Bedlington Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier looks like a small lamb. It has a pear-shaped head with a smooth, rounded topknot, dark almond eyes, drooping triangular ears with silky tassels, and a curved, arched back. Colors are blue, liver, or sandy, sometimes with tan. It stands roughly 16 to 17.5 inches tall and has a lean, athletic frame designed for speed.

The breed was bred for hunting vermin, rabbits, and badgers, and for racing and coursing, and it can still run fast. Owners are drawn to the distinctive appearance and to the combination of a gentle manner indoors and a game, sporting spirit outdoors.

Temperament and family life

At home the Bedlington is often calmer and more affectionate than other terriers, and it enjoys cuddling with its family. It generally gets along with respectful children, though its terrier spirit can surface in rough play. It tends to be sensitive and may sulk under harsh handling.

With strangers it is polite and watchful but not a barker. The temperament changes outdoors: a Bedlington will chase small animals at speed, and some are quick to defend themselves against other dogs. It may not be safe with cats or small pets. Because of its running ability, it should only be let off leash in secure areas.

Exercise and training

Provide a vigorous daily walk or run, along with play. The Bedlington likes lure coursing, agility, and swimming. Once exercised, it relaxes on the sofa. A dog with too little activity may dig, bark, or become anxious.

Training goes best with a calm, patient approach and plenty of positive reinforcement. The Bedlington learns fast but may resist repetition and will not respond to heavy correction. Early socialization is useful to reduce wariness and the tendency to squabble with other dogs. A secure fence is essential.

Grooming and shedding

The Bedlington sheds very little, but the coat grows constantly and needs a lot of care. It must be brushed and combed several times a week to prevent mats, and clipped into the characteristic shape every month or two. Many owners rely on a groomer familiar with the breed, because the topknot, ears, and legs are shaped in particular ways.

Wash the beard and feet as needed, check and clean the ears, trim nails, and brush teeth. The coat acquires a faded look if bathed too often without conditioning.

Health

Copper toxicosis, an inherited liver disease in which copper builds up in the body, is the best-known health issue and a DNA test is available to identify carriers and affected dogs. Other concerns include kidney malformation (renal cortical hypoplasia), retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and kneecap luxation. Responsible breeders test for copper toxicosis and screen eyes, knees, and kidneys.

Treat this as general information and take questions about a specific Bedlington Terrier to a veterinarian.

History

The Bedlington Terrier is generally traced to Northumberland in northern England, where miners in and around Bedlington kept fast, tough terriers to catch vermin and hunt rabbits and badgers. They were also raced. The name Bedlington Terrier dates from 1825, before which the dogs were called Rothbury or Rodbury Terriers, and the first show class for the breed was held in 1870. Its lamb-like look and elegant lines made it fashionable, and show breeders emphasized the distinctive head.

Is the Bedlington Terrier right for you?

A Bedlington suits people who want a low-shedding, medium-sized dog with a quiet household manner and who are ready for grooming and a prey drive. It is less appropriate for homes with cats or small pets, or for owners who cannot supervise it off leash.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier shares the topknot in a lower dog, while the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are other soft-coated options. The Whippet offers similar lines with a very short coat.