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 socialised 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 flat living, Lowchen has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bedlington Terrier vs Lowchen: Which Sheds Less?

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 garden 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 flat 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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Frequently 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 socialised 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 flat living, Lowchen has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bedlington Terrier vs Lowchen