Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier dog

Athletic English terrier known for its lamb-like appearance and working-dog roots.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 17 - 23 lbs 15 - 18 inches 11 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a Bedlington Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Bedlington Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Bedlington Terrier originated in northeastern England and takes its name from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland. During the 18th and 19th centuries, local working terriers were used to control rats and hunt animals including rabbits, foxes, and badgers. Early dogs were sometimes known as Rothbury Terriers because of their association with the nearby Rothbury area. Miners and other working people valued them for speed and determination as well as their ability to deal with vermin. Their ancestry is not completely documented, but the developing breed combined the courage of a terrier with a noticeably light, fast build. The name Bedlington Terrier became established during the 19th century, and organized breeding gradually transformed the rough working dog into the distinctive breed seen today. Selective grooming produces its famous lamb-like appearance, with an arched back, narrow head, and crisp coat. That elegant appearance can be misleading: Bedlingtons were genuine working terriers and were also historically used in competitive ratting and other activities common to the era. The breed entered dog shows during the Victorian period and became increasingly standardized. Modern Bedlingtons are usually companions, but their speed, prey drive, and athleticism reveal considerably more working-dog heritage than their soft, sheep-like outline suggests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Bedlington Terrier tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Bedlington Terrier tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Bedlington Terrier is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Bedlington Terrier generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Bedlington Terrier is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Bedlington Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Bedlington Terrier generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Bedlington Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Bedlington Terrier generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.