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
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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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.