Bedlington Terrier

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History/Origin
There are conflicting reports on the origins of the Bedlington Terrier. It was said that a local dog was crossed with a Bedlington breed. However, some sources also allude to the possibility that another type of Terrier, such as the Dandie Dinmont and an Otterhound, contributed to the bloodline of the breed people have come to know.

With its first appearance in 1877, the Bedlington Terrier was originally used in North Britain to catch rabbits. Its original name, Rothbury, was taken after a district in an England border where gypsies propagated the breed to hunt animals. The miners, on the other hand, used the Bedlington Terrier as a vermin hunter because it also excelled as a combat dog. Hunters also made use of the terrier as classic retrievers in the past. Nowadays, the Bedlington Terrier is an ideal watchdog or an apartment dog.

Description
The typical Bedlington Terrier looks somewhat like a sheep, with its thick, linty coat composed of a combination of fine and coarse hairs. Its coat comes with blue-gray or light colors. The dog also has small, deep-set eyes.

There are several characteristics that make the breed unique from other dogs with thick coats and tiny eyes. First, the Bedlington Terrier breed is a typical example of a dog with an arched back, from about the middle of its body to its tail. Second, its ears also have a particularly shape, a filbert-shaped ear, which is a term taken from the shape of a "filbert," otherwise known as a hazelnut. Third, its head is shaped like an otter and its tail is pointed. Last, its front legs are the only ones straight and its feet are similar to a rabbit's.

Temperament
Due to careful breeding, the Bedlington Terrier is now more affectionate than before. It does not look for a fight but is more of a spirited and confident player. Quite active and energetic, the dog loves playing with children and has been known to be warm with strangers.

However, the Bedlington Terrier needs to be taught to live with other small, domesticated animals when young. It interacts quite well with other types of dogs but once challenged, it fiercely fights back despite its sweet, fluffy appearance. It can also be nervous and high-strung so it is advised to avoid taking off its leash in a wide and open area, since it also loves to run around.