Moderately active and full of love for their family, a Bedlington Terrier is devoted, loyal and a great family pet.

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They might resemble a sheep, but a Bedlington Terrier’s personality is far from sheep-like. They possess lightning-fast speed and are intelligent, friendly and loving as well as jealous and protective. Bedlington Terriers are smart dogs but have a mind of their own and often do what they want. However, with lots of positive training your pet will soon be sitting, staying and walking on command.

Invited guests will be greeted warmly by this friendly and inquisitive breed while suspicious strangers will be announced by lots of barking. With moderate energy levels you can still enjoy your favourite television shows as your Bedlington Terrier will love to snuggle against your feet. Two long walks daily are great for keeping your pet happy and healthy. A fun game of fetch is also ideal. Make sure you exercise your furry friend daily or you might end up with holes in your yard, as their natural instincts are to dig.

Fun fact: If the white coat of a Bedlington Terrier is damaged in any way,

the damaged spot grows back black.

Originally, Bedlington Terriers were bred for hunting and developed a reputation for killing vermin – so you may never see a mouse again. They make great watchdogs and like being the centre of attention. If your Bedlington Terrier grows up with another pet they will befriend them but other pets will be looked over. They are gentle with children and make wonderful family companions. They have a moderate tendency to bark.

Put aside time to groom and brush your Bedlington Terrier’s coat each day, comb through it weekly and see a professional groomer for a trim every two months. Luckily, you won’t be needing that new vacuum as Bedlington Terriers are hypoallergenic and don’t shed or moult. They suit apartment living if exercised enough.

Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life-stages. It’s important that together with your vet, a preventative health care program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Bedlington Terriers are prone to Copper Toxicosis and some eye diseases.

Size

They are a small sized breed weighing 8-10kgs with an average height of 38-43cm.

Space

This breed is happy to live in an apartment provided they get enough exercise.  

Energy Levels

Bedlington Terriers have moderate energy levels. A long daily stroll and lots of games will keep this dog happy.

Difficulty Of Training

They are intelligent dogs but have a mind of their own and tend to be stubborn. Consistent training with positive reinforcement is best when teaching your dog.

Family suitability

They are great family pets, loyal companions and good watchdogs.

Suitability to other pets

They enjoy being the only pet in the house.

Need for company

They have a moderate need for company and enjoy playing games with their family.

Hypoallergenic dog breed?

Yes

Coat and grooming needs

This breed requires moderate maintenance. Brush daily and comb it weekly. Their coat needs to be trimmed every second month. Their coat is usually blue although tan, liver and sandy are also seen. Their coat lightens in colour as the dog matures.

Shedding

A Bedlington Terrier doesn’t shed.

Tendency to bark

They have a moderate tendency to bark so expect some noise.

Similar pets you may like

American Staffordshire Terrier

Australian Terrier

Border Terrier