The Dogs Bone

The Bedlington Terrier is a good looking, hardy small dog that looks quite similar to a short lamb.  He is a good family dog, well behaves, gets along very well with children, and has the qualities of a first-rate watchdog, which makes him a formidable fighter if provoked. 

He is very easy to train and has been successfully used in obedience competitions.  The Breed Standard regards this dog as: "A graceful, lithe, muscular dog with no sign of weakness or coarseness.  The expression in repose should be mild and gentle, though not shy or nervous.  When roused, the eyes should sparkle and the dog look full of temper and courage." 

Size:  The average height for this breed should be about 16in. at the shoulder with a slight difference which is a little below for females and a little above for males.  The average weight should be between 18-23lb.

History and origin:  Many believe that the Whippet or Greyhound played some role in the origin of this breed.  Also, his soft topknot provides a strong theory that he shares a common ancestry with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.  He possesses similar characteristic to some terriers that existed with tinkers in Rothbury Forest, Northumberland during the 18th century.  In 1820, a Mr. J. Howe came to Bedlington, Northumberland with a female dog named Phoebe. 

This dog was given to a man named Joseph Ainsley, who mated Phoebe with another dog named Old Piper.  Phoebe and Old Piper then produced Young Piper, the first dog that gave way to the new name "Bedlington" Terrier.  It was in the year 1825 when the systematic breeding of the Bedlington started.  The breed was first revealed in the show ring during the 1860's and the first Bedlington Terrier club was formed in 1875.