Bedlington Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Bedlington Terrier looks like a lamb that has been sprinkled with terrier dust. Behind the soft, curly topknot and arched back is a quick, game dog with the speed of a sighthound and the pluck of a ratter.

Origins and appearance

The breed is named after the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England, where miners kept them for hunting rats, badgers and rabbits, and for racing. Bedlingtons have a pear-shaped head, a roached back, a long tail that tapers and a woolly, curly coat in blue, liver or sandy, sometimes with tan points. The coat is clipped to accentuate the lamb-like outline.

Temperament

Bedlingtons are affectionate and gentle at home, but determined and fast outdoors. They bond with family and enjoy being involved, and are usually good with older children. They can be stubborn and vocal, and may chase small animals. Many get along with other dogs, though some terrier-style bossiness occurs.

Exercise

They need around an hour of exercise daily. Walks, running and games suit them, and they enjoy lure coursing, agility and earthdog trials. Use a secure fence and a leash outdoors, since the chase instinct is strong. See recall training guide.

Training

They are intelligent and responsive when training is fun. Use rewards and variety. They can be willful, so be consistent. House training is usually manageable. Early socialization is important for confident behavior with other dogs.

Coat and grooming

The curly coat sheds little but mats without care. Brush several times a week and book a professional trim every six to eight weeks. See curly coat dog grooming guide. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

The key concern is copper:

• Copper storage disease, an inherited condition. See copper storage disease in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as retinal dysplasia and cataracts
• Kidney disease in some lines
• Patella luxation
• Hip dysplasia

A DNA test for the copper mutation is available, and responsible breeders use it.

Living with a Bedlington Terrier

They suit houses with fenced yards and apartments with exercise. They like comfortable furniture and company. Supervise around small pets.

Behavior and daily management

A Bedlington is calm indoors when exercised. Give a morning run and an afternoon game, teach a settle cue and provide a comfortable bed. They use their nose and eyes, so scent games and lure toys satisfy their instincts. Keep rules consistent, since a clever Bedlington will test them.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are lively and sweet. Socialize widely, begin grooming practice and use a crate. Provide chew toys and teach basic cues early. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for professional grooming, DNA testing and regular liver checks. See dog vet cost guide.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, neglecting grooming, trusting off-leash recall and failing to ask for the copper test.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask for the copper toxicosis DNA result for both parents, eye test results and the parents' temperaments.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Bedlington suits people who want a gentle, athletic, low-shedding terrier and can handle grooming. It may not suit those with cats or small pets. For another rare terrier, see the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Training notes

Bedlingtons learn fast but quickly judge whether a task is worth their time. Keep sessions short, vary the rewards and end on a success. Practice recall in a fenced space long before trying it elsewhere, since a Bedlington that spots a rabbit may not hear you. Lure coursing gives them a safe outlet for the chase instinct.

The takeaway

Bedlingtons are lamb-like, fast and loyal, and they need exercise, grooming and copper screening.