Bedlington Terrier | Dog Breed Prices, Care & Requirements

Ever seen a dog that looks like a lamb? That’s the Bedlington Terrier for you. When I first saw one at a dog show, I had to do a double-take – these dogs really do look like little sheep! But don’t let their woolly looks fool you. These dogs pack quite a punch in their medium-sized frame.

While not as common as some doodles mentioned in our top 14 types of doodle dogs, Bedlington Terriers are among the most interesting hypoallergenic dog breeds you can find.

Born in the mining town of Bedlington, England, these dogs started as skilled hunters. The miners needed tough dogs who could catch rats and hunt rabbits, but also be gentle at home with their kids. Fast forward to 2024, and Bedlington Terriers have kept these traits while becoming brilliant family dogs.

Bedlington Terrier Care Guide

Looking after a Bedlington Terrier isn’t rocket science, but you need to know what you’re doing. Let me break it down for you based on what I’ve learned from owners and breeders. Stock up on essential top veterinary products to keep your Bedlington healthy and happy

Daily Care 

These dogs need proper exercise – but they’re not crazy energetic. A 45-minute walk in the morning, quick play session at lunch, and another short walk or playtime in the evening usually does the trick.

For brain work, I mix it up with puzzle toys (my Bedlington loves the ones where you slide pieces to find treats), teach new tricks weekly, and play “find it” games. These smart dogs need to use their brains as much as their legs.

Social time matters big time. These dogs get stuck to their humans like glue. They’ll want to follow you around the house, sit with you while you work, and join in whatever the family’s doing. Mine even tries to help me fold laundry!

Stock up on essential top veterinary products to keep your Bedlington healthy and happy.

Living Space Requirements

Bedlingtons do well inside because they’re clean, don’t shed much, and settle down nicely indoors. But they need their outside time too.

Your yard needs solid fencing at least 5 feet high (these dogs can jump!), enough space to run around, and some shaded spots for hot days. Make sure there aren’t any gaps they can squeeze through – they’re clever about escaping when they spot a squirrel.

About weather – Bedlingtons handle most climates okay, but they get cold in winter and can overheat in summer. Despite their British roots, they hate rain! Keep a coat handy for winter walks and watch them in hot weather.

Grooming Your Bedlington Terrier

Professional Grooming

You’ll need pro grooming every 6-8 weeks, maybe more often if you want that show-dog look, less if you’re happy with a more natural style.

The Bedlington Terrier Club of America’s grooming guidelines emphasize maintaining their distinctive coat shape. Professional groomers at International Professional Groomers suggest a specific trimming pattern to achieve the breed’s signature lamb-like appearance.

Cost-wise, expect to pay £45-60 per session, more in London and big cities. Find a groomer who knows Bedlingtons – not all do! Ask to see photos of their work and watch the first grooming if they’ll let you.

At-Home Grooming Tips

Between pro grooms, you’ll need to do bits at home. A quick daily brush, checking for tangles, and wiping their face with a damp cloth keeps them tidy.

Get yourself:

• Pin brush
• Metal comb
• Detangling spray
• Small scissors for emergencies
• Grooming wipes

New owners often ask about bathing your puppy – timing is crucial for a positive experience.

My quick daily routine is simple: brush, check for tangles (especially on legs and belly), clean the face and eyes, check ears. Give treats throughout – keeps them standing still!

Top tip: Start grooming when they’re puppies. My Bedlington hated it at first, but now he stands still because he knows treats are coming!

Bedlington Terrier Health and Wellness

These dogs can live 11-16 years when you look after them right. I’ll share what I’ve learned about their health needs.

Common Health Issues

Health issues in Bedlingtons require careful attention. While they can suffer from hip dysplasia and luxating patella, the most significant concern is copper toxicosis – it’s where copper builds up in the liver. It’s genetic, so get your pup tested early. You might notice them feeling tired all the time, not wanting to eat, drinking loads of water, or getting yellow-looking eyes.

A groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that early screening for copper toxicosis significantly improves outcomes. The Animal Health Trust recommends regular liver function tests starting from six months of age.

They can also get knee problems (wobbly kneecaps), eye issues, and thyroid problems. Nothing scary if you catch it early.

Regular check-ups should include screening for eye infections, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison’s disease, and von Willebrand disease.

For prevention, I take my Bedlington for yearly check-ups, blood tests to check liver function, eye tests, and regular teeth cleaning. It’s cheaper to prevent problems than fix them later!

Lifespan

Most Bedlingtons live 11-16 years. Mine’s 9 now, and he’s still going strong! But as they get older, you’ll notice changes. After age 7, they might slow down on walks, get stiffer joints in the morning, change their eating habits, and get some grey hair (just like us!).

Keep them healthy by switching to senior dog food, taking shorter but more frequent walks, getting regular vet checks, and giving them comfy beds in warm spots. My old boy loves his memory foam bed by the radiator.

Training and Socialization

Start training your Bedlington puppy right away. Mine learned “sit” on day one! Keep training sessions short – 5 minutes tops for puppies. Between 8-16 weeks is prime time for meeting new things – different people, other dogs, various sounds, and different surfaces. Understanding proper doodle exercise needs can help you plan appropriate activity levels for your Bedlington too

Watch out for stubbornness (they’ve got loads of it), chasing small animals, and being too mouthy. Stay patient – they grow out of it with good training.

Once they’ve got the basics, Bedlingtons excel at agility courses, scent work, chase games (with toys, not animals!), and rally obedience. For their brain, try new tricks weekly, play hide and seek, use food puzzles, and take different walking routes.

If they get bored, they’ll make their own fun – usually by digging up your garden! Keep them busy with training games. Mine loves learning new tricks for treats.

Like all dogs, Bedlingtons have unique ways of communicating. For example, if you’re wondering what does it mean when a dog licks excessively, it could signal various things. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers recommends positive reinforcement techniques for Bedlingtons. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, early socialization between 8-16 weeks is crucial for developing a well-adjusted adult dog.”

Diet and Nutrition

You need to feed your Bedlington Terrier in the right way. These dogs need special attention to their diet because they tend toward liver issues. When it comes to treats, Bedlingtons can safely enjoy certain fruits like pineapple and vegetables like carrots. Some owners opt for a raw food diet, while others stick to best dog foods recommended by vets.

Pick food low in copper – it’s crucial for Bedlingtons. I feed mine a premium dog food specially made for breeds prone to liver problems. Most Bedlingtons do well on 1-2 cups of food daily, split into two meals. Feed them morning and evening at the same times. My schedule is 7 am and 6 pm, and my dog could set his watch by it! Keep the food bowl away from water – these messy drinkers will splash water into their food. For special needs, check with your vet about copper content. Some Bedlingtons might need liver-friendly food from day one.

Keep treats simple – small bits of cooked chicken or carrots work great. Mine goes mad for apple slices! Skip liver treats though – too much copper. Most Bedlingtons don’t need supplements if they’re eating good food. But if your vet suggests it, fish oil can help their coat shine.

Research from Tufts University Veterinary Medical Center highlights the importance of monitoring copper levels in their diet. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association provides detailed guidelines for selecting appropriate dog food based on your Bedlington’s age and health status.

Finding a Bedlington Terrier

Adoption vs Buying

You’ve got two ways to get a Bedlington. Adoption usually costs £150-300 through rescue groups. A puppy from a breeder runs £1,500-3,000.

Want to adopt? Check the Bedlington Terrier Club first – they often know about dogs needing homes. Buying? Find breeders through the Kennel Club.

What to Look For

Ask to see health tests – especially for copper toxicosis. Meet both parent dogs if you can. Run if the breeder won’t show you their setup or rushes you to decide.

Good questions to ask: How often do they breed? Can you meet the mum? What health tests do they do? What happens if you can’t keep the dog?

Frequently Asked Questions