Bedlington Terrier breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Bedlington Terriers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Bedlington Terrier breed
Bedlington Terriers are a charming and distinctive breed known for their unique appearance and lively personality.
Originating from the Bedlingtonshire region in North East England, they were originally bred for hunting and racing. Today, they have become beloved companions and family pets.
With their elegant, lamb-like appearance, Bedlington Terriers are often described as "gentlemanly" dogs.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Their average height ranges between 40 and 43cm.
They weigh around 8 to 10kg.
The average life expectancy for Bedlington Terriers is 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a Bedlington Terrier like?
Bedlington Terriers have a lively and playful temperament, making them wonderful companions for active individuals or families. They are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, forming strong bonds with their owners.
Bedlington Terriers can be good with children and other pets if they are well socialised from an early age.
While generally friendly, they can be wary of strangers, and their alertness and protective instincts can lead to them giving themselves a watchdog role!
Our Bedlington Terrier Community
“She is ball obsessed and therefore if you have a ball at home, she will not stop. Hide it! Skye is very friendly and well behaved, she just want to say hi to EVERYONE.”
Skye’s owner, Eric from London
“Basil is in her element playing fetch and happiest chasing her pals in the park but also loves to sit on your lap and cuddle up for a big snooze.”
Basil’s owner, Katherine from London
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?
Bedlington Terriers are active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy, needing about one to one and a half hours of exercise per day.
This exercise can include walks, playtime in a securely fenced area, or engaging in activities that stimulate their minds, such as puzzle toys or obedience training.
Although there is no scientific basis to the 5 minutes of exercise per month of age “rule”, it can be a guide to make sure you don’t over-exercise your puppy. Bedlington pups could get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age once or twice a day.
As well as walks though fun, mental stimulating games can entertain and tire an active pup. By around 12-15 months old, and with gradual build up, they should be able to handle the full exercise levels of an adult Bedlington.
Need an extra hand exercising your Bedlington Terrier? Find a local borrower today.
Do Bedlington Terriers need a lot of grooming?
They have a distinctive coat that is both soft and curly, giving them a regal appearance. A combination of soft and harsh hair, Bedlington coats grow continuously and don't shed excessively. Their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and prevent matting.
To keep their coats looking their best, Bedlington Terriers should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. This grooming routine typically involves trimming their coat to maintain its shape and removing any dead hair or tangles. For most owners this involves a visit to a professional groomer.
Regular brushing at home, ideally once or twice a week, helps to prevent matting and keeps their coat healthy. Your groomer and vet can advise further on your individual dog.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that much, just do it as often as you can.
Are Bedlington Terriers easy to train?
Bedlington Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them generally responsive to training. However, they can also have an independent streak, so consistent and patient training methods are important.
Early socialisation is crucial for Bedlington Terrier puppies to develop good manners and become well-rounded adults. Introduce them to various people, animals, and environments to help them feel comfortable and confident in different situations.
Positive reinforcement training techniques, such as using treats, praise, and rewards, work best with this breed.
They enjoy mental challenges, so incorporating interactive games and puzzles into their training sessions can help keep them engaged and focused.
Want to experience spending time with a Bedlington Terrier to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Bedlington Terrier near you.
What do Bedlington Terriers eat?
A balanced and high-quality dog food that meets the nutritional needs of Bedlington Terriers is essential for their overall health and well-being. Feed them twice a day as an adult.
Puppies should initially eat four times a day, then down to three, then to two at six months old. For most Bedlingtons you can make the change from puppy to adult food gradually at around 12 months old, but your pet food supplier and/or vet can advise on individual cases.
Are Bedlington Terriers healthy?
Bedlington Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some health concerns associated with Bedlington Terriers include:
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Distichiasis - abnormally growing eyelashes which can grow into the eye and can cause pain and damage to the eye’s surface
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness
Retinal Dysplasia - detachment of the retina, the area which receives light at the back of the eye
Liver
Copper Toxicosis - a build up of copper in the liver which can cause liver disease and associated issues.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Bedlington Terrier is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Start training at a young age and use reward-based training techniques to motivate your Patterdale Terrier. Join a local puppy class to help with early socialisation.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
