Do Bedlington Terriers shed?
Bedlington Terriers shed very little compared with most breeds, which is exactly why they need regular clipping rather than the brushing routine most shedding breeds get by on. Their soft, curly coat keeps growing rather than dropping out, so managing it is about trimming, not dealing with loose hair around the house.
Do Bedlington Terriers shed
Their linty, curly coat behaves more like a Poodle's than a typical terrier's, which is why they are often mentioned alongside low-shedding breeds. Very little hair comes out naturally, which means less to vacuum up, but it is not a coat that looks after itself just because it does not shed much.
The trade-off is that a coat which does not shed keeps growing, and left unchecked it mats and becomes matted and uncomfortable rather than simply getting long. It needs active management rather than none at all.
What their coat actually needs instead of shedding
Bedlingtons are traditionally clipped into their distinctive lamb-like shape every six to eight weeks, either by a groomer experienced with the breed or an owner who has learned the technique. This is closer to hairdressing than the brushing most breeds need, and it is a genuine time and cost commitment.
Between clips, regular brushing still matters to stop the coat matting, particularly behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar, where friction and moisture cause tangles fastest.
Choosing the right tools
A slicker brush and a metal comb are the basics for keeping a Bedlington's coat mat-free between professional clips, worked through in sections rather than rushed over the top. A detangling spray can help on a coat that has started to knot before it turns into a proper mat.
Bathing with a shampoo suited to a curly or wool-type coat, rather than one designed for smooth-coated breeds, helps keep the texture right and makes brushing afterwards easier.
What happens if grooming is skipped
Because the coat does not shed the excess away on its own, missing a clip or two does not simply mean a slightly shaggier dog the way it might with a shedding breed. The coat keeps growing and, without regular brushing to work through it, mats can form close to the skin surprisingly quickly, particularly around the ears and legs.
A badly matted coat is uncomfortable for the dog and can be difficult and sometimes distressing to correct without a full clip-down, so keeping to a rough schedule matters more for this breed than for one that manages its own coat length by shedding.
Kit for this breed
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Microfibre Pet Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.
From£10.99
Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.
From£13.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Common questions
- Is a Bedlington Terrier hypoallergenic?
- No breed is truly hypoallergenic, but Bedlingtons produce less loose hair than most, which some allergy-sensitive households find more manageable. Anyone with allergies should spend time around the specific breed before committing, since individual reactions vary.
- How often does a Bedlington Terrier need clipping?
- Roughly every six to eight weeks is typical to keep their distinctive coat shape and prevent matting, though it can vary with how the individual dog's coat grows. A groomer experienced with the breed can advise on a schedule that suits your dog.
- Can I clip a Bedlington Terrier myself?
- Some owners learn to do it at home, but the breed's distinctive shape takes practice to get right, and a groomer experienced with Bedlingtons is worth using at least until you are confident with the technique.
- Do Bedlington Terriers need daily brushing?
- Not daily in most cases, but regular brushing between clips — a few times a week — helps prevent matting, particularly in areas prone to friction like behind the ears and under the legs.
- Is a Bedlington Terrier's grooming more expensive than other breeds?
- Regular professional clipping every six to eight weeks does add an ongoing cost that a low-maintenance shedding breed would not have. It's worth factoring this in as an ongoing part of owning the breed rather than a one-off expense.
Related
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Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.