Bedlington Terrier
A lamb in appearance but a lion in spirit - this unique terrier combines elegance with surprising athleticism.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
Named after the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, this distinctive breed was developed in the early 19th century by local miners and nail makers who needed a fast, game little dog for hunting vermin and rabbits. The breed likely descends from crosses between Whippets, Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Otterhounds, creating a unique combination of speed, tenacity and courage in a compact, curly-coated package.
Despite their gentle appearance, Bedlingtons were fierce competitors in the dog pits of northern England and earned a reputation for courage that belied their lamb-like looks. The breed was first shown at dog shows in the 1870s and quickly gained admirers who appreciated both its distinctive appearance and spirited personality. Today it remains a relatively rare but devoted following.
Appearance
The Bedlington Terrier is one of the most distinctive breeds in the world, with a narrow, pear-shaped head topped by a characteristic topknot of silky hair, and a thick, linty coat that naturally forms crisp curls. The overall silhouette is graceful and lithe, suggesting the Whippet ancestry. They stand 38-43 cm at the shoulder.
Coat colour can be blue, liver, or sandy, with or without tan markings. Puppies are born dark and lighten as they mature. The arched back, tucked-up belly and long, hare-like feet contribute to their unique outline. When properly groomed, they look like elegant little lambs - an impression that quickly evaporates when they spot a squirrel.
Is a Bedlington Terrier Right for You?
Bedlingtons are wonderful companions for owners who want a terrier with a touch of elegance. They are less yappy than many terriers, less aggressive with other dogs (though still terriers at heart), and adaptable to both country and city living. They need moderate exercise and regular professional grooming to maintain their distinctive clip.
They are affectionate, loyal and playful with their families. Their non-shedding coat makes them popular with allergy sufferers, though regular grooming is essential. They can be reserved with strangers but are rarely aggressive. Their prey drive means they should not be trusted off-lead near small animals in unsecured areas.
Living with a Bedlington Terrier
Bedlingtons are calm and gentle at home, happy to curl up on the sofa beside you for hours. Their moderate energy level makes them more manageable than many terrier breeds. They are adaptable dogs that can thrive in flats or houses, provided they get their daily exercise. They are generally quiet dogs that do not bark excessively.
Do not be fooled by their gentle demeanour - when something catches their interest, the terrier instinct switches on instantly. A Bedlington that spots a rabbit will accelerate from zero to flat-out sprint with Whippet-like speed. They are surprisingly fast and agile, and their hunting instinct remains strong despite generations of companion breeding.
Training Tips
- Respond well to positive, gentle training methods
- Can be stubborn - patience and consistency are key
- Early socialisation helps prevent shyness with strangers
- Recall training is essential due to strong prey drive
- Enjoy agility and earth dog trials that use their natural abilities
Temperament
The Bedlington temperament is a charming mix of gentle affection and terrier spirit. At home they are calm, loving and devoted to their families. They are good with children and generally get along better with other dogs than many terrier breeds, though same-sex aggression can occur. They form strong bonds and prefer to be with their people rather than left alone.
When aroused, they show surprising fire and determination. The breed saying goes: "fit to kill any other dog of its weight." While modern Bedlingtons are far removed from the fighting pits, they retain a core of courage and tenacity that surfaces when they feel threatened or when prey drive is activated. This dual nature - gentle lamb at home, fierce terrier when needed - is central to the breed's appeal.
Exercise Needs
Bedlingtons need approximately one hour of exercise daily, which is less than many similarly-sized terriers. A good walk combined with some free running in a secure area satisfies their needs. They enjoy games and play sessions but are equally happy with a steady walk followed by a quiet afternoon at home.
Their Whippet heritage gives them surprising speed, and many Bedlingtons enjoy lure coursing or sprint activities. They are good swimmers and generally enjoy water. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys and games complements their physical exercise needs.
Grooming
The Bedlington's distinctive coat does not shed but grows continuously, requiring professional trimming every six to eight weeks to maintain the characteristic breed clip. Between grooming sessions, brush the coat thoroughly twice a week with a slicker brush to prevent matting. The crisp, curly texture mats quickly if neglected.
The coat is one of the breed's biggest appeals for allergy sufferers and people who dislike dog hair on furniture, but it does require a financial and time commitment to maintain. Learning to do basic maintenance at home between professional grooms saves money and keeps the dog comfortable. Ears, teeth and nails need regular attention as with all breeds.
Health
The most significant health concern in Bedlington Terriers is copper toxicosis, a genetic condition where copper accumulates in the liver, potentially causing liver disease. A DNA test is available and responsible breeders test all breeding stock. Affected dogs can be managed with a low-copper diet and medication if diagnosed early.
Other health concerns include patellar luxation, eye conditions (retinal dysplasia, distichiasis) and renal cortical hypoplasia. Overall, health-tested Bedlingtons from responsible breeders are robust, healthy dogs with a good lifespan of 12-14 years. The availability of the copper toxicosis DNA test has significantly improved breed health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bedlington Terriers shed?
No, Bedlingtons have a non-shedding coat that grows continuously, similar to Poodles. This makes them popular with allergy sufferers. However, the coat requires professional trimming every six to eight weeks and regular brushing to prevent matting.
Are Bedlington Terriers good with children?
Yes, they are generally gentle and patient with children. They are playful without being overwhelming and their moderate energy level suits family life well. As with all dogs, supervise interactions with young children.
What is copper toxicosis?
Copper toxicosis is a genetic condition where the body cannot properly process copper, leading to dangerous accumulation in the liver. A DNA test identifies carriers, and responsible breeders test all stock. Affected dogs can be managed with diet and medication.
Why do Bedlingtons look like lambs?
Their unique appearance comes from the combination of a narrow, pear-shaped head with a fluffy topknot, a linty curly coat, and the traditional grooming clip that accentuates their arched back and slender build. The resemblance to lambs is striking but purely superficial.
Are Bedlingtons good for flats?
Yes, their moderate exercise needs, calm indoor demeanour and non-shedding coat make them one of the better terrier breeds for flat living. They need daily walks but are not as hyperactive or noisy as many terriers.
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