Bedlington Terrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very Low | 7% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Bedlington Terrier right for you?
The Bedlington Terrier is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and announces visitors but stops short of guarding. Day to day, the Bedlington Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bedlington Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Bedlington Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bedlington Terrier is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. It is considered hypoallergenic, which — combined with its low shedding — makes it one of the easier breeds to live with for allergy sufferers.
Temperament and training
The Bedlington Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Bedlington Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bedlington Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: Very low — the Bedlington Terrier sheds far less than most breeds. Only 7% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the Bedlington Terrier needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bedlington Terrier actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Bedlington Terrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | Medium energy and low barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | Recorded as a low-allergen coat. No dog is truly hypoallergenic — meet the individual dog before deciding. |
Perfect for
- Apartment dwellers
- Allergy-sensitive owners
- Terrier enthusiasts
- Those wanting unique breeds
Things to consider
- Professional grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Potential copper toxicosis
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bedlington Terrier good with children?
- Yes — the Bedlington Terrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bedlington Terrier shed a lot?
- The Bedlington Terrier has very low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic.
- How much exercise does the Bedlington Terrier need?
- With medium energy, the Bedlington Terrier needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Bedlington Terrier live?
- The Bedlington Terrier typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Bedlington Terrier live in an apartment?
- The Bedlington Terrier can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Bedlington Terrier easy to train?
- The Bedlington Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bedlington Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Bedlington Terrier handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.