Bedlington

The Bedlington was raised in the north of England. At first it was called rothburry terrier, later it received the name of the English city of Bedlington where the center of breeding was. The standard, established in 1869, is valid nowadays and it does not have changes. Through the veins of the Bedlington runs the blood of the bull terrier, dandie dinmont terrier, but also the whippet and no doubt some other breeds. When nowadays we see the bedlington in exhibition with its classic haircut it is difficult for us to believe that this breed was raised to hunt foxes, badgers and otters and that it is an aggressive dog and a good hunter. It is true that nowadays it is mostly a pet dog. Its hair has a peculiar aspect, it is dense and it has ringlets. It is similar to sheep hair because is separated from the body, without being rough and it tends to get curly on the head. This hair needs shaving. In the studies about the origins of canine breeds, when scissors or shaving machines were forbidden to be used, the hair tips were burned with a candle in order to keep the required length. Nowadays this peculiar and dangerous method is not used and the hair is cut with an electrical machine or with a comb and scissors.

The Bedlington way of walking is very characteristic and is different from other terriers. Although it walks slowly, its pace is light and gracious, and it trots with all the body like the greyhounds.

Size: 40.5 cm approximately and the males are allowed to exceed slightly this measurement but not the females. Weight: 8-10 kg. Colors: blue (1), blue and tan, chestnut (2) or sandy. The dogs of several colors can also be included in the same category in the exhibitions.

The color of the eyes and the nose depends on the color of the body. The blue bedlington has dark eyes going to black, while the tan-colored dog has amber eyes, and the snout and eyes of the golden-haired dog must be hazelnut-color.

The hair care (3) is a work that requires great dedication. In many parts of the body, for example on the sides, the hair must be cut 6 weeks before its exhibition, and the hair on the feet and fingers should be cut 3 weeks earlier; and under the lower jaw, the cheeks, the double chin and ears (except the tip) the hair must be cut a week before the exhibition. A little bit before the exhibition, the hair is modeled and cared so that it may have a characteristic shape. A special care should be given so that the head gets its long, narrow, rounded, pear typical shape.