A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is an athletic terrier with a distinctive arched outline and a crisp curly coat. The soft-looking outline still needs regular shaping and brushing, together with opportunities for active play.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Bedlington Terrier questions
Do Bedlington Terriers shed?
Hardly at all. The coat virtually does not shed, which makes this a non-shedding breed. The trade is upkeep. The coat grows fast and mats without regular trimming, which is recommended every 6 to 8 weeks.
Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but the Bedlington tends to suit people with allergies, and the coat is non-shedding. Neither is a guarantee for any one person, so spend time with a Bedlington before you commit if allergies are a concern.
How big does a full-grown Bedlington Terrier get?
Adults usually stand 15 to 17.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds. Males are ideally 16.5 inches and females 15.5 inches at the shoulder.
How long do Bedlington Terriers live?
Bedlington Terriers usually live 11 to 16 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Why does a Bedlington Terrier look like a lamb?
Part of it is the dog and part is the haircut. The coat is crisp with a tendency to curl, and the body has an arched back and a narrow, pear-shaped head. The lamb outline comes from a breed-specific trim with a topknot and tasseled ears. Pet Bedlingtons can be kept in a shorter trim that keeps the look on the head, tassels and tail.
Can a Bedlington Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, with enough exercise. The breed adapts to a house or an apartment but needs a lot of activity. Bedlingtons are fast and still chase small animals, so use a fenced yard and a leash on walks. This hunting drive can make sharing a home with cats, rabbits or hamsters difficult.
What is copper storage disease in Bedlington Terriers?
It is an inherited liver condition and a significant health issue for Bedlingtons. The liver cannot clear copper properly, so it builds up, and a DNA test identifies clear, carrier and affected dogs. Selective breeding has greatly reduced it. Ask a breeder for the parents' test results, and take any health questions to your vet.
What were Bedlington Terriers bred for?
Catching vermin. The breed comes from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England, where these terriers worked as coal mine ratters and all-purpose vermin dogs. The first dog called a Bedlington Terrier was bred in 1825. The curvy outline is read as a sign of sighthound ancestry, most likely Whippet.
