The Bedlington Look: Grooming Tips for Their Lamb Clip

The Bedlington Terrier is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive “lamb-like” appearance. Achieving and maintaining this iconic look requires regular grooming and a specialized clipping technique. This guide provides practical tips for creating and keeping that perfect Bedlington lamb clip.

Understanding the Bedlington Coat

Bedlingtons have a unique coat that is a mix of hard and soft hairs. It’s not wiry like many terriers, but it’s also not fluffy. The coat naturally curls and tends to stand away from the body, which contributes to the breed’s distinctive shape. Importantly, Bedlington Terriers don’t shed much, making regular grooming crucial to prevent matting.

Essential Grooming Tools

Before you begin, gather your grooming essentials:

• Clippers: A high-quality, two-speed clipper is essential. Consider using a cordless clipper for greater maneuverability.
• Blades: #10, #7F, and #5F blades are commonly used.
• Thinning Shears: These are key for creating a natural, blended look.
• Straight Shears: Used for finishing touches and shaping.
• Metal Comb: For detangling and preparing the coat.
• Slicker Brush: To remove loose hair and debris.
• Nail Clippers/Grinder: To maintain nail health.
• Ear Cleaner: To keep ears clean and prevent infections.

The Lamb Clip: Step-by-Step

1. Pre-Bath Prep: Thoroughly brush your Bedlington to remove any mats or tangles. Matted hair is much harder to deal with when wet.
2. Bath Time: Bathe your dog with a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Drying: Use a high-velocity dryer to remove excess water and fluff the coat as you dry. Brush continuously to prevent tangling. A completely dry coat is essential for even clipping.
4. Body Clipping: Use a #7F or #5F blade to clip the body, going with the grain of the hair. Start at the neck and work your way down the back, sides, and legs. Leave the head and topknot untouched for now. The length will depend on personal preference and coat density.
5. Legs: Clip the legs using the same blade as the body, ensuring a smooth transition. Pay attention to the back of the legs, ensuring a clean line.
6. Tail: Clip the tail short, leaving a small plume at the tip.
7. Head and Topknot: This is where the magic happens! The topknot is what gives the Bedlington its unique look. Use thinning shears to shape the topknot, creating a rounded, almost mushroom-like shape. Blend the topknot into the clipped body using thinning shears. Use the thinning shears around the muzzle to create a clean, defined face. Shorten the hair on the ears and blend them into the head.
8. Finishing Touches: Use straight shears to refine the shape of the topknot and body, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical appearance. Comb through the coat and trim any stray hairs.

Maintenance

Regular brushing, ideally several times a week, is vital to prevent matting and keep the coat looking its best. Professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks to maintain the lamb clip. With patience and practice, you can master the art of the Bedlington lamb clip and keep your furry friend looking their best.