The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of terrier named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Appearance The Bedlington Terrier is often described as looking like a lamb on a leash, probably because it has non-shedding fur with a woolly texture. These dogs may be blue, sandy, or liver, and can be solid colours or have tan markings. These become paler as the dog grows older. This breed has a wedge-shaped head with sparkling eyes. Although it looks meek when reclining on the couch, the Bedlington Terrier is argumentative and every inch a terrier when aroused. Its body shape, however, is unusual for a terrier, being somewhat like a Greyhound or Whippet in construction, which enables it to gallop at great speed. However, the front legs are constructed differently from those quick hounds in that the front legs are closer together at the feet than at the elbows. This enables a Bedlington Terrier to turn or pivot quickly when chasing quarry at high speed. At a trot, the Bedlington moves with a hackney gait, picking its feet up in what appears to be a dainty manner much like that of an Italian Greyhound and English Toy Terrier. Bedlington Terriers are groomed with patches of fur on their heads and ears. This practice is thought to have originated when the Bedlington was used to hunt rats. The rats, trying to escape, would bite at the dog's ears or tail, saving them from an injury and possible death from an infection. |