How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?

The life expectancy of the Bedlington Terrier is 11-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Bedlington Terrier weigh?

An adult Bedlington Terrier weighs between 8-10 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño-mediano.

Where does the Bedlington Terrier breed come from?

The Bedlington Terrier originates from Inglaterra. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in England. The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier.

How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?

The Bedlington Terrier has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Who is the Bedlington Terrier NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Homes with pet rodents. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What is copper toxicosis and should I be concerned?

It is an inherited disease in which the liver accumulates copper until it is damaged, and the Bedlington is the flagship breed for it. A genetic test (COMMD1) identifies the risk; affected dogs are managed with a low-copper diet and medication. It is the most important test in the breed.

Does it look like a lamb but is it a real terrier?

Absolutely. Beneath that gentle appearance is an agile, brave terrier with a good hunting instinct. It is more tolerant than other terriers, but it retains the group's character and energy.

Very little. Its curly coat barely sheds, which makes it appealing to allergy sufferers, but in return it needs grooming every 6-8 weeks to avoid matting.

Does it get along with other pets?

It usually lives well with dogs; with rodents and sometimes cats, its prey drive can cause problems. Early socialisation helps, but never leave it unsupervised with small animals.

Is it a healthy breed?

It is long-lived (11-16 years) but not free of problems: besides copper, watch for patellar luxation and eye and kidney health. Buying from a breeder who carries out screening greatly reduces the risk.

Breed profile

Bedlington Terrier

The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier. Its curly coat requires professional grooming. A surprising athlete. Once nearly extinct — a rare breed.

Origin: Inglaterra Size: Pequeño-Mediano Lifespan: 11-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Active families
✓Anyone wanting a charismatic dog in a small package

Reconsider if

×Homes with pet rodents

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Is the Bedlington Terrier a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

50-80 €/month

Food 25-40 €, grooming 25-40 € (prorated), parasite control 8-12 €, veterinary fund 15-20 €. Budget for the copper genetic test once (≈60-120 €) if you plan to breed or do not know its line.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in England. The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal and balanced when well socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment causes fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: with respectful older children. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** strong prey drive.

Life stages of the Bedlington Terrier

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 11-16 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Socialisation; genetic/liver testing for copper toxicosis before planning the diet.

Young adult

1-3 years

Regular exercise; dietary copper control and care of the curly coat.

Adult

3-9 years

Liver monitoring (copper toxicosis) and eye examinations.

Senior

9+ years

Close liver and ophthalmological follow-up; low-copper senior diet.

Care

Exercise: 60-90 min/day + scent games.

Brushing: 2-3 times/week; hand stripping every 8-10 weeks if the coat is harsh.

Feeding: appropriate to its high energy.

Veterinary care: annual check-up.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food; in lines at risk of or diagnosed with copper toxicosis, a specific low-copper diet under veterinary supervision. Keep a lean weight to protect the patella.

✂️ Grooming

Its curly, woolly, low-shedding coat needs grooming every 6-8 weeks and brushing 2-3 times a week to prevent matting.

🎓 Training

Intelligent and more manageable than other terriers, but with a hunting instinct: positive reinforcement, a well-trained recall and caution around rodents and cats.

🏃 Exercise

60-90 minutes daily of walking and play; it is a surprising athlete that enjoys running, but it also settles on the sofa once it has burned off energy.

Breed-specific health

Conditions common in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 11-16 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from age 5.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🟤Enfermedad hepatica cronica 🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina ⚪Cataratas 🦿Luxación de rótula

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Bedlington Terrier

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Genetic test for copper toxicosis (COMMD1) — a key test in the breed
✓Assessment of patellar luxation
✓Ophthalmological examination (retinal dysplasia/atrophy, distichiasis)
✓Renal ultrasound/blood work (renal cortical hypoplasia)

Prevention

Genetic copper screening before breeding and, in carriers, a low-copper diet and liver monitoring. Regular grooming of the curly coat and joint check-ups. Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up; in dogs at risk of copper toxicosis, periodic liver blood work as advised by the vet.

Warning signs

!Lethargy, jaundice (yellow mucous membranes), vomiting or loss of appetite (liver)
!Skipping on a hind leg or intermittent hind-limb lameness (patellar luxation)
!Stumbling or difficulty seeing in low light
!Excessive thirst and urination (possible kidney involvement)

Bedlington Terrier gallery

Foto de la raza bedlington terrier — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Bedlington Terrier

How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?: The life expectancy of the Bedlington Terrier is 11-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Bedlington Terrier weigh?: An adult Bedlington Terrier weighs between 8-10 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño-mediano.
Where does the Bedlington Terrier breed come from?: The Bedlington Terrier originates from Inglaterra. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in England. The look of a lamb but the character of a terrier.
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need?: The Bedlington Terrier has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day + scent games.
Is the Bedlington Terrier good with children?: **Children:** with respectful older children. **Other dogs:** variable. **Rodents:** strong prey drive.
Who is the Bedlington Terrier NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Homes with pet rodents. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Bedlington Terrier have?: Conditions common in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 11-16 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from age 5.
What is copper toxicosis and should I be concerned?: It is an inherited disease in which the liver accumulates copper until it is damaged, and the Bedlington is the flagship breed for it. A genetic test (COMMD1) identifies the risk; affected dogs are managed with a low-copper diet and medication. It is the most important test in the breed.
Does it look like a lamb but is it a real terrier?: Absolutely. Beneath that gentle appearance is an agile, brave terrier with a good hunting instinct. It is more tolerant than other terriers, but it retains the group's character and energy.
Does it shed much?: Very little. Its curly coat barely sheds, which makes it appealing to allergy sufferers, but in return it needs grooming every 6-8 weeks to avoid matting.
Does it get along with other pets?: It usually lives well with dogs; with rodents and sometimes cats, its prey drive can cause problems. Early socialisation helps, but never leave it unsupervised with small animals.
Is it a healthy breed?: It is long-lived (11-16 years) but not free of problems: besides copper, watch for patellar luxation and eye and kidney health. Buying from a breeder who carries out screening greatly reduces the risk.