Highlights:

· About Bedlingtons

· DNA Information

· Bedlingtons of England
  Rathsrigg Bedlingtons
  Hilldyke Bedlingtons

     As well as the obvious perks of the Bedlington such as a non-shedding coat and smaller size, there are other attributes of the breed which are not so apparent until one finally meets one.

     In temperament, the Bedlington is unlike most of his other Terrier counterparts. He tends to be a bit more sensitive and a lot quieter. They are extremely tractable dogs and are very loyal to their owners and families. Bedlingtons excel in obedience and are very easily trained by a sensitive hand. They do not take well to harsh corrections nor do they seem to need it. Many owners marvel at their Bedlington being always by their side yet never in the way.

     The Bedlington will seldom go looking for trouble and prefers to turn away from confrontations with other dogs. However, should the situation arise where he feels threatened and there is no way of escape, he will stand his ground and retaliate with incredible swiftness.

     When out walking, the Bedlington should never be let off leash. This is a dog built for speed and they can run extremely quickly. Should a bird or squirrel cross their path they will most likely give chase and in many instances catch their quarry. The instinct to do what they were bred to do is alive and well in many individual dogs and owners should always be aware of this.

     There usually is no great difference between the personality of a male or a female. Both the boys and girls are intensely loving, loyal and tractable. The boys are equal to the girls in their task of loyal affection to their humans.

     Bedlingtons seem to fit into just about any home environment. For those who like to run many miles everyday, there's a Bedlington for you. For the more sedate owners who enjoy their creature comforts, there's also a Bedlington who will eagerly accept the easy life. In short, a Bedlington is a dog that is easy going, quiet, clean, sensitive, intelligent, aware of their owner's mood, very polite, won't demand to go walking if you don't feel like it, will delight in a ten mile hike if you feel like it, won't be constantly bouncing off the walls, will defend their owners perhaps to the death, will sleep on the bed, will sleep on the couch, will treat your guests as if they were best friends, will help you plant (or unplant) your garden, won't eat you out of house and home and so much more.

     When you have decided to get a Bedlington, your best course of action is to let the breeder pick out a puppy for you. Breeders know their puppies and have a better chance of matching the right pup to the right owner.

     Grooming the Bedlington can be accomplished with a little dedication and a good eye. If your dog is destined for the show ring, it is best to ask the breeder to show you how to groom. For pets, the main concern is keeping the coat mat free and clean. Attention to the eyes, ears and nails is the same for any dog no matter its vocation.

     A dog with a typical coat that is well pigmented and has ample guard hairs to give a springy and slightly crispy feel to it is a joy for the owner to maintain. These coats require a thorough brushing out maybe only once or twice a week depending on how fussy the owner is. Baths are almost never required as this type of coat sheds dirt very easily and quickly.

     The much less desired yet all too common coat lacks enough of these guard hairs and tends to mat quickly. It will not hold a combing for very long and does not shed dirt. These dogs can be helped by clipping down the coat very short periodically and the new coat that grows in sometimes improves in texture. These coats are usually stark white (a breed fault) and although thick, are often way too soft to be considered correct.

     Bedlingtons may not be perfect for everyone. However, when they do fit an owner's requirements, there is perhaps no finer animal available to share one's life with.

     If you are not sure whether the breed is for you, try to meet several members of the breed. Visitors are always welcome here and you are welcome to contact us with whatever questions you may have. We will do our best to help you in your search for your next companion.