Whatever the lineage, the result is the distinct shape and features we see today.  the head is narrow and lacks a stop (like the fox terrier) which is ideal for reaching into small holes when chasing vermin.  The topknot protects the skin from damage when its prey turns and attacks.  The nose is large and designed for following a scent which is why it was a preferred poachers companion. The ears are filbert-shaped and have a cartilage at the back which, when pressed upon, push the ear upward until the tip covers the eye (protecting it from dirt and debris when backing out of a hole or burrow).

The neck is long and muscular enabling the head to turn quickly and smoothly across its own back, a distinct advantage against less agile attackers. The chest is deep and strong giving the bedlington Terrier the stamina to run all day and strength through the forelegs to pull much more than its own weight off balance.

The back is long and roached above the hip contributing to its remarkable turn of speed as it runs hare-like over open spaces. The long rear legs complete the speed package.

The tail is whip-like and carried low except when excited. The strong muscular root makes a great handle when extricating an animal from a tight hole.

The coat is wool and grows continually.  The fine crimp (like merino wool) gives it sufficient strength to be able to be spun into yarn and knitted.

These attributes made the Bedlington terrier attractive to poachers, revered as an excellent vermin control among the gentry and the preferred mascot for miners fearful of meeting badgers when they entered mines each day.  They were capable of catching fox and rabbit and even bringing down small deer. 

For the wandering gypsies they were a source of income, provider of food and ideal companion.  Often one went out on its own in the morning to bring back supper, one stayed to guard the caravan and the rest went to work clearing the lord’s manor and grounds of vermin (for cash of course). At night they all curled up with their owners to keep them warm as the campfires died down.

The bedlington clip is the result of a working sensibility.  The neck and lower jaw, ears, tail and underbody are kept free of hair to make cleaning after hunting in long grass easier. The coat was left on the chest and legs to keep the dog warm while working. The topknot was left long to prevent injury when hunting. These days the clip is unimportant unless showing for conformation where the working attributes are highlighted.

The Bedlington Terrier is the only terrier breed that lends its name to an English football club.

Most bedlington terriers today enjoy a comfortable life and only chase rabbits in their dreams.  Those that do work enjoy employment as diverse as cattle and sheep herding, rat catching and companion therapy in healthcare and residential settings.  A bedlington terrier holds the world record for rat catching when in New York one caught 180 rats in one hour.