Four-legged friends are leading the way at the National Coal Mining Museum next week as a free breed meet-up celebrates the often-unappreciated mining heritage of the tenacious terrier.

Dogs played a vital role in British coal mining, with their natural instinct for hunting making them ideal underground companions.

Bedlington terriers were first used in Northumberland to control vermin in the mines, while the Yorkshire variety was specifically bred for ratting in small spaces and bull breeds became favoured by miners in Staffordshire.

No matter the shape or size, working together in close proximity created a bond between canine and human that we continue to share with our dogs to date.

Four-legged friends are leading the way at the National Coal Mining Museum on October 4, as a free breed meet-up celebrates the often-unappreciated mining heritage of the tenacious terrier.

placeholder image — Four-legged friends are leading the way at the National Coal Mining Museum on October 4, as a free breed meet-up celebrates the often-unappreciated mining heritage of the tenacious terrier.

Terriers of all types and their owners are invited to join a day of dog-friendly activities on October 4 from 11am – 4pm, including a Terrier Trail dog walk through the museum grounds including the Nature Trail, a gentle stroll through the lush woods and reed beds that help clean the mine water; Free puppuccinos (first come, first served);; Complimentary puppy portraits and The Terrier Train shuttling across the colliery site (£2.50 per person, dogs ride free)

Lynn Dunning, Chief Executive of the National Coal Mining Museum, said: “The history of terriers’ connection to our coal mining heritage is so rich yet often undervalued, so we’re pleased to host a day of dedicated celebrations here at the museum.

“Anyone familiar with the breed knows what big personalities these small dogs can have so it’s sure to be a fun day out, and we can’t wait to see plenty of wagging tails join us this October.”