Complete Bedlington Terrier Grooming Guide: How to Bathe, Brush, Trim, and Clip Your Dog's Wooly Coat
The Bedlington Terrier is known for its distinctive lamb-like fur that resembles a poodle's curls crossed with a softer textured coat. This hypoallergenic wooly fur requires regular grooming to keep the Bedlington looking tidy. Follow this guide to master bathing, brushing, trimming, and clipping your Bedlington Terrier’s show-worthy coat.
Supplies Needed
Before grooming, gather the proper tools:
- Slicker brush - for detangling
- Metal comb - for dematting
- Scissors - for trimming fur
- Clippers - for close clipping
- Dog shampoo
- Conditioner
- Towels
- Cotton balls - for ear cleaning
- Nail clippers
Quality tools will make grooming easier on you and more comfortable for your dog. Invest in professional grade supplies.
Bathing a Bedlington Terrier
Bathe your Bedlington every 4-8 weeks or when coat becomes dirty. Avoid overwashing, which can dry out skin.
Steps:
- Brush thoroughly before bathing. Matted fur holds dirt and tangles.
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water. Test with elbow for proper temperature.
- Wet your dog’s coat thoroughly, checking water does not enter eyes and ears.
- Apply a mild dog shampoo, working it into the coat. Avoid eyes.
- Let shampoo sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly. Express water from ears with cotton balls.
- Apply conditioner and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Rinse out thoroughly.
- Wrap dog in a towel and gently dry coat. Use a blow dryer on low heat to fully dry.
- Brush and comb coat once fully dried.
Regular bathing keeps your Bedlington’s coat clean, conditioned, and tangle-free.
Brushing Techniques
Frequent brushing prevents mats and keeps the coat neat. Follow these tips:
- Use a slicker - Work through fur in layers against the grain. Allows you to get down to the skin.
- Comb for mats - Use a metal comb after brushing to catch any tangles.
- Mist fur - Lightly spraying with water helps prevent breakage when brushing.
- Use conditioner - Occasionally work leave-in conditioner into the coat while brushing.
- Brush trouble spots - Pay extra attention to areas like behind ears, armpits, and sanitary area.
- Check skin - Look for any irritation, dry patches, or hot spots while parting fur.
Aim to thoroughly brush at least twice per week to keep the coat in top condition.
Trimming Tips
Use sharp grooming scissors or clippers to neatly trim and shape the coat:
- Edge feet - Trim fur between foot pads to prevent matting.
- Shape head - Trim under chin, above eyes, and at ears for tidy presentation.
- Ears - Clip under ears but leave top point with fur.
- Legs - Can trim feathering on legs for a sleeker profile.
- Tail - Taper fur at base of tail for clean lines.
- Whiskers - Never cut whiskers. Only trim around the mouth.
- Nails - Clip nails regularly to prevent cracking and overgrowth.
Routine trimming gives your Bedlington a well-kept appearance.
Clipping for Competitions
To meet breed standards in dog shows, Bedlingtons require specialized lion clips:
- Front legs - Shave lower legs up to just above the elbows. Leave triangular tufts of fur on ankles.
- Hind legs - Clip lower legs up to the hocks. Again, leave furry triangles above paws.
- Chest and belly - Shave underside of the body up to just below the ribcage. Leave fur around the neck.
- Rear - Clip fur very short around the tail and genital area. Leave tail plume.
- Head - Trim hair short on cheeks and muzzle. Leave topknot between ears and whiskers intact.
- Ears - Shave under ears. Leave ear fringe long.
The specialized lion clip transforms the Bedlington into a show dog. Practice techniques before competitions.
Common Grooming Problems
Follow these tips to prevent issues and properly care for your Bedlington's coat:
- Matting - Use conditioner and thoroughly comb and brush. Never shave matted fur.
- Skin irritation - Treat hot spots. Bathe and brush gently. See a vet for allergies/infection.
- Overgrown nails - Clip frequently. Watch for cracking and ingrown nails.
- Waxy ears - Gently wipe outer ears with cotton balls weekly. See vet if infection occurs.
- Body odor - Bathe and brush more frequently. Use dry shampoo between baths. See vet to rule out infection.
- Eye staining - Gently wipe stains daily. See vet if excessive tearing or irritation occurs.
With a proper grooming routine, you can keep your Bedlington looking healthy and fluffy. The wooly coat will be the envy of other dog owners!