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Bedlington terrier

General appearance
At it's best the Bedlington Terrier is a pleasant, flexible, and muscular dog. The head is wedge-shaped, with a light, silken topknot on the forehead. When calm its expression is gentle and kind. Because of the natural arch of the back over the loin, the hind legs seem longer than the forelegs. Because of its build, the Bedlington can gallop at high speed, which can be seen in its streamlined appearance. The Bedlington's movements are very distinctive, rather mincing, light and springy in slower paces and have a slight roll when in full stride. 
 
The Bedlington Terrier's coat is a very distinctive mixture of hard and soft hair standing well out from the skin having a tendency to curl, especially on the head and face. The dog's color can be blue, liver, sandy or blue and tan. In all the colors darker body pigmentation is to be encouraged. The Bedlington's coat needs to be cut once every two months and groomed weekly. It does not shed except while groomed. 
 
The ideal height of the Bedlington Terrier is approximately 41 cm at the withers. In the Finnish Bedlington population, the height at the withers is 40-46 cm in dogs and 36-41 cm in bitches. The average weight of the Finnish dogs is 8-10 kg for dogs and 6-8 kg for bitches.
 
Character
The Bedlington Terrier is a good-natured, tender, self-respecting, and not timid or nervous. When relaxed it is gentle, but full of courage when provoked. Bedlingtons are good-natured when treated correctly. It admires its owners and is sensitive, but also stubborn and jealous. The Bedlington Terrier's sensitivity shows when its owner commands or reprimands it. Even a slight correction causes a suffering and ashamed look on the dog's face. This is a trait that is difficult while training the dog. The gentle demeanour and drowsy look should not be interpreted as shyness or a lack of temperament. 
 
The Bedlington Terrier is intelligent, but slightly headstrong. It requires consistent and kind training. When trained correctly the Bedlington is an ideal, obedient and protective companion. In the modern Bedlington its history as a working dog can be seen: it enjoys an active life with its owners. Some Bedlington owners use their dogs in obedience and agility. It has usually retained its hunting instinct and in some areas of Great Britain, Bedlingtons are still used in rabbit hunting.