Bedlington Terrier
GentleLoyalSpirited
England · 11–16 years
About the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is one of the most distinctive-looking dog breeds, with a lamb-like appearance that belies a courageous, athletic terrier heart. Developed in the mining town of Bedlington in northeastern England, they were bred by miners and poachers to hunt vermin, rabbits, and badgers. Their unique arch-backed, tasseled-eared silhouette and crispy, curly coat make them unmistakable. Bedlingtons are graceful, mild-mannered, and surprisingly fast — they have a whippet-like top speed thanks to sighthound ancestry. They are gentle, loyal companions that combine terrier tenacity with unexpected elegance.
Breed stats
- Height
- 15–17.5 in
- Weight
- 17–23 lbs
- Lifespan
- 11–16 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Crispy, curly, linty mixture of hard and soft hair
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- Blue
- Liver
- Sandy
- Blue and Tan
- Liver and Tan
- Sandy and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–1.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Copper toxicosis
- Patellar luxation
- Retinal dysplasia
- Renal cortical hypoplasia
- Distichiasis
Not every Bedlington Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Bedlington Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Bedlington Terriers have a distinctively lamb-like appearance, especially when groomed in the traditional Bedlington trim. Their narrow, pear-shaped head topped with a fluffy topknot, their arched back, and their curly, woolly coat all contribute to a striking resemblance to sheep. However, beneath this gentle appearance is a true terrier — fast, fearless, and capable of impressive athleticism. Bedlington enthusiasts often say the breed looks like a lamb but has the heart of a lion. The lamb-like appearance has been deliberately cultivated through selective breeding and traditional grooming styles.
- Copper toxicosis is a hereditary liver disease that particularly affects Bedlington Terriers. Affected dogs cannot properly metabolize and excrete copper from their diet, causing it to accumulate in the liver over time. This progressive copper buildup eventually damages the liver, potentially leading to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. A DNA test is available to identify carriers and affected dogs. Responsible breeders test all breeding stock and can produce puppies free of the condition. Affected dogs can be managed with copper-restricted diets and chelation therapy. Always verify that breeders test for this condition.
- Bedlington Terriers shed very little — their unique coat, which is a mixture of hard and soft hair with a crispy, curly texture, traps dead hair rather than releasing it. This makes them one of the best terrier breeds for people with mild allergies. However, their coat grows continuously and requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain the distinctive Bedlington trim. Between grooming appointments, weekly brushing prevents matting. Their low-shedding coat is the trade-off for higher grooming costs and maintenance compared to smooth-coated terrier breeds.
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