Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

7 to 12 kg

Height

41-44 cm

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

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About the Bedlington Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The Bedlington Terrier is a dog breed that is a beloved purebred and has quite a history to it before being a modern household dog. With excellent hunting instinct and a keen sense of smell, they can use their origins as a hunter’s dog, to protect you and your family.

However, nowadays this breed is an affectionate and playful pup that loves the attention and if you only intend to own one dog, this breed will happily be the centre of your world.

If you’re considering adopting or buying a Bedlington Terrier, you’ll want to know everything there is to know about the breed. Here’s a guide to the Bedlington Terrier breed.

What is the history & origin of the Bedlington Terrier?

Developed in the north of England, the breed was originally known for its hunting abilities and its talent for catching vermin that would often plague the local squires’ estates. The exact origins of the Bedlington Terrier are a mystery and one theory points toward traveling with Rom or gypsies that would use them to poach game on any estate that they would come by.

Lord Rothbury was a fan of the terrier and the name Bedlington terrier originated from Rothbury himself whose estate was situated in Bedlington, within the county of Northumberland.

There are some whisperings that the Whippet was added to the breed at some point, a breed known for its skinny frame and fast speed. Bedlingtons would join other show dogs in the mid-1800s and the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed back in England in 1877. The American Kennel Club recognised the Bedlington Terrier as a breed in 1886.

What is a Bedlington Terrier Breed?

The Bedlington Terrier is classed as a small dog breed that was originally bred to hunt. They have an unusually long face, a short body, and thick long legs. As a distinctive breed, they are one that certainly stands out from the crowd.

They’ve been used in various dog sports, as well as conformation shows, dog racing, and nowadays as a dog for many dog owners across the world.

Who is a Bedlington Terrier Best For?

The Bedlingtons are dogs that are perfect as a companion for most households. In general, they’re fairly tolerable around children, and with their small size, they’re not going to seem too overbearing. With a playful nature, they’d certainly suit a younger family as they tend to need space to play and plenty of exercises.

They’re useful for those that live in apartments but they’re also well suited to larger properties too. On the whole, they’re versatile dogs for most dog owners or those that may not hold much experience with dogs.

Bedlington Terrier Grooming & Shedding

As a dog breed, Bedlington’s coat is a combination of harsh and soft hair. It feels both crisp and wiry, especially around the head and face area.

The dog hair doesn’t shed much, making it a great one for those who don’t want mountains of hair building up around the home. These purebred dogs come in several different colours and combinations. These colours include sandy, liver, tan, sandy and tan, and blue. With markings on all areas of the body, they certainly are unique from one dog to the next.

You’ll only need to comb your terrier once a week or more if you’re able to. You should take them to professional groomers to be clipped and the face requires hand scissors to get that distinctive shape.

Other hygiene upkeep includes brushing their teeth around two to three times a week and trimming their nails once or twice a month.

Do Bedlington Terriers bark a lot?

Due to their hunting heritage, the Bedlingtons will likely have the instinct to chase and take hold of small creatures that are running away. They do, therefore, tend to bark, especially if they’re in a quiet area and they’re suddenly made alert to a knock on the door or someone at the window.

However, compared to other dogs, they’re not as yappy or loud.

What is the average weight & height of a Bedlington Terrier dog?

The weight and size of males and females can vary. For males, they stand at 40 cm tall and females are an inch shorter. For their weight, you can expect them to range from 7 to 12 kilos and stand in proportion to their height.

Are Bedlington Terriers easy to train?

Dog ownership when it comes to the Bedlington Terrier is fairly active. They do need a certain level of activity during the day, so make sure to have a fenced-off outdoor space where possible. You’ll also want to go for a nice walk that gets their legs working and their heart pumping!

The Bedlington is an intelligent breed and so they’re going to pick up training fairly easily. As they’re intelligent, you’ll want to persuade them with treats and keep the training consistent so that they pick it up quickly. In comparison to other dogs, they’re a lot quicker to pick it up with praise and repetition.

How do Bedlington Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Temperament is an important one and this can be affected by several things like socialisation and training. Before they grow up, it’s good to socialise the Bedlington puppies early on so that they can be as well-behaved as possible. Naturally, due to their hunting origins, they can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs of the same gender and will often chase small animals.

Personality-wise, they’re an enthusiastic, energetic, and alert breed, making them a fun breed to be around.

Does the Bedlington Terrier have any common health issues?

Health Bedlington Terriers can be prone to certain diseases and conditions, despite how well you look after the. Here are a few health conditions that you may encounter in most terriers, including this one.

Copper Toxicosis – Failure of the liver to rid the body of dietary copper. This leads to a build-up in the body that could be life-threatening. It’s an inherent gene and one that can come from both parents.
Distichiasis – The dog’s eyes will have an additional row of eyelashes that grow on the oil gland. This can irritate the eyes and cause the dog to squint or rub its eye. With this condition, treatment is available and involves surgically freezing excess eyelashes with liquid nitrogen.
Renal Cortical Hypoplasia – Affected dogs with this condition can experience abnormalities in the kidneys. This can then lead to kidney failure. There’s no cure and so it’s important to use preventative measures to reduce the damage caused to the kidneys themselves.

What is the lifespan of a Bedlington Terrier?

The average lifespan for the Rothbury Terrier is typically around 12-14 years old. With the right training and approach to diet, this lifespan is a fairly average one when comparing it to other breeds.

How much does a Bedlington Terrier need to be fed?

The recommended feed for this healthy breed is 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food split up between two meals. As small to medium-sized dogs, they don’t require a huge amount and it’s always good to manage the food carefully to avoid overfeeding.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bedlington Terrier in Australia?

These terrier breeds aren’t overly expensive when comparing them to other ‘designer’ breeds. The average cost for a dog of this size and breed is around $1,500 in Australia. Make sure when you’re looking for a breeder, you take a look at breed clubs for guidance on finding the right match.

Bedlington Terrier FAQs

Are Bedlington Terriers born black in colour?

Bedlington Terriers are all born dark, regardless of their eventual colour. Blues will be born black but other colours like sandy and liver-coloured dogs will be born dark brown.

How long can Bedlington Terriers be left alone?

A Bedlington Terrier can last on their own for around four to six hours a day. If you have a busy lifestyle, you may find this challenging especially when it comes to being at work all day.

If left for too long, they can become quite destructive due to a lack of attention and exercise. They have a destructive nature and often suffer from separation anxiety.

Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Yes, due to their lack of shedding, they’re a great option for those needing a hypoallergenic dog. There are now many dog breeds out there that can cater to those with dog allergies and although no dog is completely allergic-free for humans, they certainly make life easier for those that need it.

How many puppies do Bedlington Terriers have?

As a breeding stock, Bedlington Terriers will typically have around 3-6 within the litter. For responsible breeders, they’ll only allow so many on their list to avoid disappointment if the litter is smaller on occasion.