Bedlington Terrier vs Lowchen: full comparison
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | High |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Very High | Very High |
| Shedding | Very Low | Low |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | High |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | 14 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Key differences at a glance
- The Bedlington Terrier is a larger dog than the Lowchen, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
Size and living space
The Bedlington Terrier is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Lowchen is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.
Exercise and energy needs
The Bedlington Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Lowchen thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Bedlington Terrier demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Lowchen demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds only lightly. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Bedlington Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Lowchen takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Bedlington Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Lowchen will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Lowchen has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Bedlington Terrier and Lowchen are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Lowchen has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Bedlington Terrier and Lowchen are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Bedlington Terrier if you want less shedding around the home or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.
Choose the Lowchen if you want an easier dog to train or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.
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See which dog you look likeFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bedlington Terrier or the Lowchen better for families with children?
- Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lowchen are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Bedlington Terrier or the Lowchen?
- The Lowchen sheds more than the Bedlington Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Bedlington Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Bedlington Terrier or the Lowchen?
- The Lowchen is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Bedlington Terrier or Lowchen bigger?
- Bedlington Terrier is the larger breed; Lowchen is smaller and more compact.
- Which barks more, Bedlington Terrier or Lowchen?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, Bedlington Terrier or Lowchen?
- For apartment or apartment living, Lowchen has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.