The Bedlington terrier, which is a unique breed resembling a lamb, is believed to have been created through crossbreeding with sighthounds like the whippet because of its arched back, speed, and agility. It is theorized that the breed shares ancestors with other terriers such as the Dandie Dinmont, Kerry blue, and soft-coated wheaten terriers. Despite their graceful and sprightly gait, these terriers can run at impressive speeds if needed.
Despite their gentle lamb-like appearance, the Bedlington breed has a history of performing tough and sometimes deadly tasks. Originally bred in the Northumberland mining shire of Bedlington in the 1800s, these energetic and courageous dogs were developed as working dogs for the common man. The Bedlington was highly valued as a hunting companion, known for their ability to chase down game such as foxes, hares, and badgers, and their skills were also employed by local miners for vermin control.
Piper, a dog born in 1825, holds the title of the original Bedlington terrier. Despite being almost blind and toothless when he reached the age of 14, it is rumored that Piper continued to hunt badgers. During the early 1800s, the Bedlington breed was highly regarded as the fastest and most intelligent of all terrier breeds.
The reason why the breed was known as the “Gypsy Dog” was due to its frequent use by nomadic Romanies as a sly accomplice in their unlawful hunting pursuits. Lord Rothbury of Bedlington identified the “Gypsy Dog” and became such a fan of the breed that they were commonly referred to as either “Rothbury’s terrier” or even “Rothbury’s lamb”.
The Bedlington terrier also gained popularity among the nail makers in Bedlington, leading to miners and nailers betting their earnings on dogfights where they would pit their terriers against one another. Despite their gentle appearance, the Bedlington terrier proved to be tenacious fighters and would not give up easily. Unfortunately, they would fight to the death when forced into such situations. However, hunters also found Bedlingtons reliable as retrievers.
Fortunately, Bedlington terriers were discovered to be more amorous than aggressive. After initially being bred for labor in coal mines and nail factories, these delightful canines escalated in popularity, being welcomed into the esteemed homes of British aristocrats. There, owners would raise Bedlingtons to exude both affection and aesthetic value, adding a touch of opulence to their chic lifestyles.
The National Club for Bedlington Terriers was established in England in 1877. In less than a decade, the first Bedlington was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Even now, the citizens of Bedlington, England are proud of this well-known export. To honor the breed, the town’s soccer team is called the Terriers, and park benches fashioned to resemble the shape of the Bedlington have been installed.
Bedlington Terrier Care
Bedlington canines are agile, lively, and need plenty of physical activity. They have a tendency to bark excessively and may become anxious if they don’t receive enough exercise or mental stimulation. Despite their dynamic nature, they are not particularly unruly or naughty in behavior.
Exercise
As a terrier breed, the Bedlington is highly energetic and needs regular exercise for the betterment of both its mental and physical health. To keep your dog content, it is advised to take it on a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes daily, with additional sporadic activity throughout the week. The Bedlington enjoys activities such as playing fetch, going for a long walk or run, swimming, and is not averse to lounging on the couch with its family after exercise. It is worth noting that this breed thrives when participating in sports and competitions like agility, tracking, and obedience.
Grooming
The coat of Bedlington dogs is a blend of both gentle and rough hair, not wiry. It is noteworthy that their shedding is minimal or non-existent, which pleases most Bedlington owners. Nevertheless, owing to excessive growth, their fur must be trimmed every two months, either with the aid of electric clippers and scissors or by going to a professional groomer. In addition, their coat necessitates brushing and/or combing once or twice a week.
Similar to all dog breeds, Bedlingtons require routine grooming which entails clipping their nails frequently, brushing their teeth every day, and regularly examining and cleansing their ears. Additionally, due to their distinctive ear shape and hair distribution, the breed’s ear tassels should also be trimmed for a neater appearance.
Training
The Bedlington terrier is a typical terrier; it has characteristics of being both headstrong and intelligent. As a result, it should be given early socialization and training. Harsh training techniques or physical corrections should not be used as they can lead to a power struggle between the dog and its owner. Owners who are not passive and who remain firm and consistent can train this breed appropriately by using positive reinforcement methods such as offering praise and food as rewards.
Common Health Problems
While Bedlington terriers are generally healthy, they have been linked to specific health issues such as:
- Copper Toxicosis: The breed is prone to this genetic disease causing copper toxins to build up in the liver which can make an animal chronically ill.
- Luxating Patella : Another condition particular to this breed is the dislocation of a kneecap resulting in the dog kicking its leg to try to pop the kneecap back in place.
- Hip Dysplasia: This condition affects the condition and functioning of the hip joints leading to lameness.
- Elbow Dysplasia : Skeletal growth abnormalities in the dog’s elbow can cause lameness in the forelimbs.
- Hypothyroidism : When a dog’s thyroid makes too little of the necessary thyroid hormone, it can lead to many symptoms, including lethargy and weight gain.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease : A dog with this disorder has a problem with prompt blood clotting because there’s a lack of a specific protein needed to let the platelets know they need to begin sticking together.
- Dry Eye: Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, this breed is prone to this condition where the tear glands no longer work, resulting in sore, itchy, and sometimes infected eyes.
- Distichiasis: Not his condition causes abnormal growth of eyelashes. Hairs grow along the eyelid and into the eye itself, causing irritation.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If the world were perfect, every brand of dog food would be the same. However, there are countless options for dog owners, each one asserting that it is the finest dog food available. Searching for a brand that is both nourishing, budget-friendly, and desirable for your dog can be a taxing process. Our compilation of professional counsel will aid you in limiting your alternatives.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Most people feed their dogs dry kibble or canned wet food . These processed foods might not be appealing to us, but they contain all of the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Quality commercial dog foods are highly regulated and have undergone rigorous testing by veterinary specialists. So what exactly is in these dog foods?
Contrary to cats, dogs are not exclusively meat-eaters. Although meat is a major component of their diet, domesticated dogs can obtain essential nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These alternate sources of nourishment are not just additives, but can offer crucial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. An optimal dog food should contain a blend of meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits, with top-quality ingredients that suit your dog’s digestive system.
Dog Food Nutrition
It is essential to choose a dog food that satisfies your dog’s nutritional requirements to ensure its well-being. Although commercial dog food brands typically meet the minimum nutritional standards for canines, it is worth noting that each dog’s dietary demands are unique.
Throughout their lives, dogs need various nutrients in varying amounts. Since the nutritional needs of a puppy differ from those of an adult, it is wise to provide a puppy formula or an “all life stages” food for your young dog. If you are unsure about the differing nutritional requirements for puppies and adults, the Merck Veterinary Manual provides a list of the recommended nutrients for dogs, along with the suggested amount based on weight and age. Keep in mind that large breed dogs and puppies have contrasting nutritional needs from those of small breed dogs and puppies.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
There is an abundance of false ideas and erroneous data concerning canine nutrition present on the Internet which one can differentiate by adhering to a single principle: verify the sources. Several people assert various things related to dog nutrition without providing any scientific proofs to back them up. In the process of researching, it is always advisable to check the credibility of the information, such as verifying if it is from a recognized source like a veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or scientific study. Additionally, it never hurts to maintain a sense of doubt, as if something sounds too wonderful to be valid, it most likely is.
There are many inquiries regarding dog food that includes grains, animal byproducts, or is pea-free and grain-free. If your dog has a grain allergy, seek guidance from your veterinarian before switching to a grain-free diet. For most dogs, grains provide important nutrients, while animal byproducts, such as organ meats and entrails, are also nutritious and contain more nutrients than muscle meat. It’s important to note that regulated byproducts exclude any questionable ingredients. Always talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns regarding your dog’s diet or food choices.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Deciphering whether a dog food is good or bad can be done by reading the label, but this task can be challenging due to the small print and difficulty handling large bags of food in the store. Additionally, dog food labels can be deceptive, as explained in the Merck Veterinary Manual. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires dog food labels to include eight crucial pieces of information, and some states may have additional labeling regulations.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
By looking at the product name, one can get an idea of what is inside the bag or can. If the term used is “beef,” it means that beef constitutes a minimum of 70 percent of the product. On the other hand, if the terms “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter” are used, then a minimum of only 10 percent of the product needs to be beef. “With beef” means that only 3 percent of the product consists of beef, whereas “beef flavor” indicates that the amount of beef in the product is less than 3 percent, but enough to impart its flavor. A similar standard applies to other named ingredients, such as “chicken.”
Ingredients
The quality or source of ingredients in dog food cannot be determined from the ingredient list on the label. Some manufacturers divide ingredients to achieve a fair distribution, which lowers the position of certain food items, such as corn, on the list, despite high quantities in the food. The meat also poses a challenge as “whole meats” have high water content, thereby reducing the overall meat percentage after processing. In contrast, “meat meal” has a higher meat percentage than “whole meats” since it is devoid of water weight.
Although the ingredient list may not indicate the quality of the components, it does specify the contents of the food, which is crucial for canines with special dietary requirements or allergic reactions and beneficial for owners who want to provide their pets with certain types of fiber, protein, and carbs.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a dog owner to determine which dog food is best for your pet. You are the one who interacts with your dog on a daily basis, and if your dog is energetic, healthy, with solid stool, and a hearty appetite, then your current dog food is likely satisfactory.
During this procedure, your veterinarian can be a beneficial source for you. They possess more knowledge regarding pet nutrition in comparison to an average pet owner, and they have access to research and resources that are not available to pet owners. Your veterinarian can assist you in limiting your choices and should gladly help answer any inquiries that you may have about your dog’s food.
