Bedlington Terrier

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Bedlington Terrier

If you want a dog with a completely unique look, unlike any other pups in the neighborhood, the Bedington Terrier is a great choice. With a fluffy white fur and wide-set eyes, the Bedington Terrier looks very much like a sheep.

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silhouette
great dane silhouette
Height: 1ft 3in - 1ft 5in
Weight: 17-23lbs
Lifespan: 14 - 16 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly3/5
  • Stranger-Friendly4/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount3/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty3/5
  • Shedding Amount5/5
  • Easy to Train4/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need4/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance4/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly4/5

Bedlington Terrier Information

This active dog draws its name from the Bedlington mining shire in England. Active and agile, the Bedlington Terrier was originally used for hunting badgers and rats; today, this pedigree makes them excellent for dog sports. Charming and full of fun, this pup makes an excellent member of the family.

History

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog that hails from the town of Bedlington, located in the county of Northumberland in northern England. Despite its diminutive size, the Bedlington is known for its athleticism and tenacity, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy participating in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally.

The Bedlington's history can be traced back to the early 19th century when it was originally bred for vermin control and dogfighting. Despite its rough beginnings, the breed has evolved into a gentle and affectionate companion over the years.

Bedlington Terrier with a girl

Training and Temperament

These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with consistent and positive reinforcement methods. However, they can also be stubborn at times and may require a patient and persistent approach to training.

Despite their scrappy history, Bedlingtons are generally good-natured and even-tempered, making them well-suited to life in a family home. They can be a bit reserved around strangers and may require early socialization to help them become more comfortable in new situations.

Grooming

One of the most distinctive features of the Bedlington is its striking coat, which is soft, fluffy, and often resembles the lamb's wool. Grooming the Bedlington's coat can be a bit of a challenge, as it requires regular clipping and scissoring to maintain its unique shape. However, with a little patience and practice, it's a task that can be easily mastered.

In conclusion, the Bedlington Terrier is a small but mighty breed that is well-suited to life as a companion and family pet. With its intelligence, athleticism, and affectionate nature, the Bedlington will win the hearts of anyone who takes the time to get to know it.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Bedlington Terriers be apartment dogs?

The Bedlington Terrier does fine in apartments. They don't need lots of space, so they should adapt well to apartment living.

Can Bedlington Terriers be left alone?

While Bedlington Terriers prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Bedlington Terriers good with kids?

Bedlington Terriers can do fine with kids. They need some monitoring and training so they react well to unpredictable behavior.

Are Bedlington Terriers friendly with strangers?

Typically, Bedlington Terriers are friendly with strangers. They tend to be open and willing to trust people they don't know.

Do Bedlington Terriers get along with other dogs?

Although Bedlington Terriers will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues that socialization can help.

Do Bedlington Terriers bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Bedlington Terriers bark an average amount. Expect barking to alert you, get attention, or react to strangers and other dogs.

Do Bedlington Terriers shed a lot?

Expect a lot of shedding from Bedlington Terriers. You'll need to brush their coat often or keep the vacuum ready.

Do Bedlington Terriers need a lot of grooming?

Bedlington Terriers need a medium amount of coat care. Brushing and bathing will usually be enough.

Do Bedlington Terriers need a lot of exercise?

The Bedlington Terrier has a good amount of energy and needs walks and play to stay happy.

Are Bedlington Terriers easy to train?

Typically, Bedlington Terriers are easy to train. They enjoy working with their owner and are quick to learn.

Can Bedlington Terriers handle cold weather?

Bedlington Terriers do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they handle colder climates well.

Can Bedlington Terriers handle hot weather?

Although Bedlington Terriers can tolerate hot conditions, don't expose them for too long.

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