Bedlington Terrier Overview
The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive, lamb-like small dog originating from Bedlington, England. These charming, elegant terriers were originally developed for hunting small game and controlling pests but have evolved into popular companion dogs. Their unusual woolly coat and distinctive head shape make them instantly recognisable. Bedlington Terriers combine the spirit of working terriers with gentler, more affectionate temperament than many terrier breeds.
Bedlington Terriers are affectionate, playful, and form strong bonds with their families. They are intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement. Their low-shedding woolly coat makes them suitable for allergy sufferers and requires regular trimming rather than constant grooming. They adapt well to apartments, small homes, and various living situations. They suit Australia’s climate well and have thrived in Australian homes.
These dogs retain terrier prey drive and are unsuitable for homes with cats or small pets. They are vocal dogs, though not excessive barkers. They are suitable for active families, retirees, and first-time owners committed to training and prey drive management. Bedlington Terriers make affectionate, engaging companions for those appreciating their distinctive nature.
Bedlington Terrier Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Bedlington Terrier temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Affectionate, playful, and intelligent, Bedlington Terriers are engaging companions with gentle temperament and genuine love of human companionship. Despite their terrier heritage, they are less aggressive than some terrier breeds. They are loyal, responsive, and eager to please. They display typical terrier spirit and independence but retain affectionate nature.
With kids: Good; playful and patient; suitable for families.
With pets: Poor with small animals due to prey drive; variable with other dogs; early socialisation important.
Key traits
Affectionate, intelligent, playful, gentle, loyal
Barking
Moderate; alert but not excessive vocalisers; responsive to training.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Bedlington Terrier scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Bedlington Terrier Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Ideal; small size and moderate exercise suit apartments
✅
House with yard
Good; small yard more than sufficient
✅
First-time owner
Intelligent, trainable, affectionate; suitable with prey drive management
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; ideal for rental properties
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good; woolly coat and small size suit hot climates
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Equally suitable; coat provides insulation
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Ideal; affectionate, moderate exercise, good companions
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Can manage with morning/evening exercise, but moderate separation anxiety possible
✅
Rural/acreage
Suitable for rural properties; hunting terrier heritage appreciated
⚠️
Active lifestyle
Moderate exercise needs; not ideal for very active owners; better for moderate activity
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Bedlington Terrier Size & Appearance
Size
Small
Weight M
8–10 kg
Weight F
7–8.5 kg
Height
38–43 cm
Coat
Woolly, linty, non-shedding (occasional trimming required)
Colours
Blue, liver, sandy (with or without tan points)
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Bedlington Terrier Health & Lifespan
13 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Copper accumulation in liver requiring dietary management
Est. treatment: $500–$1500/year
Degenerative eye disease
Est. treatment: $1000–$1800
Knee joint dislocation
Est. treatment: $900–$1800
Spinal disc problems
Est. treatment: $1200–$2500
Common in small terriers
Est. treatment: $300–$900
Extra eyelashes causing irritation
Est. treatment: $300–$800/eye
Pet Insurance for Bedlington Terrier
Avg Annual Insurance: $800
Monthly Estimate: $35–$55/month; readily available; no breed restrictions.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Bedlington Terrier
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Bedlington Terrier Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,500 - $3,500 |
| Food |
$1,500 |
| Vet |
$600 |
| Grooming |
$500 |
| Insurance |
$800 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,648 |
| Monthly |
$154 |
| LIFETIME (13 yrs) |
$34,424 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$34,424
Estimated lifetime cost (13 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Bedlington Terrier Grooming Guide
Frequency
Monthly clipping/trimming, regular brushing
Brushing
Slicker brush, metal comb
Professional Cost
$70–$100
Coat
Woolly, linty, non-shedding (occasional trimming required)
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Bedlington Terrier Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
50 minutes
Type
Walks, moderate play, running
Energy
★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Bedlington Terrier
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★☆☆/5
Intelligent and responsive but can be independent and stubborn. Enjoy training when it's engaging and reward-based. Early socialisation important to manage prey drive. Eager to please but willful.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Bedlington Terrier Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,500
0.75–1.5 cups quality kibble daily. Need low-copper diet due to copper toxicosis predisposition. Quality protein 20–24%. Feed twice daily.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Bedlington Terrier Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Bedlington Terrier in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Bedlington Terrier Rescue Australia (limited activity)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Bedlington Terrier — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic?
No, but they have a low-shedding woolly coat. Suitable for those bothered by shedding; not true hypoallergenic breed.
How much grooming do Bedlington Terriers need?
Monthly professional clipping/trimming ($70–$100) and regular brushing between appointments. Grooming commitment is moderate but consistent.
Can they live in apartments?
Yes, excellent. Small size and moderate exercise suit apartment living.
What's the annual cost to own a Bedlington Terrier in Australia?
Approximately $1500–$2100/year including food ($80–$120/month), grooming ($70–$100/visit, 8–12 visits/year), insurance ($35–$55/month), and veterinary care.
How much exercise do Bedlington Terriers need?
50–70 minutes daily including walks and play. Moderate-energy; suitable for fairly active owners.
What is copper toxicosis and why is it important?
Bedlington Terriers have predisposition to copper accumulation in liver. Require low-copper diet. Regular monitoring important; discuss with vet.
Do Bedlington Terriers get along with other pets?
Poor with small animals due to prey drive. Variable with other dogs; early socialisation important.
How long do Bedlington Terriers live?
11–16 years, typically 13–14 years with good care.
Are they good for first-time owners?
Moderately. Intelligent and trainable, but prey drive and grooming commitment require management.
Why do Bedlington Terriers look like lambs?
Distinctive woolly coat, head shape, and ear set resemble lambs. This is intentional breed characteristic, not accident of breeding.
