When you're a first-time Bedlington Terrier owner, it's crucial to avoid feeding your dog human food and stick to a principle of small, frequent meals.

1. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. It's essential to carefully plan their diet, ensuring a balanced intake of protein, calcium, and vitamins. This is especially important during their early stages.

2. Because a puppy's stomach is small, it's important to adhere to frequent, smaller meals. Initially, around four feedings a day after weaning is appropriate. This can reduce to three times a day after they are six months old. Control the portion sizes to avoid overburdening their digestive system.

3. Avoid feeding your dog human food. Dogs have different nutritional needs than humans. Feeding them human food can lead to an unbalanced diet, potentially causing developmental issues. This will impact their healthy growth.

4. Do not feed your dog human milk or dairy products, as these can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Puppy-specific milk is advisable, warmed to about 36 degrees Celsius before feeding.

Identifying a Purebred Bedlington Terrier

Determining if a Bedlington Terrier is purebred involves examining several key physical traits:

1. Coat Characteristics: Purebred Bedlington Terriers have a dense, soft coat resembling that of a trimmed sheep. It is typically lustrous and comes in various colors like blue, blue and tan, sandy, liver, and blue-fawn.

2. Size Standards: Adult male Bedlington Terriers typically stand between 41 to 43 centimeters at the shoulder, weighing approximately 8.2 to 10.4 kilograms. Adult females are usually between 38 and 41 centimeters in height and weigh between 7.8 to 10 kilograms.

3. Distinctive Features: Purebred Bedlington Terriers have a noticeable topknot of hair on their head, a narrow skull, and tight-lipped mouth with full cheeks. They have a long, tapering muzzle, a square-shaped lower jaw, bright, triangular eyes, and a thick tail base that tapers to a fine point. These are all critical traits in identifying a pure breed.

Learn more:Pet Grooming