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, Bedlington Terriers 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.
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.
Appearance
The Bedlington Terrier is often described as looking like a lamb, probably because it has fur with a linty texture. This is a nonshedding coat. Born blue, sandy, or liver, all as solid colours or with tan markings, these colours 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, the Bedlington Terrier is argumentative and every inch a terrier when aroused. Their body shapes are unusual for a terrier, being somewhat like a Greyhound or Whippet in construction, which enables them 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.
Grooming
Coat has an appearance of short sheep wool, but is really a mixture of hard and soft hairs standing well out from the body. This coat requires regular scissoring to keep it in form. Color can be blue, or sandy, or liver, and any of the previous colors, along with tan.