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Breed profile

Bedlington Terrier

Looks like a lamb, moves like a whippet, and still has a terrier's grit. Gentle at home.

Two blue Bedlington Terriers sitting on a sunny lawn in front of a hedge
Two Bedlingtons: lamb-like outline, terrier attitude.Photo: David Owsiany / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
8–10 kg18–22 lb
Height
38–44 cm15–17 in
Lifespan
11–16 yrs
Group
Terrier
Origin
England
Popularity
#147 US#83 UK · 2025

Known for: Low sheddingFlat-friendly

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Gentle, Affectionate, Playful, Alert.

Health problems to know about

  • Copper storage hepatopathy (copper toxicosis)
  • Kidney disease
  • Eye problems (retinal dysplasia, cataracts)
  • Heart murmur

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks and a fenced run now and then; they are fast. Comb weekly and clip every 6 to 8 weeks. Choose a breeder who DNA-tests for copper toxicosis.

A good fit for

Flats and town homes, families with considerate children, people wanting a low-shedding dog.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with small pets, people who won't keep up with clipping.

Sources

  1. Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Bedlington Terrier | Breeds A to Z | The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Bedlington Terrier | Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW) genetic welfare problems
  4. Bedlington Terrier | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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