A Whippet and a Bedlington Terrier are crossed to produce the lively, perceptive, devoted, and loyal dog known as the Bedlington Whippet. Typically, they’ll have a low-shedding coat to appeal to dog owners who have trouble with dog allergies.
In this ultimate guide to Bedlington Whippet, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a Bedlington Whippet?
A Bedlington Whippet is not a dog of pure ancestry. It is a hybrid of the Whippet and the Bedlington Terrier. The easiest method to predict a mixed breed’s temperament is to research every breed involved and be aware that any two breeds can be crossed and produce a dog with any two breeds’ worth of traits. Dogs being bred as designer hybrids are not all 50% purebred and 50% purebred. Multigenerational crosses are frequently bred by breeders.
Origin and History of Bedlington Whippet
A Whippet and a Bedlington Terrier are crossed to create a Bedlington Whippet.
The Kennel Club recognises the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet as dog breeds, but it has not given the Bedlington Whippet breed classification.
However, this crossbreed dog continues to be well-liked, particularly in the UK where the parent breeds are more prevalent.
The Bedlington Lurcher is another name for them.
The Bedlington Whippet is said to have been developed in the early 1990s, a time when hybrid dogs were becoming more and more well-liked (with several new Doodle kinds appearing). They were initially developed to be worker dogs, assigned to drive pests off a property.
Appearance and Size
Similar to Whippets and Bedlington Terriers, Bedlington Whippets come in a variety of hues, from pristine white to blue-grey, browns, and mottled grey-black. Bedlington Whippets have thick, closely-woven, shaggy coats similar to those of Bedlington Terriers, however they don’t get quite as long. If they more closely resemble their Whippet father, the fur may even be shorter and woolier depending on their pedigree.
Bedlington Whippets can weigh between 10 and 18 kilogram’s and reach heights of between 15 and 22 inches.
Coat and Grooming Needs
There is no breed of dog that is completely hypoallergenic, and all dog breeds shed. There is a spectrum of shedding, though, and some dogs shed far more than others.
Whippets and Bedlington dogs, while having longer coats, don’t shed much, which is good news for people who dislike pet hair.
Even though they have a longer coat than the majority of Whippet hybrid breeds, Bedlington Whippet crosses inherit this feature. They will still need more care than a purebred Whippet, though, because of the possibility of mating and tangling in their fur.
Most Bedlington Whippets require brushing or combing with a comb at least once a week. This will assist in removing loose hairs and reducing knotting. To avoid washing away the natural protective oils in the coat, it is not necessary to bathe them at the same intervals.
You should only need to wash a Bedlington Whippet every 4 to 6 weeks, unless they are extremely filthy from a muddy stroll.
If you frequently groom your pet, you won’t need to clip their fur, but you will probably need to trim the fur around their ears and paws to keep it from becoming too long.
Check your nails once a week, and cut them as necessary. Dogs’ uncomfortable overgrown nails might alter their walk.
Personality and Temperament
The temperament of the Bedlington Whippet is reserved and serene by nature. They make the ideal indoor dog and will constantly be by your side. These dogs may have been bred for work, but what makes them so adored is their capacity to change and become a devoted friend.
Bedlington Terriers are renowned for being brave, perceptive, and tenacious. They are frequently a little headstrong, like Whippets, and can get excited when playing.
They are a breed that can live either indoors as a loving, loyal, and peaceful homebody or outside playing excitedly.
Early socialisation is crucial because Bedlington Terriers might be a little reserved when it comes to getting along with other dogs.
Whippets are content in their own homes as long as they have enough exercise. Both breeds are good in a family atmosphere, and neither is known to be violent. They are both affectionate and sociable, although like Bedlingtons, they have a propensity to chase.
Training and Exercise Needs
The Intelligence Of canines, Stanley Coren’s controversial study on canine IQ, placed the Bedlington Terrier and Whippet both among the top 50 smartest canines. They were described as being obedient and of average intelligence. Both kinds are thought to be reasonably bright, but the book is almost 30 years old.
The recommended daily activity time for Bedlington Whippets is between 60 and 120 minutes. This can be done in a variety of ways, including going on a walk, running in the dog park, training in the garden, or doing scent work at home.
Bedlington Whippet Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Bedlington Whippet puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Bedlington Whippet puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Bedlington Whippet puppy. Ask if there are any Bedlington Whippet pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Bedlington Whippet
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Bedlington Whippet:
- As soon as you bring your Bedlington Whippet home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Bedlington Whippet getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Bedlington Whippet can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
The Bedlington Whippet cross is no different from other mixed-breed dogs in that they may take on part or all of the health problems of their parents. Despite being prone to several illnesses and health issues, Bedlington Terriers and Whippets are both usually regarded as healthy breeds.
It should be mentioned that both breeds are susceptible to Canine von Willebrand’s Disease, a bleeding condition.
Whippets
- Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Mitral Valve Degeneration
- Deafness
- Sinus problems
- Allergies
Choosing the Right Bedlington Whippet for You
If you’re interested in getting a Bedlington Whippet, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Bedlington Whippet:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Bedlington Whippet might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Bedlington Whippet is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Bedlington Whippet a good pet?
Bedlington Whippets are small dogs that don’t need a lot of space provided they get sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Initially bred to chase pests off the property, Bedlington Whippets can make loving and loyal family pets.
Can a Bedlington Whippet live with a cat?
If you are planning on using a crate for the pup then that is also a great way for them to get used to seeing one another without any problems. My Scrumpy has been with cats since about 10 weeks & whilst she sill still chase every now & then (and gets severely told off for it) most of the time they are fine together.
How much are Bedlington Whippets?
The price for a Bedlington Whippet puppy ranges from £1,200 to £1,800. Annual food expenses are around £300–£400.
What is the behavior of a Bedlington Whippet?
Fun, friendly and active. They have the whippet speed and tendency to chase together with the tenacity of the Bedlington Terrier. They love to play with other dogs but particularly other sighthounds. Exercise: As with all puppies, care should be taken not to overwork the growing legs & muscles.
Is Whippet the fastest dog?
Whippets, along with contemporaries like greyhounds, borzoi, and salukis, are considered one of the fastest breeds on the planet. It makes them perfect for sports like Fast CAT, flyball, and dock diving.