Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier dog has a double coat, which means it takes more effort to maintain it. These pups require monthly haircuts to keep them in their signature style and need daily brushing to help prevent mats. A good pin brush works well on their fur.

Many pet parents will send their Beddie to the groomer every six to eight weeks, but if you’d like to create that spa-like experience at home, monthly maintenance for your pup should include a bath, nail trim and hair clip from head to toe. Bedlington Terriers get groomed with a specific lamb-like cut: short on the body, longer on the legs, with a fluffy arch rising from their nose up and over the back of the head. For those who like to groom their dog themselves, this cut may be harder to learn than other breeds that just get trimmed.

Check your dog’s ears regularly for redness, swelling and debris, and contact your vet if you see any of the above. They may recommend at-home ear cleaning.

Many vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least a few times a week, building up to daily. Your vet can help teach you how to do it, and it’s best to start when your Bedlington Terrier is a puppy, so they’ll get used to it. Dental disease can not only cause problems with their teeth and gums but can lead to other health issues as well as a higher risk for heart, kidney and liver disease. An annual professional cleaning with your vet is also key to keeping your Beddie’s teeth healthy.

Bedlington Terriers are known for their intelligence, their desire to please you and their trainability—these are some of their most beloved characteristics! But they can be strong-willed, too, 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.

Because they were bred to hunt vermin, 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.) Be patient, stay positive and take a break when you both get frustrated. Your pup will pick up these skills—just maybe not today.

Most Bedlington Terriers do well with high quality commercial dog food. Make sure to choose a formula designed for your pup’s stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Most dogs prefer eating twice a day, morning and evening. Not sure how often or how much to feed your pup? Your vet can help you determine a mealtime schedule based on your dog’s unique needs and lifestyle.

As with most breeds, limiting dog-safe people food to the occasional treat helps to keep your Bedlington’s weight in check, as even one or two extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road. And don’t forget about the treats! Your pup will get a lot of treats during training times and also, heck, just because you love them. But remember to factor those treats into your dog’s mealtime goals. (Sadly, treat calories count, too!) Your vet is in the best position to help you balance mealtime and snack time to help keep your pup at a healthy weight.

Bedlington Terriers have moderate energy levels, so your pup needs about an hour of exercise every day. A bored Beddie is a destructive Beddie, and both physical and mental stimulation will keep your whole family happy (and your shoes unchewed).

The Bedlington Terrier breed loves to play, so fetch, tug of war, running with older kids or an organized canine activity like agility or flyball fit the bill. Most Beddies like to swim, so a day at the lake with the family, laps in the pool or dock diving may be right up this breed’s exercise alley.

Though the Bedlington Terrier loves to run and is quite speedy, they can do well in an apartment or small home as long as their exercise needs are taken care of. These small dogs 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.

Bedlington Terriers can live with a cat if raised with one, and may do OK with another dog if well-socialized. Still, they typically prefer to be the star of everyone’s love and affection. Their chasing instincts run deep (they’re born hunters), so they are hardwired to run after the stray cat, squirrel or bunny that may dare to cross your yard. Take precautions with a strong fence and a sturdy leash.