At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 8-10 kg; Wikipedia and Hill's give 17-23 lb (about 7.7-10.4 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
linty, crisp coat
A thick, springy coat that stands away from the skin and tends to twist, especially on the head. Combined with the arched back and pear-shaped head, it gives the dog its famous lamb-like look. It sheds very little.134
Personality what they are like
Soft and easy-going when relaxed, but confident and plucky when something catches its interest. It is playful, devoted to its family and has plenty of sporting drive.142
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Around 20-60 minutes of daily exercise suits it (Hill's says 20-40 minutes, The Royal Kennel Club up to an hour). It is a swift runner that enjoys a safe space to sprint.432
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The coat keeps growing and needs specialist clipping roughly every six weeks, plus regular combing between trims. It sheds very little.43
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and loyal; early, positive socialisation helps it get along with other pets.42
The story where it all began
The breed took shape in the late 1700s among the miners and working people of Northumberland, who valued a quick, game dog for vermin and rabbits. Joseph Ainsley's 'Young Piper' was the first dog called a Bedlington Terrier, around 1825, and a breed club was set up in the 1870s.213
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its arched back, long head and woolly-looking coat make it look remarkably like a lamb.3
- 2
Before it was named after the town of Bedlington, it was known as the Rothbury Terrier.3
- 3
A Bedlington, Ch. Rock Ridge Night Rocket, won Best in Show at Westminster in 1948.2
- 4
Early breed history credits a dog called Young Piper, known for his courage, as the first 'Bedlington Terrier'.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 9, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers; standard dated 13.10.2010, country of origin Great Britain.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bedlington Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bedlington Terrier, and at what times?
Feed adult Bedlington Terriers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary with your schedule, but aim for consistent times. Check the food label for amounts and consult your vet.5
What should a Bedlington Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and alcohol. Always keep these away from your dog.6
How often should I bathe a Bedlington Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance is at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Bedlington Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Bedlington Terrier weekly to remove tangles and keep its springy coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and regular combing between professional trims is important.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Bedlington Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Bedlington's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 4 weeks as a starting point. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or groomer.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?
Your Bedlington Terrier needs about 20 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. It enjoys running in a safe space, so daily walks and play sessions will keep it happy and healthy.432 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Bedlington Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Bedlington's teeth at least two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently without inserting anything into the canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?
A Bedlington Terrier typically lives 12 to 14 years, bringing you many happy years of companionship.4
Is a Bedlington Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Bedlington Terrier is generally good with children and other pets when properly socialised from a young age. It is playful, devoted, and easy-going with its family.142
Can a Bedlington Terrier be left alone?
Bedlington Terriers are very people-focused and may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your dog's needs.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 9 Bedlington Terrier fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Bedlington Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for names, height by sex, history, facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Bedlington Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, coat, history, facts
- Hill's Pet: Bedlington Terrier hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.