Collection: Personalised Bedlington Whippet Gifts

The Bedlington Whippet is not a breed of dog, but a type of dog called a Lurcher. Lurchers exist when a sighthound and another breed cross, and, in the Bedlington Whippet's case, the cross is between a Bedlington Terrier and a Whippet. The result is a dog that inherits its speed from the Whippet and its working skills from the Terrier. They love chasing after small game almost as much as they love curling up in the warmth of their home. Many years ago, their ancestors were owned only by the aristocratic class, but now they are referred to as the poor man's racehorse.

Part of the reason that this dog doesn’t have breed recognition is because of its unclear history. Nobody is 100% sure when these specific breeds crossed, but we can determine when and why Lurchers came into being. In the 1300s, sighthounds such as the Whippet were exclusive to the aristocratic classes. Working men wanted their own version. They had a solution: combine their working dogs (such as the Bedlington Terrier) with the sighthounds to create a pooch with the best features of both! Hence the creation of the Lurcher - part hound, part working dog.

The speedy yet silent Bedlington Terrier rose to fame in ‘snap dog’ contests, where owners would gamble on which dog could catch the most rabbits in a short space of time. Today this type of Lurcher is still treasured as both a hunting and companion dog.

They may be feisty and full of energy, but this gentle pooch loves relaxing and spending time with its owner. As long as you take them on regular walks, they will reward you with lots of love and affection. Some good news for those who hate yappy dogs - they only bark if they sense danger. But be warned, they do not make friends with cats, and you should not bring your Whippet into a cat-friendly home.