attracted the attention of stray artists. So, the representatives of this breed were among the Gypsies, who taught pets tricks and dexterities. Such a history of the origin of the bedlington terriers fanned the breed with a large number of mystical legends and rumors.

The British were told that once the three Bedlington Terriers united, they were able to kill a bear that appeared in a forest village. Others echo them with a story about how the Bledlington Terrier dealt with hundreds of rats in 10 minutes.Still others note the pet's ability to dodge shots aimed at point-blank fire.

Of course, these stories are legendary. But professional dog experts admit that they could be based on real heroes of dogs of this breed. After all, behind the appearance of "cute lamb" lies a dexterous and strong dog that is able to cope with the most difficult tasks.

For the first time, the bedlington terriers were mentioned in 1825 in the book The Life of James Allen. But all researchers unanimously argue that the breed appeared long before this moment. Starting her ascent from the mines, she soon became famous. This led to its spread in the highest circles of society. Bedlington terriers quickly turned to the environment of wealth and luxury. The peak of the breed's career was the fact that the Bedlington Terrier became the pet of the Queen of England.

The international standard for the external characteristics of the breed was established in 1867. After that, the Bedlington Terriers became active participants in various competitions and exhibitions. Of course, over time, the appearance of representatives of this breed has undergone changes. Not left without interference and the nature of the animal.Today, most of the Bedlington Terriers look more sophisticated than their ancestors. This type of breed has received the widest distribution throughout the world.

However, nowadays a club of admirers of purebred dogs of this breed has been created in the UK, under the auspices of which breeding bedlington terriers with hunting qualities and working character continues.

Characteristics of the external appearance of the Bedlington Terrier

1. The average height of the dog at the withers reaches 21 cm.
2. The average weight does not exceed 11 kg.
3. The average life span of representatives of this breed is 15 years.
4. The animal looks like a sheep. He is distinguished by grace and harmony of proportions of parts of the body. A prominent feature of the dog is a curved back.
5. The head of the pet has an oblong shape, resembling a pear. It has such features as bulging brows, a weakly pronounced occipital tubercle, no prominent cheekbones. All this gives the skull a rounded shape.
6. The dogs of this breed have low, thin, triangular-shaped ears. They are often rounded at the bottom and have a woolen frame.The outer surface of the ear is covered with a fur that feels like velvet.
7. Pet's nose is wide enough. Usually it is painted in dark shades of colors.
8. The lips of the dog, tight to the jaw, are also painted dark (sandy colors are sometimes found).
9. Dogs move dynamically and rapidly. Type of movement during a walk - fast gallop. When slowing down, they become graceful and springy.
10. Pet's jaws are very developed and differ in strength. Included in the tooth set are linear incisors.
11. The eyes of representatives of this breed is characterized by a deep landing. Their characteristic feature is a triangular shape. The color of the iris varies from brown to nutty shades.
12. Breed peculiar highly set neck. The active lifestyle of the pet makes it muscular, smoothly turning into withers.
13. The upper line of the body of the dog delineates the arch. Withers are not distinguished in the body. Chest slightly protrudes ribs, belly tightened.
14. The tail of the pet is long, has a thickening of the base, significantly narrowed towards the end. The shape of the tail resembles a saber. If the dog is at rest, the tail hangs down.
15. Pet paws are close to each other.The shoulder of the paws is oblique, the forearm is different in length, the hips are slightly bent.
16. The coat is evenly distributed over the surface of the whole body. She is a tight coat. The structure of the wool is soft. According to the texture - tends to curl. On the top of the head, the wool forms a “cap”. Its color differs from the rest of the wool in a lighter shade.
17. Representatives of the breed have the color of traditional colors. These include totally white, white with opal, sand, brown with red ebb. Usually puppies have a dark color. When their age reaches one year, they change the coat, the color that is lighter than the previous one.

The nature and behavior of Bedlington Terriers

1. Often behave uncompromisingly and stubbornly.
2. Well trained, rapid in development, easily socialized.
3. They need a life in a state of permanent physical and intellectual training. Various feasible loads will make the pet happy and relieve the owner of unnecessary problems.
4. Able to be cruel, but not in relation to the owner, but by his order.
5. Do not like training becausewhich is stubborn and well intellectually developed.
6. It is capricious that brings inexperienced owners a large number of difficulties in the process of education.
7. Tied to the same host, but get along well with other people.
8. Like all terriers, they love to dig mink.
9. Use the skills of the shepherd dog (pinching the limbs) in relation to other animals and even to the owner.

Temperament Bedlington Terrier

Representatives of this breed often behave like real British gentlemen. They hardly endure an elevated tone, do not accept rudeness and cry. Bedlington terriers often show knightly qualities, because they always protect the owner and take his side. Pets quite cleanly. Puddles or dirty roads, they prefer weed or clean asphalt. A distinctive feature of the breed, which is at the same time its great advantage, is that the dog practically does not shed, therefore a pet of this breed is perfect for allergy sufferers.

The underlined fast socialization of dogs is manifested in their relationships with children. Bedlington terriers with trepidation communicate with kids, often endure rough games, playing the role of a living toy.Pets are well behaved in the absence of the owners, so leaving him alone at home can not expect unprofitable surprises from him.

Dogs of this breed prefer to lead an active lifestyle. They are energetic, gladly make a company to their owner in jogging, easily go with him on a journey. Pets freely perform various exercises, moreover, they are vital for him. Otherwise, the bedlington terriers fade away or turn into lazy dogs with a bad temper. During walks you should keep the bedlington terrier on a leash, since a developed hunting instinct can push the pet to the pursuit of a squirrel or a cat. Dog stubbornness will not allow you to quickly stop his team.

They demand respect for themselves, because educational processes with the use of force are poorly performed with them. Dogs will answer you with a growl and a bark. Bedlington terriers have a good memory, which, with a bad attitude to the dog, will turn into rancor. This makes the breed vindictive.

Pets love to play using special toys. However, remember that the Bedlington Terriers will treat them as their property and notshare toys with other dogs. Representatives of this breed appreciate the time spent next to their favorite owner. But they will never impose their attention if they see that the owner is busy. They will prefer to settle in the distance so as not to burden themselves, but at the same time they will tirelessly monitor what the person is doing in order to protect his safety.

Dogs quickly find a common language with other pets, but will seek the title of the most beloved pet, as it is important to him is the center of attention. Bedlington terriers are touchy and jealous. Please note that the nature and the initial appointment of the Bedlington Terriers will not allow them to get along with domestic rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.)

Specificity of the content of the bedlington terrier

1. Pets will be equally comfortable to feel in the apartment, and in a country house. Please note that dogs of this breed should not be kept outside in the winter as they cannot live in the cold.
2. An active lifestyle is extremely important for dogs of this breed.You should not ignore the pet's desire to go for a walk or play.
3. Bedlington terriers need combing. Cleanliness of the dog should be taken into account when choosing a road during a walk.
4. It is not necessary to bathe a dog more than twice a year.
5. Make it your habit to periodically wipe the dog's eyes, otherwise their pollution will cause illness.
6. In the organization of the diet, remember that the pet has a poor liver. Eat a bedlington terrier should be a natural food with a high content of vitamins.
7. Lead your dog to the vet for routine check-ups, since many diseases have no external signs, but they have major consequences.

How to train a belington terrier?

Where can I get a bedlington terrier puppy?

This original breed is rare in our country, as there are no official nurseries in Russia. You can buy a puppy only from individuals, better than those whose dogs are presented at exhibitions. If you are planning to make an exhibition and competitive career with your pet, make sure you have the documents, because without them your plans will not succeed.

Another option is to buy a purebred puppy abroad. However, this option is expensive.

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