Bedlington Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
The Bedlington Terrier turns heads for looking like a sheep, but the breed is a great choice for families. Find out more in our breed profile.
- AKC Group: Terrier
- Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
- Height: 15 to 17 inches.
- Life Span: 20 years
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
Physical Description of the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is often compared to a lamb due to its distinctive, curly coat and arched back. In fact, it is frequently listed among funny-looking dog breeds.
- Coat Color Evolution: Bedlington Terrier puppies are born with dark fur that gradually lightens as they mature.
- Adult Coat Colors: Their coat can turn blue, sandy, liver, or a combination of these shades with tan markings.
- Texture: The coat is a unique mix of soft and wiry hair, requiring regular grooming to maintain its signature look.
Origin of the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier gets its name from the mining town of Bedlington, located in Northumberland County, England.
- Early History: Originally called the Rothbury Terrier, the breed was favored by Lord Rothbury, an early enthusiast.
- First Recognized Bedlington: The earliest known Bedlington Terrier descended from Coates Phoebe, a dog owned by Joseph Ainsley in 1820.
- Breed Development: In 1825, Coates Phoebe was bred, producing Piper, believed to be the first true Bedlington Terrier.
- Historic Uses: These small yet agile dogs were highly skilled hunters, originally bred to catch badgers and vermin.
- The breed gained official recognition:
- The Kennel Club (UK) followed in 1898.
- National Bedlington Terrier Club of England was established in 1877.
- American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1886.
Temperament of the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is known for its gentle yet energetic personality, making it a great companion for families.
- Intelligent and Alert: These dogs are highly perceptive and make excellent watchdogs.
- Easily Trained: Their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly, making training relatively easy.
- Affectionate and Family-Friendly: They bond closely with their owners and are typically good with children.
- Graceful and Energetic: Despite their elegant appearance, Bedlingtons have a surprising amount of stamina and enjoy active play.
- Vocal Tendencies: Some owners report that Bedlingtons bark frequently, making them naturally alert but sometimes noisy.
Check out this Bedlington named Rocco. His human taught him to speak for treats:
Is the Bedlington Terrier the Right Dog for You?
The Bedlington Terrier is a small but active dog, making it well-suited for apartment living, provided it gets a daily walk. Despite its size, this breed is incredibly fast and has a strong prey drive, so there is always a risk of it running off in pursuit of something interesting.
- They are affectionate with their owners and generally good with children.
- Grooming requires a full trim every two months, which can be an added expense unless the owner learns to do it themselves.
- Like all breeds, Bedlingtons have some health concerns that owners should be aware of.
Bedlington Terriers are gentle, sweet-natured dogs that can be a wonderful addition to any home.
Exercise Needs
MEDIUM: The Bedlington Terrier has moderate exercise requirements and can adapt well to apartment living, provided they get enough physical activity.
- Active Indoors: They are fairly energetic even inside the home, making them suitable for smaller living spaces.
- Daily Walks are Essential: Regular walks and playtime help keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
- Preventing Boredom: Without sufficient exercise, Bedlingtons may become mischievous, often resorting to unwanted behaviors.
- Digging Instinct: This breed enjoys digging, so designating a specific digging area in a yard can help prevent damage to gardens.
- Fast Runners with a Strong Prey Drive: Due to their instinct to chase, it's crucial to keep them on a leash in open areas to avoid them running off after small animals.
Grooming Requirements
LOW: The Bedlington Terrier is a low-shedding breed, making it a great choice for individuals with allergies. Regular grooming is essential to maintain its coat and overall health. Bedlingtons require trimming every two months, which can be done by a professional groomer or an experienced owner. If the dog is competing in conformation shows, the trim should be short on the body but left longer on the legs.
- Bedlingtons shed very little, if at all, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Their skin does not dry out easily, allowing for more frequent baths if necessary.
- A weekly brushing helps prevent matting and keeps the coat tidy.
Aside from coat maintenance, regular dental care, ear cleaning, and nail clipping are important for their overall well-being. Proper nail care is essential—learn more about effective nail trimming tools like PediPaws.
Common Health Problems
MEDIUM: Bedlingtons do have a few health issues to be aware of:
- Copper toxicosis (genetic condition where copper builds up in the liver)
- Hereditary kidney disease/renal failure
- Thyroid problems
- Eye problems such as cataracts and retinal disease
- Ear infections
While this list is short, some of the conditions can be serious. If you are buying or adopting a Bedlington from a breeder, ask to see the health certificates for the dog's parents or the dog, if available.
Adopt, Don’t Buy
If you consider getting a Bedlington, please turn first to adoption resources. Even purebred animals land in shelters sometimes. Try Petful's adoptable pets search.
You can also check with rescue groups and breeders. Make sure the breeder is reputable.
Related Dog Breed Profiles You May Like
- Airedale Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Harrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Italian Greyhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Kuvasz Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Bedlington Terrier typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree.
The Bedlington Terrier is a small, energetic dog breed known for its lamb-like appearance, affectionate nature, and strong prey drive.
The Bedlington Terrier’s haircut helps maintain its distinctive look, prevent matting, and keep the coat manageable, especially for show dogs.
Additional Resources
- Breed Information: The American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Breed Club: The National Bedlington Terrier Club (UK)
- Breed Club: The Bedlington Terrier Club of America
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
