Bedlington Terrier
With its lamb-like outline and bright eyes, the Bedlington Terrier looks soft, but it was built to work. Today it’s often a loyal companion: affectionate with family, playful at home, and surprisingly quick on a safe run. Plan for regular coat care, thoughtful training, and a dog that likes to be included in daily life.
How the Bedlington Terrier ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a small-to-medium, graceful terrier with a gentle, people-focused side. Many are calm indoors once their needs are met, then spring to life for games or a brisk walk. They tend to bond closely with their household, and they usually do best when they can be near their people rather than left alone for long stretches.
Like most terriers, they are curious and can be determined, so consistent, reward-based training matters. Early social time helps them feel comfortable around new visitors, dogs, and busy environments. They can have a strong chase instinct, so a secure leash and fenced space are important. Their coat is low-shedding but not low-maintenance, and routine grooming is part of Bedlington life.
History of the Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers trace their roots to the rugged border country of northern England, where small working terriers were prized for keeping homes and stables free of vermin. In and around the mining villages near Bedlington, these dogs earned a reputation for bravery and speed. They were expected to slip into tight places, dispatch rats, and accompany hunters after rabbit and other small quarry. Practicality shaped the early type: quick on its feet, tough in rough terrain, and smart enough to work even when the handler was a short distance away.
Early accounts often refer to similar dogs as Rothbury Terriers, linked to the nearby Rothbury area and the local estates where gamekeepers and working families kept versatile dogs. People valued a dog that could switch roles, from farm helper to hunting partner, depending on the day. The Bedlington’s arched back and racy outline hint at sighthound influence, and many historians believe whippet-type dogs were crossed in to add speed while keeping the terrier’s grit. That mix helped create a dog that could sprint, turn fast, and still tackle tough jobs.
As the type became more recognizable, breeders selected for a distinctive coat that feels more like hair than typical fur. The coat’s texture and the breed’s narrow, rounded head set it apart from many other terriers of the region. Over time, owners also developed a practical trimming style: shorter on the body for cleanliness and freedom of movement, with fuller hair on the head and legs for warmth and protection. What started as functional grooming gradually became a signature look, giving the Bedlington its famous “lamb” outline without changing the athletic body underneath.
In the Victorian era, Bedlingtons were admired for courage, and the breed’s history includes both honest work and the rougher entertainments that were once common in Britain. On the brighter side, they continued to prove themselves as ratters, hunters, and general all-purpose dogs for people who needed a capable partner. Folklore from the Northumberland area even celebrates individual Bedlingtons for toughness and determination, sometimes describing a dog working long past its youthful prime. While stories vary, they reflect the long-standing view of the Bedlington as a small dog with a very big heart.
As dog shows and organized breeding grew in popularity, fanciers refined the Bedlington Terrier into a more consistent, elegant package. The silhouette became more uniform, the coat texture was emphasized, and the trimming style became more stylized for the ring. Even with that polish, many Bedlingtons kept their lively terrier mind and quick athleticism. In modern homes they are usually companions first, but their history still shows up in their alertness, their love of a good chase game, and their confidence when they feel part of the family team.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Bedlington Terrier has a distinctive outline: a narrow head with a gentle topknot, a deep chest, and an arched back that gives a light, springy gait. Although it can look delicate, the body is athletic and built for quick bursts of speed. Coat colors can shift as the dog matures, and the texture is a mix of soft and crisp curls. Because the coat grows continuously, routine grooming is less about controlling shedding and more about keeping mats away and maintaining the classic shape.
Plan on brushing and combing several times each week, paying extra attention to friction areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar. Many owners use a slicker brush paired with a metal comb to find small tangles before they tighten into mats. Regular bathing can help keep the coat fluffy, but thorough drying matters so curls do not stay damp. Whether you groom at home or use a professional, start handling paws, ears, and face early so your Bedlington learns that grooming is just part of normal life.
Exercise needs are usually moderate, with a mix of daily walks and short, lively play sessions fitting the breed well. Many Bedlingtons also enjoy scent games, beginner agility, and trick training, which give their active brains something to do. Because they may chase, off-leash time should be in a secure area and recall training should be practiced often. For general care, keep up with routine checkups and talk to your veterinarian about any breed-related screening that may be appropriate for your dog.
Coat & Grooming: Brush and comb several times weekly, and plan regular trims to prevent mats and keep the coat’s shape.
Shedding: Low: loose hair is minimal at home, but regular brushing keeps curls from matting.
Exercise Needs: Moderate: daily walks plus play, short sprints in a secure area, and occasional training games.
General Health: Generally sturdy, but the breed may be prone to inherited copper storage issues, some eye conditions, and joint concerns; talk to your veterinarian about screening.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for its size with consistent care, sensible exercise, and routine veterinary checkups.
First-Time Owner Tips
Bedlington Terriers can be a rewarding first dog for someone who enjoys gentle structure and regular interaction. The key is to plan for grooming and to train with patience, because this breed can think independently. Short, upbeat sessions with rewards, toys, and praise usually work better than repeating commands. If you build habits early, many Bedlingtons settle into a pleasant routine at home.
Socialization is especially helpful. Introduce your Bedlington to friendly people, calm dogs, and everyday noises while keeping experiences positive and not overwhelming. Because terriers can be quick to chase, practice leash manners and recall games from day one and use safe management around small pets. When you meet the breed’s mental and physical needs, you are more likely to see the gentle, cuddly side that makes Bedlingtons such charming companions.
- Start a grooming routine early: gentle brushing, comb checks, and calm handling of feet and face.
- Use a secure leash and fencing; treat “chase” as a normal instinct to manage, not a behavior to punish.
- Teach a reliable recall using games and rewards, and practice in low-distraction areas first.
- Offer daily brain work: puzzle feeders, scent trails, and short trick sessions.
- Keep greetings polite: reward calm behavior so excitement does not turn into jumping or nipping.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly costs for a Bedlington Terrier typically include quality food, a few training treats, and routine preventatives recommended by your veterinarian. You will also want to budget for basic supplies such as poop bags, replacement toys, and occasional household items like shampoo or nail trims if you do them at home. Because individual needs vary with activity level and where you live, two Bedlingtons can have very different totals even when both are healthy and well cared for.
Optional or variable costs often come from how you choose to handle grooming, training, and financial planning. Some owners learn to bathe and trim at home, while others use a professional groomer to keep the coat in classic shape. Group classes, private training, dog sports, and enrichment subscriptions can also add up, especially early on. Finally, some people prefer pet insurance, while others set aside a monthly savings cushion for unexpected care and travel plans.
Food & Treats: Required: About $30 to $80 per month, depending on food quality, treats, and your dog’s activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: About $0 to $120 per month, based on DIY bathing and trimming versus professional grooming prices where you live.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: About $20 to $60 per month for routine parasite prevention and basic wellness add-ons, as advised by your veterinarian.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: About $0 to $90 per month for pet insurance premiums or a savings cushion, depending on coverage and comfort with risk.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: About $15 to $100 per month for classes, private help, puzzle toys, and activity fees, depending on how much you do at home.
Bedlington Terrier FAQs
Do Bedlington Terriers shed?
They are considered low-shedding. Instead of dropping lots of hair, the coat keeps growing, so loose hair is minimal around the house. The tradeoff is grooming: regular brushing and combing helps prevent mats and keeps the coat comfortable.
How much grooming does a Bedlington Terrier need?
Expect routine brushing and combing through the week, plus regular trimming to keep the coat tidy and reduce tangles. Some owners learn to clip at home, but many use a groomer for the classic Bedlington shape. Gentle handling practice makes the process easier.
Are Bedlington Terriers good with children?
Many are affectionate and playful with respectful kids, especially when raised together. Because they can be quick and energetic, supervision is important, and children should be taught calm petting and how to give the dog space. Early training helps keep play polite.
Can a Bedlington Terrier live with cats or small pets?
Bedlingtons may have a strong chase instinct. Some live peacefully with cats when introduced carefully and managed consistently, but it is not guaranteed. With small pets like rodents, extra caution is wise. Secure gates, structured introductions, and supervised time help set everyone up for success.
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?
Most do well with moderate daily activity: brisk walks, interactive play, and short training sessions. They often enjoy opportunities to run in a safely fenced area. Mental enrichment, like scent games or puzzles, can be just as tiring as physical exercise.
Are Bedlington Terriers easy to train?
They are smart and usually eager for rewards, but they can be independent thinkers. Training tends to go best with short sessions, clear rules, and positive reinforcement. Mixing in games and variety keeps motivation high. Consistency from the whole household matters.
Is a Bedlington Terrier a good choice for apartment living?
Often yes, as long as they get daily exercise and mental stimulation. Many Bedlingtons relax indoors when their needs are met, but they still benefit from routine outings and play. If your dog tends to alert-bark, focus on early socialization, quiet cues, and predictable routines.
