Bedlington Terrier
Also known as Bedlington
- Height at the withers
- 38 to 44 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 10 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- England (Northumberland)
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A lamb-like terrier, graceful and supple, with an arched back, a pear-shaped head and a thick, curly, fluffy coat that makes it unique among terriers.
History and origins
Developed in Bedlington, Northumberland, in the early 19th century to hunt vermin in mines and on farms. Poachers liked it, hence its nickname, the “gypsy dog.” Its ancestors are thought to include the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Whippet and the Otterhound.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Copper toxicosis (copper-associated hepatitis)
- Renal dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Retinal dysplasia
- Distichiasis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Almost no shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Bedlington Terrier FAQ
How big does the Bedlington Terrier get?
The Bedlington Terrier stands 38 to 44 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 10 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Bedlington Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Bedlington Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Bedlington Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Bedlington Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Bedlington Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are copper toxicosis and renal dysplasia.
