The Bedlington Terrier
The famed progenitor of Bedlington was a dog named "Old Flint",
whelped in 1782 and owned by "Squire Trevelyan." Originally,
the breed was known as the "Rothbury" or "Rodbery Terrier."
This name derived from a famous bitch brought from Staffordshire by a
company of nail makers who settled in Rothbury. The Terriers of this section
were accustomed to rodent hunting underground, and worked with packs of
foxhounds kept there at the time.
It
is suggested that the Bedlington may well have made its way to Ireland
and played a part in the early development of the Kerry Blue Terrier.
The
first Bedlington Terrier club was formed in 1877. The Bedlington Terrier
was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.
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. "Gait/Movement the Bedlington is Capable of galloping at high speed and have appearance of being able to do so. Action very distinctive, rather mincing, light and springy in slower paces and slight roll when in full stride."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.
A similar idea is seen in the tail, crest and wings of the Secretary Bird
These
do-all dogs were able to do almost anything asked of them, if in classic
terrier manner. In contrast to its placid appearance, Bedlingtons would
have to be able hold its own when pitted in dog fighting contests and
was particularly well known to fight to the death when set upon. In addition,
it was fast enough to bay a badger or a fox and was a first-rate water
dog.
Breed Clubs and Societies
BEDLINGTON PICTURES.
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