Bedlington Terrier

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Bedlington Terriers can suffer from eye conditions, including cataracts, corneal dystrophy, entropion, glaucoma, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, retinal dysplasia, persistent pupillary membranes, and progressive retinal atrophy. They can also be affected by atopic dermatitis, chronic inflammatory hepatic disease, copper hepatopathy, cryptorchidism, deafness, distichiasis, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, imperforate nasolacrimal puncta, microphthalmia, oligodontia, osteogenesis imperfecta, patellar luxation, and renal dysplasia. Genetic testing is recommended, including for the following additional conditions: hyperuricosuria, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive rod-cone degeneration.

Personality and Behavior

Bedlingtons are known for their playful, affectionate nature, and their high intelligence. They are known to be good with children and can be friendly with strangers, although like many terriers, they can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs. Bedlington Terriers are energetic and require a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and content. Despite their playful and energetic nature, they are usually quiet indoors. They are also known to be good swimmers.

These dogs are often described as having a dual personality; they're gentle and relaxed at home but lively and fast when engaged in outdoor activities. They are highly adaptable and can do well in various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards, as long as they get enough physical and mental stimulation.

Being a terrier breed, they may have a tendency to chase after small animals due to their high prey drive, so they require training from an early age to control this instinct. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, but it also means they can get bored easily if not properly stimulated.

Fun Facts

The American Kennel Club (AKC) calls the Bedlington Terrier a "lithe, energetic Englishmen".

The AKC also reveals that the first dog identified as a Bedlington Terrier was bred in 1825. His name was Piper, and he was still dispatching badgers at age 14, when he was nearly blind and toothless.

England’s National Bedlington Terrier Club formed in 1877, and in 1886 the AKC registered its first Bedlington.

The Bedlington earned the nickname “Gypsy Dog” due to their use by the Romani people as poaching partners.

References

https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_bedlington_terrier

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bedlington-terrier/