Bedlington Terrier - Temperament & Personality
Dog Breeds
Introduction
The Bedlington Terrier dog breed has a personality and temperament that is friendly and bold, and they make great family dogs. They need plenty of exercise including space to run, and because of their intelligent nature they need plenty of mental stimulation and enjoy learning new commands and tricks.
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Personality
At first glance, a Bedlington Terrier can be easily confused with a lamb. However, once you get to know a Bedlington, you'll see they are 100% terrier. Sassy, strong willed, and always alert, Bedlingtons are everything you'd expect from a terrier breed. They love people, but will be quick to let everyone in a three-block radius know when a stranger gives off a bad vibe. Great family dogs, the Bedlington Terrier loves to run and play with children, then shamelessly hog the sofa for snuggling with mom and dad in the evening.
Activity Requirements
This breed requires moderate exercise and has been known to tailor their activity level to that of their owner. Older people can raise an active, happy Bedlington just by taking daily walks just as a young person who brings their Bedlington on jogs can, too. Apartment living is OK for the Bedlington, so long as daily walks are part of his schedule.
Bedlington Terriers enjoy playing with children, however they can be counted on to set their own boundaries. Children should be cautioned not to play too roughly with this breed, as they won't hesitate to nip or bite when pushed too far.
Trainability
As with most terriers, training a Bedlington can be a challenge. They like to do things in their own way, and don't appreciate being told what to do. For this reason, treat training and using lots of positive reinforcement works best. That way, he thinks that learning new behaviors actually benefits him, rather than you. A stern hand won't work, as it just creates avoidance behaviors and stubbornness.
Behavioral Traits
Barking is a classic terrier trait that is present among all Bedlingtons. They will bark at noises and anyone coming in to the home, even if they know the person. Early training and socialization can help keep the family's collective sanity in check.
Bedlington Terriers can be aggressive to other dogs. If raised alongside other animals, peaceful coexistence is possible, but new pets should probably not be introduced to a Bedlington's home. They will also chase after small animals outside, so they should never be left off-leash in an area without a sturdy fence. Bedlingtons have been known to dig under fences to seek out new adventures, so even in a fenced yard, this breed should not be left unattended.
Appearance & Grooming
History and Health