Petzlover
Bedlington Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but French Spaniel is originated from France. Bedlington Terrier may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than French Spaniel. Bedlington Terrier may weigh 11 kg / 24 pounds lesser than French Spaniel. Both Bedlington Terrier and French Spaniel has almost same life span. Bedlington Terrier may have less litter size than French Spaniel. Bedlington Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But French Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance
Originally known as Rodbury Terriers or Rothbury’s Lambs, and renowned for looking like a lamb, the Bedlington Terrier was bred in the village of Bedlington in Northumberland. They’ve had other names too and were also known as ‘gypsy dogs’ and this is because gypsies used them to hunt.
The Bedlington Terrier Club was established in 1875 and the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in England in 1877. The breed has links with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. When you look at the slightly arched back, it could also be related to the Whippet. They have been crossed with Whippets to get that speed, and feisty character.
Developed in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.
Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.
In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.
The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.
Don’t let their lamb-like appearance fool you – the Bedlington Terrier is a plucky dog who has some amazing speeds when it comes to swimming and running. This is an intelligent dog too and every bit a Terrier in spirit. Their tenacity has seen them being used in dog fighting as well.
The Bedlington Terrier stands at about 41cm in height and weighs between 8 – 10kg. Muscular, with a deep chest, graceful and lithe, not only does he look like a lamb but the dog’s expression is gentle too with bright deep-set eyes. When it comes to his coat, the dogs have blue, sandy or liver color coats and the coat has tan markings in some areas.
The coat is shaggy and is made up of hard- and soft hair that will need to be regularly trimmed. Known as a hypoallergenic breed, the coat is also described as thick and linty. The ears are floppy with rounded tips, and are thin and velvety in texture with a small silky tassel at the tip. The longish tail is set low and tapers down to a point.
The French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.
You can’t miss the Bedlington Terrier – he has a striking resemblance to a lamb. The curly coat is interesting too – a mix of hard- and soft hair. He is friendly, loyal and devoted to his human family and is known to be a brave, courageous, feisty dog with the inclination to bark more. Socialization and training can change this though. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home. He isn’t aggressive but if taunted, he can put up a good fight.
This is a dog that can adapt to his surroundings so he slots in well to both city- and country living. Wherever he lives, he will need adequate exercise.
The present-day Bedlington Terrier, inducted by the American Kennel Club in 1967, is not a lamb by any means, and by choosing to have him as your pet, you’ll be amazed at his wonderful qualities that make him such in ideal companion.
Yes, they are very good with children.
They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.
The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.
The breed is very intelligent and trainable.
Bedlington Terriers are a healthy breed, but just like other dogs, they are prone to some common dog illnesses. You can always ensure that your Bedlington reaches his 12 – 14 years of age lifespan by ensuring his vaccines are kept up to date, that he is fed excellent food and fresh water, he is exercised and that he is loved and cherished. Also, if you’re looking to buy a Bedlington, find a reputable breeder.
Some common health issues to look out for in your Bedlington Terrier include -
Hip dysplasia
Different eye diseases
Hypothyroidism
Copper storage hepatopathy or Liver Disease – this is a disease which can be inherited and where large amounts of copper accumulate in the tissues of the liver. The result is inflammation and cell damage and this can lead to liver failure and even death. Abdominal swelling, jaundice and weight loss are symptoms to watch for with this disease.
The French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:
This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.
Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.
This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.
Can cause lameness and arthritis.
The Bedlington Terrier is a lively, cheerful companion at home and is somewhat more relaxed than other terrier breeds. Affectionate and loyal, he just loves to spend time with his human family. He’ll love to be your companion on a walk and he gets delighted when you’re ready to play ball games with him. He makes a great friend for children too, and even though he makes a good watchdog, he will welcome any visitors you have. When trained and socialized he becomes an obedient, well behaved member of the family.
The Bedlington coat sheds a little but the rough coat will need to be trimmed regularly and the coat brushed twice a week to ensure no tangling and to remove loose hairs. Also, regular cleaning of teeth and ears can help ensure that harmful bacteria doesn’t build up, ensuring the overall health of your dog.
A high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time
A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.
Excellent vision, stamina and speed.
These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.