A Bedlington loves to play, retrieve, jog, help with chores, or share your quiet moments. They will curl up in a little ball or become your inseparable companion as you read, write, sleep, drive, or just sit.

The Bedlington Terrier is graceful, alert, intelligent, and entertaining. They are characteristically inquisitive, perceptive, opinionated and affectionate. Their great love of people and particular joy with children endears them to young and old.

The temperament is two-fold; very quiet, much like a sporting dog, until aroused - then the aggressive terrier spirit dominates.

Bedlingtons are bright, clownish extroverts. They are always anxious to love please, and be the center of attraction whether in the show ring or in any room of your house.

Their greatest talent is the running of a household. This includes being fantastic hosts that leap for joy when company arrives. Astute judgement of the legitimacy of any visitors has proven them to be excellent watch dogs.

The breed originated near Bedlington, England. Records can be traced back to the 18th century. History tells us how the breed was developed to "go to ground" for game as well as to "run" it down. Their racy form clearly shows that they are built for speed. Their lean, agile body makes "going to ground" a snap.

Given the chance, most Bedlingtons today will prove themselves in the field. They have all the instincts of a good hunting dog: sight, scent, retrieving, and going to ground. Many are natural pointers. In spite of these natural attributes, they are rarely put to use as hunting companions.

Virtually shed-proof, the Bedlington coat is very dark at birth and becomes much lighter with maturity - and it is "oh, sooo soft!" They do need to be combed frequently (at least once a week) and trimmed approximately every two months to keep the coat healthy and beautiful. A Bedlington breeder should be able to teach you to trim your Bedlington or advise you on where you can have it done. An excellent grooming manual is available from the Bedlington Terrier Club of America.

Living with a Bedlington is a joy. They are easily trained, adaptable, and versatile companions. Their normal lifespan is about 11 to 16 years. Those who have had the opportunity to live with Bedlingtons of each gender agree that both males and females are wonderful companions.

If you believe that the Bedlington Terrier is the right dog for you, contact a good breeder. Good breeders always breed for improvement using the official standard as their guide.

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