Highlights:

· Coat

· Colour

· Head

· Neck

· Forequarters

· Hindquarters

· Gait

· Presentation

      I wish the standard said more! Not often do I get to see a Bedlington move the way I envision it should. In the slower paces, a Bedlington that is moving well will appear to 'bounce' or be moving as though he is on springs. In the quicker paces, he will have a slight, but definite "roll" to his gait. This is not a breed that we want to make move like a German Shepherd. Moderation again is the key.

     Justification for proper movement: He is an animal built along agile and lithe lines. No need for the reach and drive of the herding dog and that is completely untypical. He should appear always able to "bounce" off those springs he calls legs in any direction at great speed. This is what is needed in a terrier that could hunt vermin, rabbit, and whatever other creature its owner wished him to hunt. Sudden speed and flexibility, not flashy reach and drive. Also note that as with many breeds, the faster a Bedlington moves (without galloping) the closer together his front and rear will move ... "single tracking." In general, he is a more closely moving dog than his other terrier counterparts.

     Faults often seen: Hackney in front (front legs raised very high). Over reaching in front. Driving in rear giving a smooth but not the typical springy gait. Dogs moving too wide in the rear. Paddling in front or crossing over. Why the big reach and drive? Perhaps because it is eye-catching and meets with success in the show ring under judges who are impressed by the flash and glamour at the expense of breed type.
 

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