Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a small to medium terrier from Northumberland in northern England, named for the mining town of Bedlington. Behind the lamb-like outline is a quick, game dog once used for rats, rabbits, and rough country work. The arched loin, pear-shaped head, tasselled ears, and crisp curly coat make the breed easy to recognize. Accepted colors include blue, liver, and sandy, with or without tan points, and puppies often darken or lighten as they grow.

Life with a Bedlington is part terrier household and part grooming commitment. The coat sheds little but keeps its shape only with regular clipping and scissoring; neglected curls mat close to the skin. Exercise should include safe running and scent work, since many Bedlingtons retain strong prey drive and surprising speed. Training is easiest when it is consistent, upbeat, and started before the dog learns to outmaneuver everyone. Responsible breeders use DNA testing for copper toxicosis and discuss eye, kidney, and patella history as well as temperament.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver and Tan, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Sandy, Sandy and Tan, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow