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Bedlington Whippet
Thinking of buying or adopting a Bedlington Whippet?
Introduction
The Bedlington Whippet or Beddy Whippet is one variation of the many Lurcher crosses. His parent breeds are the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet. As a medium Sighthound, he is fast, agile, and mainly used for hunting small prey.
The Beddy Whippet is a low-shedding dog, but he needs regular grooming to prevent his coat from matting. He has high energy levels and requires a good amount of daily exercise. Since the breed is highly trainable but headstrong, he is not the best choice for first-time dog owners.
The Bedlington Whippet has an average lifespan of 12–15 years. Although the breed is hardy, great care must be given to his health to ensure that he is free from debilitating health conditions.
History
The Bedlington Whippet is fondly nicknamed by his fanciers as Beddy Whippet. He is one of the many Lurcher crosses.
What is a Lurcher?
Lurchers refer to cross-breed dogs created by mating Sighthounds and other dog breeds, usually Shepherd or Terrier dogs.
The Bedlington Whippet cross began to exist around 100 years ago. However, not much is known of his history.
The two dog breeds that were used to bring Beddy Whippets into existence are the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet. The Bedlington Whippet dog inherited the wonderful abilities of the Whippet as a Sighthound. He is fast on his feet and agile. He also possesses the skillful abilities of the Bedlington Terrier in hunting small prey such as rabbits and vermin.
The Beddy Whippet was originally bred for hunting and prized for his versatility and adaptability. But he is a great family dog as well. The breed is popular across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
There are many Bedlington Whippet fanciers, specifically in Northumberland and Durham. However, his fame does not quite extend to the United States and the rest of the world.
As the Bedlington Whippet’s origins remain unclear, he is not yet recognised by any major kennel clubs. On the brighter side, there are several dog events in the UK dedicated to Lurchers, including the Bedlington Whippet breed. These dogs can compete in racing, dog shows, and various dog sports.
Appearance and Grooming
The Bedlington Whippet is a medium-size Lurcher dog. Compared to other types of Lurcher breeds, the Beddy Whippet is smaller in size.
Male Bedlington Whippets measure around 41 centimetres (16 inches) at the shoulder, whilst females are about 38 centimetres (15 inches). Generally, the weight of this Lurcher dog breed can range from 7 to 10 kilos (17 to 23 pounds). Note that this Lurcher’s height must be proportionate to his weight.
The Bedlington Whippet commonly has a rough and coarse coat, which he inherited from the Bedlington Terrier. His coat offers more protection than the smooth Whippet coat does.
The Bedlington Whippet’s fur is noticeably harsher and coarser than other Lurcher cross-breeds. It gives the Beddy Whippet a fluffy appearance, but not as hairy as Greyhound hybrids.
Do Bedlington Whippets moult?
All dog breeds shed their coats, but some shed less than others. The Bedlington Whippet belongs to this category. This trait can be attributed to the Bedlington Terrier’s and Whippet’s low-shedding coats.
Caring for this Lurcher dog’s coat will require regular brushing. As he is quite furry like the Bedlington Terrier and with rough hair, tangles and matts may form on his coat. It is best to use a comb to disentangle it.
If you do opt to use a brush, pick a strong bristle brush. A wide-spaced metal pin brush will do too. Many Bedlington Whippet owners choose not to strip or clip their dogs’ fur. In turn, they frequently brush their coats to remove dead or loose hair. However, overgrown hair on the ears and footpads require trimming.
Bathe the Beddy Whippet only if necessary. It is not advised to wash him frequently as it can strip natural oils off his coat. This can lead to a dry coat and flaky skin.
Aside from brushing this Lurcher dog’s coat, do not forget to tend to his other grooming needs. Check the Bedlington Whippet’s ears weekly for signs of ear infections like inflammation and redness. Bring him to the vet if he shows these symptoms. Trim his nails every week and brush his teeth daily.
Temperament and Intelligence
Do Bedlington Whippets make good pets?
The Bedlington Whippet cross is a great family pet as much as he is an excellent working dog. Note that a young Beddy Whippet can be a handful as he is very energetic. Once he turns into an adult, he is more relaxed and laid-back, similar to the Whippet.
The cute Bedlington Whippet enjoys interacting with humans and can quickly make friends with people both young and old. With that said, some Bedlington Whippets can become timid or aggressive without proper socialisation. Since it is an important process in honing your dog to be confident and well-mannered, never skip it.
Leaving the Bedlington Whippet more than 4 hours a day is not advised. He loves human contact, and the lack of it can make him develop behaviour problems.
Bedlington Whippet puppies love hanging around with children as they mirror their limitless energy and playfulness. Always supervise your dog and children whilst they play to avoid accidents.
The Bedlington Whippet cross is friendly towards other dogs. Be careful when he is around smaller breeds, though, as it can trigger his high prey drive. For this reason, this dog is not the best choice if you have a multi-pet household consisting of smaller animals. These include cats, rabbits, birds, and mice.
The Bedlington Whippet is an intelligent dog much like the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet. He is eager to learn, but at the same time, he can be very feisty and stubborn. Experienced dog owners are more suitable for this breed than novices.
The Beddy Whippet is a quick study. He can understand commands better than other dog breeds. However, teaching recall can be challenging because of his Sighthound abilities. He may easily get distracted by anything that moves and may bolt away to chase it.
Keep your Bedlington Whippet on a lead when training him to prevent him from suddenly running off. The breed is sensitive to harsh training and criticism, so avoid shouting or punishing him. Rather, boost his motivation through positive reinforcement. Reward him with praises, fun activities, and treats every time he does a good job.
Nutrition and Feeding
The Bedlington Terrier Whippet cross has high levels of energy. Make sure to choose a high-quality dog food that is packed with protein and large calorie kilogram count. This way, he can adequately replenish the energy he burns out throughout the day.
Check the Bedlington Whippet’s dog food if it contains ingredients like barley, beef, brown rice, chicken, and oatmeal. These work great in helping his body properly grow and develop. Make sure that the dog food is rich in omega fatty acids to keep the Bedlington Whippet’s coat glossy and skin healthy.
In general, feed Bedlington Whippet Lurcher puppies ages 4–5 months with 1 ¾–2 1/3 cups of puppy food each day. When they turn 6–8 months old, they should get around 1 1/3–2 cups.
Bedlington Whippet puppies that are 9–11 months old require 2 1/3–3 ½ cups. When they reach adulthood, they need around 2 1/3–3 ½ cups of dog food per day. Split their meals into 3–4 smaller portions. As for adult Beddy Whippets, divide their meals into 2 servings.
Health and Exercise
How long do Bedlington Whippets live?
The Bedlington Whippet Lurcher’s average lifespan is about 12–15 years old, much like other Lurcher breeds. Although he has a higher life expectancy than other dogs, he is predisposed to a few health problems, including:
The Bedlington Whippet may develop canine bloat, which is a deadly gastrointestinal condition that causes the stomach to twist. Warning signs include a bloated abdomen, lethargy, drooling, and painful stomach. If your Bedlington Whippet shows these symptoms, immediately bring him to the vet.
The Beddy Whippet has a furry body, which makes him susceptible to heatstroke. Avoid taking him out during the hottest time of the day. Only walk him around night-time or early morning when the temperature is rather cool.
It is simply known as bone cancer. The affected limbs of a Bedlington Whippet with this condition may swell, which can lead to lameness. Other symptoms of osteosarcoma are appetite loss, difficulty in movement, and lethargy.
A Bedlington Whippet with this condition may require surgery if the vet says that it’s safe for the dog to undergo this process. Chemotherapy may be necessary post-surgery.
To ensure that you get a healthy Bedlington Whippet puppy, search for ethical and credible Bedlington Whippet breeders. It is recommended that you buy from breeders whose dogs and puppies are health-screened. Ask for their documentation for proof.
This Bedlington Whippet breed has high energy, which is common for Sighthounds and Lurchers. He needs around 2 hours of exercise a day. Living in a rural area is more appropriate for this dog.
The Bedlington Whippet dog needs a spacious home where he can freely play. Always keep him on lead whilst outside unless he is in a securely enclosed area.
The Beddy Whippet is always in for fun activities such as fetch, hide-and-seek, and obstacle course. Long walks and hikes are enjoyable for him as well. Since he is highly trainable, consider improving his skill in obedience, tracking, or agility.
It is common for a Bedlington Whippet to become more sedate as he grows older. During this time, put in more time and effort to meet his daily exercise needs.
Cost of Ownership
How much do Bedlington Whippets cost?
The price for a Bedlington Whippet puppy ranges from £1,200 to £1,800. Annual food expenses are around £300–£400. You will likely spend between £200–£400 for his basic supplies, including a dog bed, toys, crate, and food bowls.
Each vet check-up for the Bedlington Whippet will require you to pay about £60. The initial vaccine costs approximately £100, whilst the booster costs £50. Getting your Bedlington Whippet insured will add around £28 to your monthly bills.
Bedlington Whippet Breed Highlights
- The Bedlington Whippet is a mid-size Lurcher with a loving and outgoing personality.
- He is a low-shedder but requires regular grooming.
- The Bedlington Whippet is a social dog and cannot be left alone for a long time.
- This Sighthound breed is highly intelligent but with a dash of stubbornness.
- He is a very active dog that has high exercise needs.
Are you sure the Bedlington Whippet is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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