Pet Wiki

Bedlington Terrier

Also called Rothbury Terrier, Rodbury Terrier, Rothbury's Lamb

Recognised breedFCI group 3Short profile

From England, around the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight8 to 10.4 kg142
Height, male41 to 44 cm12
Height, female38 to 42 cm12
Lifespan12 to 14 years4
Sizemedium

FCI gives 8-10 kg; Wikipedia and Hill's give 17-23 lb (about 7.7-10.4 kg).

gentle and affectionate at home
brave and spirited
very fast and athletic
124

Coat and looks how to spot one

linty, crisp coat

A thick, springy coat that stands away from the skin and tends to twist, especially on the head. Combined with the arched back and pear-shaped head, it gives the dog its famous lamb-like look. It sheds very little.134

Coloursblueliversandyblue and tanliver and tansandy and tan12

Personality what they are like

Soft and easy-going when relaxed, but confident and plucky when something catches its interest. It is playful, devoted to its family and has plenty of sporting drive.142

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Around 20-60 minutes of daily exercise suits it (Hill's says 20-40 minutes, The Royal Kennel Club up to an hour). It is a swift runner that enjoys a safe space to sprint.432

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The coat keeps growing and needs specialist clipping roughly every six weeks, plus regular combing between trims. It sheds very little.43

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and loyal; early, positive socialisation helps it get along with other pets.42

The story where it all began

The breed took shape in the late 1700s among the miners and working people of Northumberland, who valued a quick, game dog for vermin and rabbits. Joseph Ainsley's 'Young Piper' was the first dog called a Bedlington Terrier, around 1825, and a breed club was set up in the 1870s.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its arched back, long head and woolly-looking coat make it look remarkably like a lamb.3

  2. 2

    Before it was named after the town of Bedlington, it was known as the Rothbury Terrier.3

  3. 3

    A Bedlington, Ch. Rock Ridge Night Rocket, won Best in Show at Westminster in 1948.2

  4. 4

    Early breed history credits a dog called Young Piper, known for his courage, as the first 'Bedlington Terrier'.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for the English mining shire of Bedlington, in Northumberland, where they were first bred by local miners.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BertieBrambleCloverDaisyFinnHazelJasperLambMollyNellPippinToby

A day in the life told by a Bedlington Terrier

I am a Bedlington Terrier, lamb-like but lion-hearted. My day starts with a tickle on my curly head. I race through the garden, chasing a leaf, then stop to sniff a flower. After a gentle walk, I curl on the sofa, watching the birds. At lunch, I play a game of tug with my rope toy, my eyes bright with mischief. In the afternoon, I sprint in the park, feeling the wind in my fur. Back home, I snuggle close, my soft coat a comfort to all. It is a simple, happy life.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 9, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers; standard dated 13.10.2010, country of origin Great Britain.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; not a vulnerable native breed.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bedlington Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bedlington Terrier, and at what times?

Feed adult Bedlington Terriers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary with your schedule, but aim for consistent times. Check the food label for amounts and consult your vet.6

What should a Bedlington Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and alcohol. Always keep these away from your dog.7

How often should I bathe a Bedlington Terrier?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance is at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bedlington Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Bedlington Terrier weekly to remove tangles and keep its springy coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and regular combing between professional trims is important.43 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bedlington Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim your Bedlington's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 4 weeks as a starting point. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or groomer.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?

Your Bedlington Terrier needs about 20 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. It enjoys running in a safe space, so daily walks and play sessions will keep it happy and healthy.432 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bedlington Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Bedlington's teeth at least two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently without inserting anything into the canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?

A Bedlington Terrier typically lives 12 to 14 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship.4

Is a Bedlington Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Bedlington Terrier is generally good with children and other pets when properly socialised from a young age. It is playful, devoted, and easy-going with its family.142

Can a Bedlington Terrier be left alone?

Bedlington Terriers are very people-focused and may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your dog's needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 9 Bedlington Terrier fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Bedlington Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for names, height by sex, history, facts
  3. The Royal Kennel Club: Bedlington Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, coat, history, facts
  4. Hill's Pet: Bedlington Terrier hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament
  5. akc.org akc.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.