Bedlington Terrier at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 38–43 cm
- Weight
- 8–10 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Shedding.
Is the Bedlington Terrier right for you?
Like every breed, the Bedlington Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- You would find barking hard to live with.
How would the Bedlington Terrier fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a small, long-legged terrier with a narrow head, an arched loin and a soft, linty coat that gives it a lamb-like appearance. Behind the gentle look is a true terrier: active, confident and brave. Bedlingtons are typically affectionate, sweet-natured and loyal, and they form very close bonds with their owners.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed comes from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, and was also known further north as the Rothbury Terrier. It was developed in the 18th century from local terriers, and its exact background is debated: Whippet, Dandie Dinmont, Bull Terrier and Otterhound have all been suggested.
Despite its looks, the Bedlington had a reputation as a tough worker, dispatching vermin from rats and rabbits to foxes, and it was used for poaching. It entered the show ring in 1870, and its appearance and nature have softened since then.
Bedlington Terrier temperament
Bedlingtons are usually loving, playful and full of fun, and they thrive on company and having plenty to do. They are very much terriers, though, and can be reactive, with a high prey drive. They make effective watchdogs and can be quite courageous once roused, but are usually fairly placid when they get enough mental and physical exercise.
Because they bond so closely with their owners, many suffer from separation anxiety, and they are best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day. They are known for liking the sound of their own voices, and may bark when bored.
Size and appearance
This is a small dog. Adults typically stand around 38–43 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 8–10 kg.
The coat is of medium length and has a distinctive lamb-like texture. Breed standard colours are blue, liver and sandy, each with or without tan.
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?
Bedlingtons have plenty of energy and usually need at least an hour of exercise a day, ideally split into a few walks with time to sniff and to run off lead in a secure area. They enjoy games that involve running, jumping and retrieving, and many excel at agility.
They do not need much space indoors, but they do need a secure garden, as they are keen diggers. Short, varied training sessions and mental challenges help prevent problems caused by boredom or frustration.
Training a Bedlington Terrier
Bedlingtons are clever and surprisingly trainable, but they get bored easily and can be fairly strong-willed, so training needs patience and variety.
- Start positive, reward-based training young, in short, varied sessions.
- Socialise early and keep it up, as some can be unfriendly with other dogs.
- Work hard on recall, so they do not get into trouble chasing squirrels or rabbits.
- Consider accredited training classes if you are new to dogs or to training.
Bedlington Terrier grooming
Grooming can be simple or quite demanding, depending on the look you want. For a natural look, a weekly brush is usually enough, although some owners brush a little every day. For the classic Bedlington look, the coat needs a professional trim every six to eight weeks, or you can learn the trim from a breeder. Bedlingtons are not heavy shedders.
Living with a Bedlington Terrier
Bedlingtons can be patient and tolerant with children, and their size and playful nature have made them popular family pets. Like many terriers, though, they can get overexcited by rough or noisy games, so they usually suit families with older, sensible children best.
Learn to read your dog's body language so you can stop stressful situations early. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Bedlington Terrier health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Like many pedigree dogs, Bedlington Terriers are at risk of certain health problems. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Bedlington will be affected. Make sure a puppy's parents have had the relevant health screening.
Copper toxicosis
A build-up of copper in the liver, which can lead to chronic hepatitis. A DNA test (COMMD1) is part of the Royal Kennel Club's minimum recommended testing before breeding.
Total retinal dysplasia and other eye conditions
Total retinal dysplasia is a condition in which the back of the eye does not develop properly, leading to blindness. Bedlingtons can also have other eye conditions, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as best practice.
Ear problems
The breed can be prone to ear inflammation and infections.
Feet and paw pads
The Royal Kennel Club places the Bedlington in Breed Watch Category 2 because of possible inherited problems with the feet. This is not common, but it is worth checking that a puppy's parents are unaffected. Paw pads can also become sore and cracked, which can lead to infection.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Bedlington Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Bedlington Terrier cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Bedlington Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Bedlington Terrier
If you have decided the Bedlington Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Bedlington Terriers looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Bedlington Terrier adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Bedlington Terrier FAQs
Is the Bedlington Terrier good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Bedlington Terrier live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Bedlington Terrier need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
How much grooming does the Bedlington Terrier need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Bedlington Terrier easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Bedlington Terrier be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Bedlington Terrier bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Bedlington Terrier good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Bedlington Terrier live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Bedlington Terrier get?
Adults typically stand 38–43 cm at the shoulder and weigh 8–10 kg.