Bedlington Terrier
Overview
Bred in the mining town of Bedlington to catch vermin and poach game, this lamb-like terrier hides real grit beneath a soft, curly, low-shedding coat. Friendly, affectionate and good with families. It suits owners who'll commit to regular clipping of the distinctive coat and remember that, lamb looks aside, it's still a terrier with a chase instinct.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Bedlington Terrier is good with children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Bedlington Terrier typically needs around an hour of exercise a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is minimal. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Bedlington Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Distinctive lamb-like looks and very low shedding
- +Friendly, affectionate and good with families
Things to consider
- –Coat needs regular professional clipping
- –Still a terrier with a chase instinct and can be scrappy
Is a Bedlington Terrier right for you?
On space, a Bedlington Terrier is flat-friendly — they can adapt to a flat as long as they get their daily exercise and company. For experience level, they are manageable for committed beginners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Bedlington Terrier
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Bedlington Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Bedlington Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Bedlington Terrier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Bedlington Terriers shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Bedlington Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Bedlington Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Bedlington Terriers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Bedlington Terriers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Bedlington Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Bedlington Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.