Bedlington Terrier
Description
The Bedlington Terrier, originating from the mining town of Bedlington in Northeast England, was bred in the early 19th century to hunt vermin in mines. Its unique lamb-like appearance masks a tough, agile hunter with a strong prey drive. This breed typically weighs between 17 and 23 pounds and sports a medium-length curly coat in solid colors such as blue, liver, or sandy, sometimes with tan markings. Known for a playful and affectionate nature, Bedlingtons balance lively outdoor energy with calm indoor behavior. They adapt well to various living environments, from apartments to homes with yards, as long as they receive enough physical and mental stimulation. Their intelligence and moderate exercise needs make them suitable for owners who can provide focused training and engagement. While friendly with children and strangers, they may show aggression toward other dogs if not socialized early.
Grooming
Bedlington Terriers have a medium-length curly coat that sheds lightly to moderately. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush keeps their coat clean and prevents matting. Bathing should occur every 4 to 8 weeks; avoid frequent baths to maintain natural oils. Nail trimming every 2 to 4 weeks is essential to prevent discomfort, and ears require monthly checks and cleaning to avoid buildup. Their coat colors—blue, liver, sandy, and their tan variants—don’t need special stain care, but regular grooming highlights their distinctive lamb-like appearance. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, no more - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Tidy coat as needed to maintain shape Pro tip: Use a slicker brush for any stubborn tangles to preserve the coat’s natural curl without damaging it.
Learn the Curly routine:
→ Complete Curly Grooming Guide
Walking
Bedlington Terriers require about 50 minutes of walking daily, ideally in a single session to match their moderate exercise needs. This breed enjoys a steady pace with opportunities to sniff and explore, which helps satisfy their hunting instincts. A consistent routine aids in managing their prey drive and keeps them mentally engaged. Because they can be independent, leash training and recall practice during walks are important for safety. Example routine: A brisk 10-minute warm-up walk followed by 30 minutes of varied pace with short off-leash play in a secure area, ending with a 10-minute cool-down stroll. This structure balances physical exertion with mental stimulation, helping your Bedlington stay content and well-behaved.
Boarding
When boarding a Bedlington Terrier, provide a crate sized between 30 and 36 inches to ensure comfort without excess space that might cause anxiety. This breed enjoys interactive play, so plan for two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Avoid small-animal toys due to their strong prey drive, and ensure fencing is secure to prevent escapes. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to help the dog feel secure and reduce stress. Because Bedlingtons can be wary of other dogs, monitor social interactions carefully during group play. Enrichment activities that mimic hunting behaviors, like scent trails or puzzle feeders, work well to engage their natural instincts while boarding.