The Bedlington Terrier is one of those rare dogs that turns heads with its unique lamb-like appearance and melts hearts with its playful, loving personality. Hailing from the mining town of Bedlington, England, this terrier has a fascinating history. Originally bred to hunt vermin, it earned the nickname: “the head of a lamb and the heart of a lion.” Today, Bedlingtons are cherished family companions, show dogs, and loyal friends, blending grace, intelligence, and energy in one small package.
Appearance – A Dog Unlike Any Other
The first thing you’ll notice about a Bedlington Terrier is its distinctive look. Their body is graceful and lithe, with a naturally arched back, deep chest, and a high-set, tapering tail. But it’s the head that truly sets them apart: a fleecy, pear-shaped skull, topped with a silky topknot, and tasseled, triangular ears that lay flat against the cheeks.
The coat is another highlight. Bedlingtons have a mix of hard and soft hair with a linty texture that stands away from the skin. Not only is it low-shedding, but it’s also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Coat colors include blue, sandy, or liver, sometimes with tan points. Interestingly, puppies are born darker, gradually lightening as they grow.
In terms of size, males usually stand about 16.5 inches tall, females 15.5 inches, and their weight ranges from 17 to 23 pounds, making them perfect for families seeking a small yet robust dog.
Temperament – Loving, Loyal, and Playful
Bedlington Terriers are more than just a pretty face—they have big hearts and lively spirits. These dogs are:
- Affectionate and loyal – They thrive on family attention and love being part of daily life.
- Intelligent – Smart and eager to please, though their terrier independence may sometimes show.
- Alert watchdogs – Always attentive to their surroundings, they’ll let you know if something is amiss, though they aren’t guard dogs.
- Family-friendly – Patient and playful with older children, but may not be suited for very young kids.
- Reserved with other animals – With proper socialization, they can coexist with other dogs, but their high prey drive means caution around cats and small pets.
In short, Bedlingtons offer the perfect mix of fun, loyalty, and intelligence, making them excellent companions for active households.
Care and Grooming
Exercise Needs
Bedlingtons are energetic little athletes. They require at least one hour of daily exercise, whether it’s walking, running, or a fun game of fetch in a fenced yard. Their agility and playfulness mean they thrive in homes that encourage activity.
Training
Early training is key. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play. Avoid harsh corrections—Bedlingtons are sensitive and can become timid or stubborn if treated harshly. Early socialization ensures they’re confident around strangers and other pets.
Grooming
Their distinctive lamb-like coat needs regular care. Brush them weekly and consider professional grooming every two months. Many owners enjoy learning the unique clipping style themselves—it’s part of the fun of owning a Bedlington Terrier!
Health
Bedlingtons are generally healthy but can be prone to copper toxicosis, a genetic liver disease. Responsible breeders screen for this and other potential issues, helping ensure a long and healthy life for your dog.
Bedlington Terriers as Family Companions
These terriers adapt well to both apartment living and homes with yards, as long as they get enough exercise. Their playful antics, loving nature, and comical expressions make them entertaining and affectionate companions. For families who can meet their activity and grooming needs, Bedlingtons become lifelong friends full of love and personality.
Bedlington Terrier Fact Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Terrier – Small, energetic, and loyal |
| Origin | Bedlington, England – originally bred as a vermin hunter |
| Size | Males: 16.5 in, Females: 15.5 in |
| Weight | 17 – 23 pounds |
| Coat | Hard and soft mix, linty texture, low-shedding, hypoallergenic |
| Coat Colors | Blue, Sandy, Liver, with or without tan points |
| Temperament | Affectionate, intelligent, playful, alert, and loyal |
| Exercise Needs | 1 hour per day – walks, play, or runs |
| Lifespan | 12 – 14 years |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; professional grooming every 2 months recommended |
| Good with Families | Yes, especially with older children |
| Special Traits | Unique lamb-like appearance, comical personality, excellent watchdog alert |
Bedlington Terrier Lifespan
The Bedlington Terrier isn’t just charming with its lamb-like looks—it’s also built for a long, happy life. On average, these energetic terriers live 12 to 14 years, giving families over a decade of loyal companionship and playful antics.
With proper care, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and routine vet checkups, some Bedlingtons can even exceed 14 years, staying active and joyful well into their senior years. Grooming and health monitoring, especially for conditions like copper toxicosis, are essential to ensure a long, healthy life. Want to know how old your Shiba Inu (Small) is in human years? Try this Bedlington Terrier Dog Age Calculator.
Bedlington Terrier Puppy
If you’re looking for a puppy that’s as charming as it is playful, a Bedlington Terrier puppy is the perfect choice. With its lamb-like appearance, silky topknot, and bright, curious eyes, these little furballs steal hearts at first glance.
Bedlington puppies are intelligent, energetic, and eager to learn, making early training and socialization a must. They love exploring their surroundings, playing games, and forming strong bonds with their family. Despite their delicate looks, they have the heart of a lion, full of courage and spunk.
Bedlington, England
Nestled in northeastern England, the quaint town of Bedlington is more than just a charming English village—it’s the birthplace of the famous Bedlington Terrier. Once a bustling mining town, Bedlington is steeped in history and proud of its contribution to the canine world.
The town’s rugged past shaped the tenacious spirit of the Bedlington Terrier, originally bred to hunt vermin in the local mines. Today, Bedlington is celebrated not just for its scenic charm and historic streets, but also for being the home of a dog breed that captured hearts worldwide.
Visiting Bedlington offers a glimpse into English heritage, terrier history, and small-town charm, making it a must-see for dog lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Bedlington Terrier Cost
Bringing home a Bedlington Terrier means welcoming a playful, affectionate, and unique dog into your life—but what about the price? On average, Bedlington Terriers cost $1,500 to $3,000, depending on factors like breeder reputation, pedigree, location, and coat quality.
Remember, the initial cost is just part of the investment. Food, grooming, vet care, and training are ongoing expenses that ensure your Bedlington stays healthy and happy. Their distinctive lamb-like coat may require professional grooming every couple of months, adding to maintenance costs.
Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed
The Bedlington Terrier dog breed is a perfect mix of unique looks, spirited personality, and affectionate nature. With its lamb-like head, silky topknot, and graceful, arched body, this breed stands out in any crowd.
Originally bred in Bedlington, England to hunt vermin, today they’re cherished as family companions and show dogs. Bedlingtons are intelligent, playful, and loyal, thriving in homes where they get daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of love.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
The Bedlington Terrier isn’t just known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance—it also has a personality that wins hearts. These dogs are affectionate, playful, and incredibly loyal to their families, forming deep bonds with their owners.
Bedlingtons are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to training, yet they retain a stubborn, independent streak common to terriers. They are alert watchdogs, quick to notice strangers, but their playful and gentle nature makes them perfect companions for older children and attentive families.
Bedlington Terrier Infectious Disease
While the Bedlington Terrier is generally a healthy and hardy breed, they can be susceptible to certain infectious diseases, especially if vaccinations or preventive care are neglected. Common concerns include parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough, which can affect dogs of all ages.
Maintaining a regular vaccination schedule, providing clean living conditions, and ensuring your Bedlington gets proper nutrition and exercise are key steps in keeping them safe from infectious illnesses. Early detection is crucial—if your dog shows symptoms like lethargy, coughing, vomiting, or fever, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Bedlington Terrier Food
Feeding your Bedlington Terrier the right food is essential for keeping them healthy, energetic, and happy. These active, playful dogs need a balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to maintain their muscular build and luxurious coat.
Puppies require smaller, frequent meals to support growth, while adults thrive on twice-daily feeding routines. Avoid overfeeding, as Bedlingtons can gain weight if their energy levels aren’t matched with proper nutrition. Special attention should be given to their liver health, as they are prone to copper-related liver issues.
Bedlington Terrier Colors
The Bedlington Terrier is as striking in personality as it is in appearance, and its coat colors make it even more unique. This breed comes in blue, sandy, or liver, sometimes with tan points, giving each dog a distinctive, elegant look.
Puppies are born darker, and their coats gradually lighten as they grow, adding to their charm and making every stage of their development special to watch. Their linty, low-shedding coat not only enhances their beauty but is also hypoallergenic, perfect for families with allergies.
Bedlington Cross Poodle
The Bedlington Cross Poodle, often called a Bedlington-Poo, is a delightful mix of elegance, intelligence, and playful energy. Combining the distinctive lamb-like looks and spirited personality of a Bedlington Terrier with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle, this hybrid makes an ideal family companion.
These dogs are smart, trainable, and affectionate, quickly forming bonds with their owners. They inherit the Bedlington’s curious and lively nature and the Poodle’s adaptability and charm, resulting in a pet that thrives in both apartments and larger homes. Their soft, curly coat often requires regular grooming, but it also makes them a great option for allergy-sensitive families.
Grooming a Bedlington Terrier
Grooming a Bedlington Terrier is as much an art as it is a routine. With their distinctive lamb-like coat, regular care is essential to maintain their silky topknot, contoured body, and low-shedding fleece.
Weekly brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat looking plush, while professional grooming every two months ensures the signature Bedlington shape is maintained. Many owners enjoy learning the unique clipping style themselves—it’s a fun way to bond with your dog and show off their elegant silhouette.
FAQs About Bedlington Terriers
Are Bedlington Terriers good with children?
Yes, with older children they’re playful and patient. They may not be ideal for very young kids due to their sensitivity. You can easily check your dog’s age in human years with this helpful Bedlington Terrier Dog Age Calculator.
How long do Bedlington Terriers live?
They typically live 12–14 years, with proper care, exercise, and nutrition contributing to a longer, healthy life.
How much exercise do Bedlingtons need?
They require about one hour of daily exercise, including walks, play, or runs in a secure area.
Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic?
Yes! Their low-shedding, linty coat makes them suitable for many allergy sufferers.
What colors do Bedlington Terriers come in?
They appear in blue, sandy, or liver, sometimes with tan points. Puppies are darker at birth and lighten over time.
Do Bedlingtons get along with other pets?
With early socialization, they can live with other dogs. However, their strong prey drive means caution is needed around small animals like cats and rabbits.
How often do Bedlingtons need grooming?
Weekly brushing and professional grooming every two months is recommended to maintain their coat.
What health issues are common in Bedlingtons?
Copper toxicosis, a genetic liver disease, is the most notable concern. Regular vet checkups are essential.
Final Thought
The Bedlington Terrier is a remarkable blend of grace, intelligence, and loyalty. With its unique lamb-like looks, playful spirit, and affectionate nature, it’s more than a pet—it’s a true family companion. For those who can meet their grooming and exercise needs, Bedlingtons bring years of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. If you’d like to explore more about their fascinating origins and cultural significance, visit the Bedlington Terrier on wikipedia.