Breed profile

Bedlington Terrier

The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier. Its curly coat requires professional grooming. A surprising athlete. Once nearly extinct — a rare breed.

Origin: Inglaterra Size: Pequeño-Mediano Lifespan: 11-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Active families
✓Anyone wanting a charismatic dog in a small package

Reconsider if

×Homes with pet rodents

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Is the Bedlington Terrier a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

50-80 €/month

Food 25-40 €, grooming 25-40 € (prorated), parasite control 8-12 €, veterinary fund 15-20 €. Budget for the copper genetic test once (≈60-120 €) if you plan to breed or do not know its line.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in England. The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal and balanced when well socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment causes fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: with respectful older children. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** strong prey drive.

Life stages of the Bedlington Terrier

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 11-16 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Socialisation; genetic/liver testing for copper toxicosis before planning the diet.

Young adult

1-3 years

Regular exercise; dietary copper control and care of the curly coat.

Adult

3-9 years

Liver monitoring (copper toxicosis) and eye examinations.

Senior

9+ years

Close liver and ophthalmological follow-up; low-copper senior diet.

Care

Exercise: 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Brushing: 2-3 times/week; hand stripping every 8-10 weeks if the coat is harsh.

Feeding: appropriate to its high energy.

Veterinary care: annual check-up.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food; in lines at risk of or diagnosed with copper toxicosis, a specific low-copper diet under veterinary supervision. Keep a lean weight to protect the patella.

✂️ Grooming

Its curly, woolly, low-shedding coat needs grooming every 6-8 weeks and brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.

🎓 Training

Intelligent and more manageable than other terriers, but with a hunting instinct: positive reinforcement, a well-trained recall and caution around rodents and cats.

🏃 Exercise

60-90 minutes daily of walking and play; it is a surprising athlete that enjoys running, but it also settles on the sofa once it has burned off energy.

Breed-specific health

Conditions common in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 11-16 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from age 5.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🟤Enfermedad hepatica cronica 🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina ⚪Cataratas 🦿Luxación de rótula

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Bedlington Terrier

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Genetic test for copper toxicosis (COMMD1) — a key test in the breed
✓Assessment of patellar luxation
✓Ophthalmological examination (retinal dysplasia/atrophy, distichiasis)
✓Renal ultrasound/blood work (renal cortical hypoplasia)

Prevention

Genetic copper screening before breeding and, in carriers, a low-copper diet and liver monitoring. Regular grooming of the curly coat and joint check-ups. Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up; in dogs at risk of copper toxicosis, periodic liver blood work as advised by the vet.

Warning signs

!Lethargy, jaundice (yellow mucous membranes), vomiting or loss of appetite (liver)
!Skipping on a hind leg or intermittent hind-limb lameness (patellar luxation)
!Stumbling or difficulty seeing in low light
!Excessive thirst and urination (possible kidney involvement)

Bedlington Terrier gallery

Foto de la raza bedlington terrier — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Bedlington Terrier

How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?

▾

The life expectancy of the Bedlington Terrier is 11-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Bedlington Terrier weigh?

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An adult Bedlington Terrier weighs between 8-10 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño-mediano.

Where does the Bedlington Terrier breed come from?

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The Bedlington Terrier originates from Inglaterra. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in England. The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier.

How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?

▾

The Bedlington Terrier has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Is the Bedlington Terrier good with children?

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**Children:** with respectful older children. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** strong prey drive.

Who is the Bedlington Terrier NOT recommended for?

▾

It isn't the right breed for: Homes with pet rodents. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Bedlington Terrier have?

▾

Conditions common in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 11-16 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from age 5.

What is copper toxicosis and should I be concerned?

▾

It is an inherited disease in which the liver accumulates copper until it is damaged, and the Bedlington is the flagship breed for it. A genetic test (COMMD1) identifies the risk; affected dogs are managed with a low-copper diet and medication. It is the most important test in the breed.

Does it look like a lamb but is it a real terrier?

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Absolutely. Beneath that gentle appearance is an agile, brave terrier with a good hunting instinct. It is more tolerant than other terriers, but it retains the group's character and energy.

Does it shed much?

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Very little. Its curly coat barely sheds, which makes it appealing to allergy sufferers, but in return it needs grooming every 6-8 weeks to avoid matting.

Does it get along with other pets?

▾

It usually lives well with dogs; with rodents and sometimes cats, its prey drive can cause problems. Early socialisation helps, but never leave it unsupervised with small animals.

Is it a healthy breed?

▾

It is long-lived (11-16 years) but not free of problems: besides copper, watch for patellar luxation and eye and kidney health. Buying from a breeder who carries out screening greatly reduces the risk.