You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.” This insightful quote comes from the humorous pen of Phil Pastoret and captures rather perfectly the cleverness our four-legged friends possess.
Surprisingly, however, not all dogs are created equal in the intelligence department. Some breeds are simply sharper than others. Chances are, you’ve likely heard about Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labradors being the brainiacs of the dog world. But have you ever heard of a whip-smart breed called the Bedlington Terrier?
Often mistaken for a lamb rather than a dog due to its unique and distinct fluffy coat, the Bedlington Terrier is more than just its cute ‘sheepy’ appearance. Known for its sharp intelligence and spirited personality, the Bedlington Terrier is a breed that’s been charming its way into homes and hearts since as early as the 1800s.
Time for a fun history lesson. Ever wonder why this breed is named “Bedlington”? Well, it’s actually named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. In the mid 19th century, these dogs were bred by miners not only for chasing and catching rats that infested the mines but for racing and dog fights too. Yes, beneath their lamblike looks and charming demeanor lies a courageous, tough-as-nails dog breed with a mighty heart. Weekdays, they were the miner’s efficient vermin exterminator; weekends, they were the local superhero in dog races and dog fights.
Fast forward to today, Bedlington Terriers have smartly adapted from their fierce fighting nature to become affectionate family companions, their earlier intelligence and quick reflexes serving them well in pleasing and protecting their human families.
Having established their history and surprising dual nature let’s delve into the question at hand: Is a Bedlington Terrier a smart dog?
To answer this question, let’s connect the dots on what defines intelligence in dogs. Dog intelligence typically refers to the animal’s ability to learn, comprehend, and problem-solve. According to the renowned canine psychologist Dr. Stanley Coren, dog breeds can be ranked on their intelligence based on three criteria: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence. Instinctive intelligence refers to the skills a breed is known for, adaptive intelligence is how well the dog can learn from its environment, and working and obedience intelligence shepherds and retells.
When examined in this context, Bedlington Terriers, it turns out, are indeed quite smart. Not only are they swift learners who grasp new commands with relative ease, but they also exhibit an excellent instinctive intelligence, a trait from their days as rat catchers and dog racers. This breed’s keen instincts also make them excellent watchdogs. Further, their adaptive intelligence is notable too. These dogs are known to apply previous learning to new situations, demonstrating quick thinking and problem-solving abilities.
However, the true gauge of a Bedlington’s intelligence is how effectively its traits can be harnessed and directed through training and socialization. Like all smart dogs, Bedlington Terriers require mental stimulation in the form of engaging activities and interactive toys. This not only exercises their cerebral capacities but also prevents them from becoming bored and unruly.
Bringing a Bedlington Terrier into your life therefore means committing to an ongoing schedule of mental and physical stimulation. From teaching basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ to introducing mind-stimulating games and regularly scheduled walks or playdates, these activities contribute to the overall intelligence and wellbeing of your Bedlington.
In conclusion, if you are thinking about adding a Bedlington Terrier to your household, you should be prepared for a fun and challenging pet that will continue to surprise and amuse you with its brightness and resourcefulness. These dogs are indeed quite smart, and with the right training and mental stimulation, they will quickly become a loyal, affectionate, and intelligent member of your family.
So, to answer our question once and for all – Is a Bedlington Terrier a smart dog? Absolutely! But remember, having a smart dog is just a part of the joy; continuing to stimulate the brilliant doggy mind is key to maintaining a happy and healthy relationship with your Bedlington Terrier.
