Bedlington Terrier — breed guide
Looks like a lamb, was bred to kill vermin in the Northumberland pits. Carries a serious liver copper-storage disease — ask for the DNA test.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 8–10 kg (18–22 lb)
- Life span
- 11–16 years
- Coat
- Crisp, curly, lamb-like coat; clipped
Living with a Bedlington Terrier
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Barely sheds.
- Quick to learn.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Mild indoors · Fierce when roused · Clever · Affectionate
Health to watch
- Copper toxicosis
- Primary lens luxation
- Retinal dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Bedlington Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Bedlington Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Bedlington Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Bedlington Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Bedlington Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.