Do Bedlington Terriers shed?

Bedlington Terriers shed very little compared with most dogs—in fact, they’re nearly shed-free.

Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic?

Yes, Bedlington Terriers are considered hypoallergenic dogs (though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic). Their coat is nearly shed-free and rarely gives off dander, which means this breed may not affect people who are allergic to dogs as much as other breeds would.However, make sure you don’t have a reaction to a pup before promising your new bestie a forever home.

How long do Bedlington Terriers live?

The average Bedlington Terrier lifespan is 11–16 years.

What were Bedlington Terriers bred for?

The Bedlington Terrier was bred to hunt weasels and rats.

Are Bedlington Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Bedlington Terriers can be excellent family dogs. The Bedlington Terrier temperament tends to be loyal, loving, and silly, so these pups make playful companions for both kids and adults.

Do Bedlington Terriers bark a lot?

Yes, Bedlington Terriers do tend to be chatty: They are terriers, after all, and terriers are known to bark first and ask questions later. You can work with a certified trainer who practices positive reinforcement to help curb the habit.

Bedlington Terrier

Updated August 3, 2026

The Bedlington Terrier may look like a shy little lamb, but these unique-looking dogs prefer to be the boisterous center of attention. Affectionate and friendly, they adore making new friends and are a lively addition to active families.

Temperament

Bouncy, Clever, Social

Weight

17–23 pounds

Height

15–17.5 inches

Life Expectancy

11–16 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Blue, Sandy, Liver, Sandy and Tan, Liver and Tan, Blue and Tan

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Wait, is that a lamb on a leash? Nope—it’s probably just a Bedlington Terrier. These dogs’ fluffy, curly coat could easily be mistaken for wool, and their long face also lends to their sheepish vibe.

And like sheep, Bedlington Terrier dogs are curious and inquisitive—but that’s where the sheepishness ends. Beddies, as they’re known, are outgoing and quick-witted, living to entertain themselves and make you laugh. What could be more fun?

Bedlington Terrier Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Bedlington Terrier Appearance

With their arched back, thin tail, and one-of-a-kind haircut, Bedlington Terriers have a striking appearance and come in a range of colors. They have expressive, almond-shaped eyes and soft, flappy ears.

Ears
The Bedlington Terrier's ears are thin, fuzzy flaps that are often curly. They hang close to the head with a soft, rounded bottom of fringe that reaches their jaw or hangs slightly past it.
Eyes
A Bedlington Terrier's eyes may be dark (if they have a blue coat); amber (blue and tan coat); hazel (liver, or liver and tan coats); or light hazel (sandy, or sandy and tan coats). Their eyes are also rimmed in black or brown, depending on their coloring.
Nose
A Bedlington Terrier’s nose coloring also depends on coat color. It's either black (in blue and tan dogs), or brown in sandy, liver, and bicolored tan dogs.
Coat Length
The Bedlington Terrier’s double coat is thick, curly, and medium in length—about 1 inch on the body and slightly longer on the legs. Their undercoat is dense, more "woolly" and regulates body temperature, while the topcoat is longer and repels dirt and water.
Coat Color
The Bedlington Terrier's coat can be tan, blue, sandy, liver (a grayish brown), or combos like blue and tan or sandy and tan.
Tail
The Bedlington's tail is low-set and thin. It’s long and comes to a point at the tip.

Bedlington Terrier Temperament

The Bedlington Terrier dog breed has a playful personality and a confident, springy gait.

Beddies are the class clowns; they adore showing off tricks they’ve learned, and they’ll keep you smiling with pranks like peek-a-boo around a corner or hiding under blankets until you find them.

The Bedlington Terrier loves to be the center of attention and does particularly well with active pet parents or a busy family with kids. This smart, inquisitive, and typically easy-to-train breed will pay you back with kisses and cuddles after every outing.

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How to Care for a Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier’s coat requires a lot of maintenance, but their exercise and training needs are pretty moderate. Plan to spend about an hour every day exercising and playing with your dog. And because these pups are eager to please you, training is usually a cinch.

Bathing: Bathe your dog about once a month, if they get dirty. A groomer will likely be able to take care of this chore for you during your dog’s regular haircut appointments.
Brushing: Bedlington Terriers need daily brushing to help prevent mats. A pin brush works well on their fur.
Haircuts: An ungroomed Bedlington Terrier coat can get unwieldy, so take them to the groomer every six to eight weeks to keep them looking (and feeling!) their best. They have a very unique haircut that’s best left to a professional.
Dental care: Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to keep them healthy. Always use a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Start when your Bedlington Terrier puppy is young so they get used to the experience. They’ll also need a cleaning at your vet once a year.
Ear care: Check their ears every day, as their floppy ears leave them susceptible to irritation or infections. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears, if that’s a routine they recommend.
Nail care: Bedlington Terriers need their nails trimmed once a month. If nails get too long, it can make it painful to walk. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces.

These mild-mannered pups can be sensitive sometimes, so make sure training includes lots of praise so they know they’re doing a great job.

They can be strong-willed, so be patient as you train your pup. Beddies have mild-mannered, sweet personalities and don’t respond well to harsh training methods. Focus on what your pup does right (and not what they do wrong) and use lots of praise and yummy treats to reward your dog for a job well done.

But these dogs are eager to learn and show off their skills, which makes training a delight. Start with basic obedience training—like sit, stay, and come.

Because they were bred to hunt small prey, training a Bedlington Terrier puppy how to sit and stay when around other animals may be a challenge. Always remember to keep your pup on a leash for everyone’s safety.

You’ll also need to prioritize socializing your dog by introducing them to new people, animals, and environments in a positive way. This helps Bedlington Terrier puppies grow into confident adults.

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Bedlington Terrier, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Your vet can help you choose the best dog food.

Most dogs prefer eating twice a day, morning and evening. Your vet can also help you determine a mealtime schedule based on your dog’s unique needs and lifestyle.

Remember to factor in treat calories, too. Dog treats are important for motivating your Bedlington Terrier during training, but don’t go overboard. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

Bedlington Terriers are especially well-suited for active folks or families with older children—especially those who respect the dog’s boundaries and aren’t too rough. They’ll adore an apartment or house or anything in between, as long as they get the exercise they need.

A fenced yard will be much appreciated, but if you have a nearby dog park where they can safely run free, that’s just as good.

They might do well with other dog siblings and maybe even tolerate a cat as long as introductions are done slowly and everyone has been well-socialized.

Bedlington Terrier Health

The typical Bedlington Terrier life expectancy is 11–16 years. Here are some health issues to be aware of.

Copper storage disease: Copper storage disease is a common medical emergency. When copper builds up in the liver (instead of breaking down), it causes a host of internal problems. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and increased thirst. This treatable condition will need lifelong management and may include medication, a low-copper diet, or a zinc supplement, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Distichiasis: Bedlington Terriers are susceptible to distichiasis, in which an eyelash grows abnormally, scratching the eye. Treatments range from eye lubricants to surgery.
Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t align well and become looser than normal. Signs include limping, and treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements, physical therapy, pain medication, or surgery.
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP): ITP is a blood disease where the dog’s immune system attacks the body’s platelets. This affects clotting and can result in internal or spontaneous bleeding, so it is a medical emergency. Symptoms include abnormal bleeding or bruising; weakness or fatigue; a fever; enlarged lymph nodes; lack of appetite; anemia; and difficulty breathing. Treatment likely includes a blood transfusion and immunosuppressive medications.
Luxating patella: Bedlington Terriers can develop a luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of place. A bunny hop, skip, or limp could be a symptom. It may be treated with supplements and meds, if mild, though surgery may be necessary.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA leads to blindness in dogs, and while there is no cure, pups who lose their eyesight tend to adapt well and can still live full, happy lives.
Von Willebrand disease: Beddies are susceptible to von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. Your veterinarian can test your dog for this. There’s no cure, so your vet may recommend a stress-free lifestyle that avoidsplaces where your dog may get bruised or scratched, such as hikes or the dog park. Your vet may also advise you to avoid medications that interfere with clotting.

Bedlington Terrier History

The Bedlington Terrier originated in the town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England. They were originally bred to hunt weasels, as well as to flush rats from coal mines. Heartbreakingly, they were also used as bait in dog fights until the practice was outlawed.

A man known as the Lord of Rothbury became fond of the little lamb-like breed, and they later became known as the Rothbury’s Lamb or Rothbury’s Terrier. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

Bedlington Terrier puppies can cost thousands of dollars. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You can also adopt a Bedlington Terrier, as there are lots of these patient pups already waiting for their forever homes. Keep an eye out at local rescues or animal shelters, or search Chewy’s network of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

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Bedlington Terrier