Terriers

The Bedlington Terrier. The Bedlington Terrier has a deceptively mild appearance, looking very much like a lamb with its fleece and shape, for lionlike heart beats beneath this lamblike exterior. The most distinctive of terriers was the pride and joy of coal miners around Bedlington in Nothumberland, England. Dog racing was one of the miners' favorite sports; and the Bedlington's speed was so dazzling that he bacame known as the "miner's racehorse". It is likely that a dash of the Whippet was introduced to give the dog greater speed. The Bedlington differs considerably in make and shape from other terriers, being more racily built, with distinctive head formation and carrying his tale intact.

The narrow head is almost in straight line from the occiput to the nose. The body is moderately long and the ribs flat and deep; the back slightly arched, and the tail, which is thick at the root and tapers to a point, is scimiter shaped. Ears are low-set and have a fringle at tip. There is a silky top-knot to the skull. The rest of the coat should be hard. The recogized colours are dark blue, blue-and-tan, liver, and sandy. Height about 15 - 16 inches.

Lovable and gentle towards the human race, they can be jealous of other dogs and are good fighters.