Bedlington Terrier
Find Bedlington Terrier Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Bedlington Terrier puppies available.
Find Bedlington Terrier BreedersGet to Know Bedlington Terriers
- Lamb-like Appearance: The Bedlington Terrier is famous for its curly coat and arched back, giving it a striking resemblance to a lamb.
- Silent Hunters: Despite their sweet looks, they have strong hunting instincts and are known for being stealthy and fast.
- Unique Coat Texture: They have a rare combination of hard and soft hair, which gives them a crisp, linty texture not found in most breeds.
- Copper Toxin Sensitivity: Bedlingtons can carry a genetic liver disease (copper toxicosis) that makes them susceptible to copper build-up.
- Originally Called "Rothbury Terrier": Before becoming known as the Bedlington, the breed was once named after the Rothbury Forest area where it was commonly found.
Breed History
The Bedlington Terrier originated in the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England, during the early 19th century. Originally bred as a versatile working dog, it was used for hunting vermin in mines, racing, and even dog fighting due to its tenacity and agility. Over time, it gained popularity with the upper classes as a companion dog, thanks to its distinctive lamb-like appearance and affectionate nature.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate: Bedlington Terriers are affectionate companions that bond closely with their families, often forming strong attachments to one person.
- Lively & Curious: They are lively and curious, always ready to explore or chase after small animals.
- Balanced Personalities: Despite their terrier roots, they are often more mild-mannered and enjoy a balance of play and relaxation.
Care
- Exercise: They enjoy daily walks and some off-leash play in secure areas, thriving with moderate exercise routines.
- Grooming: High-maintenance grooming is essential, as their coat requires regular professional clipping and consistent at-home care.
- Training: Early socialization and consistent, positive training work best—while intelligent, they can be willful without structure.
Bedlington Terrier Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Bedlington Terrier Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Copper Toxicosis | Test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Eye Examination once 12 months old. Results registered with OFA |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Bedlington Terrier Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Bedlington Terrier is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Bedlington Terrier
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Bedlington Terrier puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Bedlington Terrier, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Bedlington Terrier is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
