Bedlington Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs known for their adorable resemblance to lamb. They feature a pear-shaped head, crisp, curly coat, arched back, and tasseled ears. The Bedlington Terrier also has a flexible body, deep chest, and a scimitar-shaped tail.
Anyone will love the Bedlington Terrier because of the unique looks. However, this lamb-like appearance is paired with an entertaining personality that can be hard to handle. True to their terrier origin, these dogs are energetic and demand attention, so it’s only natural that they are paired with someone who has the time to take care of them.
They need a family who loves outdoors as much as he does, and a family that will include him in every activity. It may sound tiring, but don’t worry, these dogs are not all games. With the right owners, Bedlington Terriers are great companions for cuddles and snuggles after a long tiring day.
Bedlington Terrier Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Terrier Group |
| Breed Size | Small to Medium |
| Height | 15-17.5 inches |
| Weight | 17-23 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11-16 years |
Bedlington Terrier Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Bedlington Terrier History
The Bedlington Terrier’s looks may give you the impression that they spent their history as show dogs. However, you’ll be surprised to know that these dogs are far from that.
The history of these dogs can be traced back to early 19th century England. It is believed that these dogs have traveled with Romanies, also called gypsies, as poaching partners in real estates they pass by. They have earned the name “Gypsy Dog” because of this.
The skills of these terriers in hunting have caught the attention of the locals. One of their fans was Lord Rothbury, who started breeding the dogs in Bedlington, Northumberland, where they got the name they have now (they were called Rothbury Terriers before).
The most impressive nature of Bedlingtons is their versatility in hunting. They were called the working man’s dog and were employed to hunt rats, foxes, badgers, and hares.
The dog’s popularity slowly increased, and from being vermin exterminators, Bedlingtons are great companions. Even British elites loved the breed and included them in their lifestyle.
By the mid-1800s, the Bedlingtons finally entered the dog show ring. England’s National Bedlington Terrier Club was founded by 1877, and by 1886, the American Kennel Club registered their first Bedlington Terrier.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
Bedlington Terriers are loyal, charming, and frolicking dogs. They may look fragile with their lamblike appearance, but this breed is very athletic.
These dogs are best known for their agile and graceful gait. You must have a securely fenced area where he can spend his time playing, dodging, and galloping at any speed he wants.
But don’t worry, because even if they are energetic outdoors, Bedlingtons are mild-mannered indoors. They can be couch potatoes, content to lie down beside you and watch TV after a long day.
Bedlingtons are playful, loyal, and affectionate dogs to their owners. They love attention, which makes them great entertainers. They also love children who know how to behave while toddlers would require supervision.
These dogs may get along well with other pets they grew up with. But they can also be aggressive with strange dogs, especially those of the same sex. With strangers, these dogs are reserved.
It’s essential to socialize these dogs at an early age. This will help them become more well-rounded and encourage stable temperament. Training sessions may come easy, even if these dogs can be stubborn. It’s best if you keep sessions short and interesting. Also, give him lots of praise and food rewards.
Bedlington Terrier Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Bedlington Terriers lack a protein that processes copper. They must be on low copper diets for their entire lifespan. Other than that, they require nothing but high-quality and well-balanced meals every day. When you’re preparing home cooked meals for your Bedlington Terrier, you should only buy high-quality and fresh ingredients. Same goes when you’re buying dog food, choose the ones that are of premium quality. Remember always to check the label and make sure that it doesn’t contain fillers, additives, by-products, and ingredients your dog is allergic to. You should also watch out in terms of overfeeding your dog. Small dogs like the Bedlington Terrier can be easy to overfeed if you are not careful enough. Make sure to ask your vet for some guidance regarding the right feeding requirements for your dog.
- Grooming: Bedlington Terriers have crisp, curly coats that do not shed at all. However, these coats would need to be brushed at least 2-3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles. The Bedlington Terrier’s coat grows so fast, so you would need to send him to a professional groomer for clipping unless you learn to do it yourself. Do this once every two months to maintain the neatness of the coat. Baths can be given in the frequency. However, ears should be cleaned regularly. Trim the nails every two weeks, also. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort to your dog, and we don’t want that.
- Exercise: Bedlington Terriers are energetic dogs that require moderate amounts of exercise to remain healthy and happy. Activities don’t have to be strenuous, because these dogs will be glad to be curled up beside you after a long day. Exercises can be in the form of playing fetch or going out for long walks or run. However, you need to make sure to always keep your dog on a leash or inside a securely fenced yard. Training them to participate in dog competitions is also an excellent exercise for them.
- Health: Bedlington Terriers are generally healthy dogs. However, like many other dog breeds, they are prone to several health conditions. It’s vital for dog owners like you to be aware of these diseases. Patellar luxation, a bone disease, is one of the major conditions they can get. This is why it’s essential to get them exercised daily. Distichiasis, an eye disease, is common too, so make sure to pay attention in their eye area. Hereditary diseases like copper toxicosis, renal cortical hypoplasia, and retinal dysplasia should also be something to be worried about. This is why we highly recommend meeting at least one of your dog’s parents to be aware of any existing genetic conditions your dog may get. Screening tests are available, too, and you can have your dog take one to detect some conditions early. We also advise you to regularly monitor your dog’s behavior and take them for a check-up if you notice any changes.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Bedlington Terriers is 11-16 years.
Famous Bedlington Terriers
- Piper: The first Bedlington Terrier
- Ananias: the first registered Bedlington Terrier
Fun Facts about Bedlington Terriers
- Bedlington Terriers originated from 19th century England.
- Their name came from the town where they originated, Bedlington.
- They are versatile hunters that can hunt rats, mice, foxes, badgers, birds, and insects.
- Several dog breeds were used for their development – Otterhound for endurance, Poodle for the coat, Whippet for speed, and Bull Terrier for feistiness.
- They were also called Rothbury Terrier and Gypsy Dog.
- Their coats don’t shed.
- They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
Check Out Other Terrier Dog Breeds:
Airedale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier, Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier