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.123
how to spot oneBedlington Terrier coat and colours
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.142
Comes inblueliversandyblue and tanliver and tansandy and tan13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bedlington Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksBedlington Terrier exercise needs
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.243
who they like aroundBedlington Terrier with people and other pets
Very people-focused and loyal; early, positive socialisation helps it get along with other pets.23
the hands-on bitsBedlington Terrier grooming and care
The coat keeps growing and needs specialist clipping roughly every six weeks, plus regular combing between trims. It sheds very little.24
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.5
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.6
How often should I bathe a Bedlington Terrier?
Pet Wiki'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.7
How often does a Bedlington Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Bedlington Terrier weekly to remove tangles and keep its springy coat healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and regular combing between professional trims is important.24
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.7
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.243
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.7
How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?
A Bedlington Terrier typically lives 12 to 14 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship.2
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.123
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.
what to watchBedlington Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Bedlington Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Copper toxicosis
An inherited fault in copper handling (COMMD1 gene) lets copper build up in the liver and can cause serious liver disease; a DNA test is available and recommended for breeding dogs. The best-known Bedlington condition, named by the Royal Kennel Club health schemes and veterinary references. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Bedlington Terrier costs
Running costs for a Bedlington Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Bedlington Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Bedlington Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Bedlington Terrier tip
Bedlingtons can inherit copper toxicosis, a build-up of copper in the liver, so choose food and treats with controlled copper levels. Ask your vet before adding any supplements or rich extras.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Its arched back, long head and woolly-looking coat make it look remarkably like a lamb.4
2
Before it was named after the town of Bedlington, it was known as the Rothbury Terrier.4
3
A Bedlington, Ch. Rock Ridge Night Rocket, won Best in Show at Westminster in 1948.3
4
Early breed history credits a dog called Young Piper, known for his courage, as the first 'Bedlington Terrier'.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named for the English mining shire of Bedlington, in Northumberland, where they were first bred by local miners.8
stars of the breedFamous ones
Rock Ridge Night Rocket Ch. Rock Ridge Night Rocket, a Bedlington Terrier, won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1948.9
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.
where it all beganBedlington Terrier history
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.314
Whippet
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier