"Is that a lamb?" You might hear this question from time to time if you're the pet parent of a Bedlington Terrier. This unique and elegant breed is known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance — thanks to its curly fur, arched back, and thin tail — paired with a graceful, lithe, muscular body and a mild, gentle expression.
Named for the English mining town of Bedlington, where it was first bred, the Bedlington Terrier is a genial housemate, alert watchdog, versatile athlete, and irresistibly cuddly TV-time companion — a graceful terrier in sheep's clothing. The breed was originally bred to hunt vermin but has long been cherished as a loyal, gentle companion.
Rothbury's Lambs
The Bedlington Terrier has been described as "the favourite companion of the northern miners." Originally known as Rothbury Terriers or "Rothbury's Lambs" — because the Lord of Rothbury, who began breeding them, had taken a particular liking to the dogs — they were also called "gypsy dogs," as the Romani people and poachers used them to hunt. The first mention of the breed came in 1825, though some pedigrees trace back to 1782.
The breed name was first given to a dog named Young Piper, owned by Joseph Ainsley, called "the best of his race" with a reputation for great pluck and courage. Bred in the mining town of Bedlington for killing vermin — especially the rats that plagued coal mining pits — the dogs proved agile and trainable. Dandie Dinmont Terriers provided some early breeding stock, Whippets were added to give extra speed and the arched back, and the breed remains closely related to the Whippet, Dandie Dinmont, and Otterhound.
Tragically, their toughness led some to use them in dogfighting. In the early 1800s, a gentleman in Bedlington named Lord Rothbury became fascinated by these tough little terriers and began breeding them, popularizing the breed. Gradually, Bedlingtons became more popular as pets — bred to keep their fierce loyalty but losing much of the aggression of their hunting and fighting days. The Bedlington Terrier Club of America has been an AKC member since 1936.
Graceful, Lithe, and Muscular
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful, lithe, muscular dog, with no signs of weakness or coarseness. The whole head is pear- or wedge-shaped, the skull narrow and rounded, and the expression in repose is mild and gentle. The body is slightly greater in length than height, with an arched back, and the tail is thin and set low.
Both genders stand about 16 inches at the withers and weigh 17 to 23 pounds. The coat is curly and "crisp" in texture — a mix of hard and soft hairs that sheds very little, with a distinctive topknot on the head. Colors are blue, liver, or sandy, each with or without tan points, with floppy ears bearing fluffy tassels at the tips. Puppies are born black or brown and lighten to grey or liver as they mature.
Charming, Loving, and Loyal
The Bedlington Terrier's temperament is charming, loving, and loyal — known for a gentle and affectionate nature. According to the Bedlington Terrier Club of America, "Bedlingtons are bright, clownish extroverts. They are always anxious to love, please, and be the center of attraction, whether in the show ring or in any room of your house."
Though calm at home, Bedlingtons are still terriers and were bred to work. They have a strong prey drive that might lead them to chase small animals, so proper training and supervision are essential. They tend to form strong bonds with their family but may be reserved and cautious around strangers — consistent socialization from puppyhood helps. They show a propensity for digging, stemming from their hunting instincts, and can exhibit sensitivity to abrupt changes in their environment.
Exercise and Activity
Bedlington Terriers are a moderately active breed that enjoys regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime. Though small, they move quickly when they want to, with a distinctive light, springy gait that can rapidly transform into a run. They are known for their speed and endurance, making them candidates for dog agility, and are just as quick in water as on land — with powerful swimming skills comparable to those of water dogs.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Games of fetch and regular walks will burn off their energy. Though they possess bursts of energy and benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation, they are not excessively high-energy dogs. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for keeping a small terrier active.
Training a Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are very intelligent and usually easy to train — but they can also be very stubborn, and you need to be firm, or they will soon realize they can train you. This curious and intelligent dog generally responds well to positive, consistent training.
Consistent socialization is important for Bedlington Terrier puppies to grow comfortable around new people and pets. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier's coat is nonshedding and has minimal odor — making it one of the top hypoallergenic dog breeds — but it needs regular grooming to remove dead hair. The coat is extremely difficult to maintain in a "show clip," even for professionals; most pet Bedlingtons keep a lower-maintenance "pet groom" style. Because their hair will mat, a trim about every eight weeks is recommended, and the ears need regular attention.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a nonshedding, curly-coated breed.
Feeding a Bedlington Terrier
As a small, moderately active breed, the Bedlington Terrier needs a high-quality, complete and balanced diet in measured portions. Feed twice a day rather than free-feeding, and adjust portions based on body condition and activity.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can guide you on portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
Bedlington Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a longer-than-average lifespan — 11 to 16 years, with one UK survey recording a Bedlington living 18.4 years. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.7 years for the breed.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Like many breeds, they may be predisposed to a few genetic health issues. The most significant is copper toxicosis — a liver condition — though reputable breeders conduct DNA testing of all litters and will not allow pups carrying the gene to be bred, a practice that has significantly reduced its incidence. Bedlingtons also have a high incidence of kidney problems and seem more prone than other breeds to eye conditions such as retinal dysplasia, cataracts, and epiphora, as well as heart murmurs. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Bedlington Terrier thrives on attention and enjoys an active lifestyle, making it an ideal match for energetic pet parents or families with kids. Both the AKC and the ASPCA call the breed "mild" and "gentle" and recommend it as being good with children — particularly older children who understand how to interact gently without pulling the dog's fur or tail.
Bedlingtons may coexist with a cat or another pet if introduced properly and early in life, though their strong hunting instinct makes small outdoor animals potential targets for chasing. They make alert, capable watchdogs while remaining gentle, quiet house dogs. If you're weighing whether a Bedlington Terrier fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Bedlington Terrier means committing to a high-maintenance grooming routine — the curly coat requires professional-grade care and frequent trims. Their strong prey drive demands supervision around small animals, and they can be stubborn in training, requiring firmness. They can be prone to jealousy around other dogs and, once challenged, are determined fighters despite their gentle appearance.
Yet for the right owner, the Bedlington is a joy — a bright, clownish, affectionate companion whose lamb-like looks and springy gait are endlessly charming. From the coal pits of Northumberland, where it earned its keep as a ratter, to modern show rings and couches, the graceful Bedlington Terrier remains a gentle, loyal, and distinctly elegant terrier.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Gentle, affectionate, and loyal
- Nonshedding, low-odor, hypoallergenic coat
- Bright, clownish, and cheerful
- Athletic, fast, and versatile
- Longer-than-average lifespan
- Alert and capable watchdog
Disadvantages
- High-maintenance grooming requirement
- Strong prey drive toward small animals
- Can be stubborn in training
- May be reserved around strangers
- Prone to jealousy with other dogs
- Can be sensitive to environmental changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Bedlington Terriers get? Males stand 16–17.5 inches; females 15–16.5 inches, weighing 17–23 pounds.
How long do Bedlington Terriers live? Typically 11 to 16 years.
Are Bedlington Terriers good family dogs? Yes — they're mild, gentle, and recommended as good with children.
Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic? They're ranked as one of the top hypoallergenic breeds — they shed very little.
Are Bedlington Terriers easy to train? They're intelligent and usually easy to train, but can be stubborn.
Are Bedlington Terriers good with cats? They may coexist with cats if introduced early, but have a strong prey drive.
Are Bedlington Terriers good apartment dogs? Yes — they're moderate-energy small dogs that thrive on attention.
Are Bedlington Terriers good swimmers? Excellent — their swimming skills rival those of water dogs.
Are Bedlington Terriers rare? They're uncommon but have an enthusiastic AKC community.
Why do Bedlington Terriers look like lambs? Their curly fur, arched back, and thin tail give them a sheep-like appearance.
Do Bedlington Terriers shed? Very little — their curly coats shed almost no fur.
What health problems do Bedlington Terriers have? They can be prone to copper toxicosis, kidney issues, and eye conditions.