Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful, lamb-like terrier with a distinctive curly coat, surprising speed and a gentle disposition. Originating from England, this medium-sized terrier breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 12—16 years, the Bedlington Terrier stands 38–43 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 8–10 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.
About the Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful, lamb-like terrier with a distinctive curly coat, surprising speed and a gentle disposition. Originating from England, this medium-sized terrier breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 12—16 years, the Bedlington Terrier stands 38–43 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 8–10 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.
History
Developed in the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland, in the early 19th century for hunting vermin and racing. Originally known as the Rothbury Terrier. Despite their gentle appearance, they were fierce competitors in dog pits before blood sports were banned.
Temperament & Personality
The Bedlington Terrier is widely regarded as gentle, loyal, lively, spirited, affectionate and courageous. These personality traits make them well-suited to Australian families who value a gentle companion. Around the home, Bedlington Terriers tend to form strong bonds with their primary carers while remaining loyal with visitors and strangers. This breed is typically excellent with children of all ages. Patient and gentle, they make wonderful family companions. As with all breeds, supervision during interactions with very young children is recommended. Their lively disposition also means they respond best to owners who understand and respect their temperament rather than trying to force them into a mould that doesn’t suit them.
Training & Socialisation
Training a Bedlington Terrier requires understanding that this breed is eager to please and generally straightforward to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best—reward good behaviour with treats, praise and play sessions. Start socialisation early by introducing your Bedlington Terrier puppy to different environments, people and other animals. Australian puppy schools are an excellent starting point and are available in most suburbs and regional towns. Local councils across Australia often have specific requirements for dog behaviour in public, making basic obedience training not just beneficial but often necessary. Patience and consistency will yield the best results with this breed.
Care & Health
Copper toxicosis testing is essential for breeding stock. Regular professional grooming needed to maintain their distinctive appearance. Generally a healthy, long-lived breed.
Living Conditions
The Bedlington Terrier is adaptable to various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards, provided their exercise needs are met. In Australia’s varied climate, be mindful of heat—provide shade, fresh water and avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in summer.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- England
- Life Span
- 12—16 years
- Size
- medium
- Hair Shed
- little
- Grooming
- Three times a week
- Good with Kids
- high
- Exercise Needs
- medium
- Feeding Cost
- $12–$18 p/w
- Colours
- Blue, liver, sandy, blue and tan, liver and tan, sandy and tan.
Exercise
Exercise needs: medium
Moderate exercise of around 45 minutes daily. Enjoys brisk walks and off-lead play. Surprisingly fast and agile when motivated.
Health Considerations
Recommended Insurance for Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is generally a healthy breed, but owners should be aware of conditions common to the breed.
- ■Copper Toxicosis — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
- ■Retinal Dysplasia — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
- ■Patellar Luxation — typical treatment cost: $1,500–$4,000 per knee
- ■Renal Cortical Hypoplasia And Distichiasis — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
A comprehensive pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery and ongoing treatment for these conditions. Many Australian providers offer plans starting from around $30–$60 per month for larger breeds, with annual benefit limits of $10,000–$25,000.
🛡️ Don’t wait until it’s too late
Pre-existing conditions are never covered. Insuring your Bedlington Terrier while they’re young and healthy gives you the broadest coverage at the lowest premium.
See which pet insurance plans suit Bedlington Terriers →Grooming
Non-shedding coat requires professional clipping every 6–8 weeks and brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Excellent with children and families
- Highly affectionate and loyal companion
- Minimal shedding keeps your home cleaner
- Playful and entertaining personality
Considerations
- High grooming maintenance required
- May be prone to breed-specific health issues
- Not always readily available from Australian breeders
Frequently Asked Questions
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