bedlington terrier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal/Technical (in breed-specific contexts), Informal (in general pet contexts)
Quick answer
What does “bedlington terrier” mean?
A breed of dog, originally bred as a hunting and fighting dog, now primarily a companion animal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of dog, originally bred as a hunting and fighting dog, now primarily a companion animal.
A specific breed of terrier known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance, with a pear-shaped head, curly coat, and arched back. It is named after the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The breed originated in the UK, so it may be slightly more culturally referenced there.
Connotations
Both regions associate it with the distinctive 'lamb-like' look of the breed.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used only in specific contexts related to dog breeds.
Grammar
How to Use “bedlington terrier” in a Sentence
The [owner] has/owns a Bedlington terrier.The Bedlington terrier [verb: barked, ran, competed].She is showing her Bedlington at Crufts.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedlington terrier” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The breeder specialises in Bedlington terriers.
- He plans to Bedlington his line next year.
American English
- They are Bedlington terrier enthusiasts.
- She decided to Bedlington her breeding program.
adjective
British English
- She admired the Bedlington's elegant lines.
- The Bedlington temperament is generally gentle.
American English
- He has a Bedlington-type coat on his mixed breed.
- The Bedlington heritage is evident in its build.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche pet industry or dog breeding business contexts.
Academic
Rare, might appear in veterinary studies or animal husbandry papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing pets or dog breeds specifically.
Technical
Used in kennel club registries, veterinary contexts, and dog show judging.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bedlington terrier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedlington terrier”
- Misspelling as 'Beddington' or 'Bedlinton'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a bedlington') without 'terrier'.
- Confusing it with other terrier breeds like the Dandie Dinmont.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are generally known for being affectionate, loyal, and good with children, though they retain a terrier's energy and need for activity.
They are considered a low-shedding breed due to their unique, woolly coat, but they require regular grooming to prevent matting.
The breed originated in the 19th century in the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England.
They were originally bred for hunting vermin (like rats and badgers) and were also used in dog fighting pits, despite their gentle appearance.
A breed of dog, originally bred as a hunting and fighting dog, now primarily a companion animal.
Bedlington terrier is usually formal/technical (in breed-specific contexts), informal (in general pet contexts) in register.
Bedlington terrier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdlɪŋtən ˈtɛrɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdlɪŋtən ˈtɛriər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this breed.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a lamb sleeping on a BED in a small TOWN (Bedlington) – it's not a lamb, but a curly-coated terrier with a similar shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANIMAL IS A SPECIFIC ARTEFACT/BRAND (highly defined, bred for specific traits).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a Bedlington terrier?