What You Should Know Before Adopting a Bedlington Terrier

Are you considering getting a Bedlington Terrier as a pet? 

It is true that they are one of the most adorable-looking dogs. But they have other interesting characteristics too! 

In this article, I will cover 12 things about them you need to know before getting them home!

Bedlington Terriers are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed.

These small terrier dogs originated in England. They were initially bred for hunting small game and used in dog fighting. Nowadays, they are primarily kept as companion animals. 

These dogs shed so little, making them suitable for people who have allergies. Although no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these dogs do not shed much; thus, fewer danders will be around, which can reduce allergic reactions in some people. 

They have a distinctive lamb-like appearance.

The Bedlington terrier is a star because of its lamb-like appearance. Sometimes, they are often mistaken as one. Their unique appearance includes a curly coat that is woolly like a Poodle. It comes in varied colors, such as: 

• blue
• liver
• sandy
• cream
• and white.

Their coat is not only for aesthetic purposes but also insulation to keep them in colder weather.

They are energetic dogs that require regular exercise.

These dogs are known to be active, thanks to their terrier origin. They are very fast runners and always need regular exercise to thrive.

If not given the right amount of exercise, they can become destructive. They can thrive in apartments as long as they are adequately exercised daily. 

You can exercise your Bedlington for at least 30 minutes, but giving it more vigorous exercise will keep your dog happy. Their exercise can be in the form of the following: 

• long walks
• runs
• swimming
• agility
• tracking
• and obedience activities.

Once satisfied with the exercise, they are more than happy to settle inside the house. Although they enjoy walks, runs, and playing in open spaces, they can adapt well to indoor playtime or small yards as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Additionally, providing them with interactive toys and puzzles can help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent destructive behaviors.

Bedlington Terriers are friendly, affectionate, and loyal dogs.

These canines are very affectionate to their owners but also entirely independent. They are not the type of dog that is very needy of their owner's attention, but they always love affection from you and getting involved in your family activities. 

They make excellent household pets because of their good relationship with any members of the family, from toddlers to seniors. Although they can be wary of strangers and acts protective towards their family, this can be easily curbed with proper socialization. 

They are intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn at times.

Bedlington Terriers are also intelligent and trainable, which makes them an excellent choice for owners who enjoy teaching their dogs new tricks and commands. This makes them suitable for first-time dog owners too.

They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy pleasing their owners. However, it's important to note that they can sometimes be stubborn and require patience and consistency during your training sessions.

Bedlington Terrier dogs love positive reinforcement like: 

• rewards
• praise
• playtime
• and treats.

These dogs do not respond well to harsh punishment; they become more stubborn if you continually use them. Use their intelligence to your advantage by being firm and consistent while relying on positive training methods. 

They have a high prey drive.

Bedlington Terriers have a relatively high prey drive, meaning they have a natural instinct to chase and hunt small animals such as rodents, rabbits, or birds. These dogs are one of the sweetest human companions, but it is a different story with unfamiliar dogs. 

It would really help if they were the only dogs at home. But if you do, please note that even if they are socialized, your Bedlington Terrier's strong prey drive and love to chase small animals could be dangerous.

Always supervise them when you are outdoors. Make sure you have a secure fence so they won't escape outside. Their prey drive makes them challenging to control when encountering small animals on walks or in the yard.

Early socialization and training are essential to prevent this behavior from becoming problematic. Expose your dog to different animals and environments until they become comfortable and less reactive. Train your dog to follow your commands, such as "leave it" or "come".

Bedlington Terriers have a tendency to bark excessively.

Excessive barking in Bedlington Terriers can be caused by various factors, including: 

• boredom
• anxiety
• fear
• territoriality
• other dogs
• loud noises
• and a desire for attention.

These dogs bark when strangers are around to alert everyone within hearing distance. This can be useful in some cases, but it can get annoying if it happens constantly. 

If you live in densely populated areas like apartment buildings, the noise can cause major problems with your neighbors. To help stop its barking tendencies, teach your dog to stop as soon as you say so. Don't forget to carry treats to reward them every time they follow. 

Avoid yelling at a barking dog because it rarely helps in the long run. Instead, you can give them plenty of physical and mental stimulation, such as daily walks and interactive toys, to help reduce boredom and anxiety, which can be the underlying causes of excessive barking.

They are generally good with children.

Bedlington Terriers are generally known to be good with children because they are typically friendly, playful, and affectionate. However, Bedlington Terriers should be supervised around young children like any dog breed.

Very young kids may not know how to interact with dogs appropriately and may accidentally hurt or scare your dog. Additionally, even the most well-behaved dog may become agitated or defensive if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Always teach your children how to behave around your Bedlington Terrier and supervise their interactions with the dog at all times. This includes: 

• approaching the dog calmly and slowly
• avoid startling or overwhelming the dog
• and to prevent pulling on the dog's ears or tail.

Bedlington Terriers are a relatively healthy breed.

Bedlington Terriers are considered a relatively healthy breed of dog, meaning they are not known to have many serious health problems or genetic disorders common in some other breeds.

They also have an impressive lifespan of 12-16 years. However, they can still be susceptible to specific health issues, including: 

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Copper Toxicosis
• Luxating Patella
• Von Willebrand's Disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Dry Eye
• Distichiasis

Potential owners like you need to research and work with a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs. Additionally, providing your Bedlington Terrier with regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage potential health issues. 

Bedlington Terriers require regular grooming.

Although they are considered to be hypoallergenic, their coat is not low-maintenance. They need regular trimmings. I recommend every six to eight weeks. You can do it at home, or you can hire a professional groomer to do it. 

Aside from the regular trimmings, they also need brushing once or twice a week. They also need to be bathed only if absolutely necessary. Frequent bathing can actually damage their fur. You also need to:

• cut their nails short
• brush their teeth
• and clean their ears regularly.

They may be prone to separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is when dogs become anxious or distressed when separated from their owners or left alone for extended periods. This can lead to various behaviors, including: 

• excessive barking
• whining
• chewing
• digging,
• and escaping.

Since the Bedlington Terriers are known for their loyal and affectionate nature, it makes them particularly susceptible to separation anxiety. They may become very attached to their owners and struggle to cope when left alone.

Additionally, because Bedlington Terriers are a relatively small breed, they may be more likely to feel vulnerable when left alone, which can increase their anxiety levels.

If you own a Bedlington Terrier, you must be aware of the signs of separation anxiety and take steps to prevent or manage the condition. 

This may include: 

• gradually acclimating your dog to being alone
• providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation
• and seeking the advice of a veterinarian or professional dog trainer if necessary.

Bedlington Terriers can be trained for various activities.

Bedlington Terriers also excel in agility, intelligence, and trainability activities. They were initially bred for hunting and racing, but today they are commonly trained for various activities such as obedience, agility, and even therapy work.

Obedience training for Bedlington Terriers is essential and can help prevent behavior problems such as jumping, barking, and aggression.

Agility training for these dogs consists of obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. 

Agility training can: 

• provides them with physical exercise
• build confidence
• and strengthen your bond.

Bedlington Terriers are also well-suited for therapy work. They are excellent companions for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other therapeutic settings. 

They can be trained to provide comfort and emotional support to those in need, and Bedlington Terriers excel in this role due to their calm and friendly demeanor.

Getting a Bedlington Terrier can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to be prepared for the responsibilities that come along. By understanding the specific needs of this breed, you can provide them with a happy and healthy life. From grooming to exercise to socialization, there are many factors to consider before bringing a new dog into your home! And you need to be ready for all of it!