Himalayan Sheepdog vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison

Himalayan Sheepdog vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed ComparisonBedlington Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Himalayan Sheepdog is originated from India. Bedlington Terrier may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than Himalayan Sheepdog. Bedlington Terrier may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Himalayan Sheepdog. Both Bedlington Terrier and Himalayan Sheepdog has same life span. Bedlington Terrier may have less litter size than Himalayan Sheepdog. Bedlington Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Himalayan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
India
Height Male:
41 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
38 - 42 cm
14 - 17 inches
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
38 - 43 kg
83 - 95 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
9 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Rothbury Terrier, Rodbery Terrier, Rothbury's Lamb
Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD
Colors Available:
Blue, Liver, Sandy, Tan
Black, fawn, light brown, beige
Coat:
medium, thick and linty
rough dense long
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

bedlington terrierOriginally 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.

himalayan sheepdogThe Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.

The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.

They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.

Description

Lamb-Like in Looks but the Heart of a Lion

bedlington terrier puppy - descriptionDon’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 Look

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.

himalayan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.

They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.

Characteristics

bedlington terrier dog - characteristicsYou 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.

Children friendliness

himalayan sheepdog dog - characteristicsYes with enough proper socialization

Special talents

Protection and loyalty

Adaptability

They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.

Learning ability

Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.

Health Problems

bedlington terrier puppies - health problemsBedlington 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.

himalayan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Arthritis – can cause extreme pain and lameness
  • Patellar luxation – kneecap issues that are painful and can cause lameness
  • Obesity – they have a tendency to overeat and are not that active
  • Glaucoma – can cause blindness

Caring The Pet

Exercise and Training

bedlington terrier dogs - caringThe 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.

Grooming

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.

Feeding the puppy

himalayan sheepdog dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.

Points for Good Health

They are very strong and athletic.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Bedlington Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  37. Bedlington Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bedlington Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bedlington Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bedlington Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bedlington Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bedlington Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bedlington Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bedlington Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bedlington Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bedlington Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bedlington Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bedlington Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bedlington Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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