Bedlington Terrier breed guide

Rollicking, charming and full of fun, Bedlington Terriers want most to be their family's center of attention and are known to be protective. They look like lambs and are as gentle as lambs around the house.

AKC says Bedlington Terriers may be stubborn but are intelligent and eager to please. They do not respond to harsh methods or physical correction, which lead to a battle of wills.

Bedlington Terriers live 11 to 16 years. Breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder, thrombopathia and certain eye issues.

The crisp curly coat mixes soft and harsh hair and virtually does not shed, but it grows quickly and needs clipping every two months. Many owners learn the process, which uses both electric clippers and scissors.

Like most terriers, Bedlington Terriers need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. The breed is energetic but not rambunctious or mischievous, loves fetch or a long walk or run and then curls up on the couch with the family.

Bedlington Terriers spent most of the 1800s doing dirty and sometimes deadly work in the Northumberland mining shire that gave them their name. They were a workingman's dog, versatile enough to serve as coalmine ratters, varmint killers and pit fighters.

Wandering Romanies used the breed as a stealthy poaching partner, which earned it the nickname Gypsy Dog.