Bedlington Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

If all you're looking at is the elegant body and lamblike coat, you might be surprised to discover how athletic the Bedlington Terrier truly is.

Agile and graceful with a light, springy gait, the Bedlington Terrier needs access to a safe fenced area where he can play and dodge and gallop at the breathtaking speeds clearly suggested by his lithe build.

Although milder-mannered and less rowdy indoors than most other terriers, once outdoors and aroused, the Bedlington changes from docile couch potato to dauntless explorer.

Bright and clownish with his own family, his reaction to strangers varies from inquisitive to reserved; he needs early socialization so that caution does not become timidity.

Bedlington Terriers are generally peaceful with other pets, though some can be scrappy with strange dogs. With his terrier heritage, one should expect that running animals will be chased.

Bedlington Terriers can be stubborn, but do respond well to obedience training that is upbeat and includes lots of praise and food rewards.

This sensitive breed should not be handled harshly or jerked around, nor does he meekly accept being teased by children.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Bedlingtons have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Bedlington Terrier to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier

If I was considering a Bedlington Terrier, I would be most concerned about...

1. The dynamic terrier temperament. Most terrier breeds are remarkably similar. The same words are used over and over – quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, bossy, feisty, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn, persistent, impulsive, intense. But some terrier breeds are more so than others. Overall, as a breed, Bedlington Terriers tend to be in the lower-to-middle section of the terrier spectrum. But of course there are some individual Bedlingtons who will be in the higher end!
2. Providing enough exercise. Bedlingtons don't need miles of running but they are lithe little athletes who love to run at full speed. They need a large enough fenced yard to break into a gallop. Frequent trips to the dog park are recommended.
3. Running away from you. Like all dogs, Bedlington Terriers must be taught to come when called. But I would only count on this breed obeying his training in an enclosed area. Bedlingtons should not be trusted off-leash. These dogs are runners, they are blazing fast, and the risk is too great that they will take off at full speed after anything that runs.
4. Potential animal aggression. Bedlington Terriers are much less scrappy toward strange dogs than many other terrier breeds. But despite their soft lamb-ish look, they can be a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Because of their hunting heritage, some Bedlingtons have instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. The family cat is usually fine, but not pet rodents.
5. Potential barking. Terriers are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.
6. Independent temperament. Bedlington Terriers must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Many terriers are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things.

   To teach your terrier to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Bedlington Terrier Training page discusses the program you need.

7. Potential defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a terrier, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, terriers (as a group) are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on a terrier for a correction.

   I do not recommend terriers around small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children.

8. Grooming. Bedlington Terriers require a lot of coat care. Regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months. Note that this breed is low-dander and light-shedding, but not NON-shedding. If you're allergic to dog dander or hair, you might be okay with a Bedlington. Or not. (A Poodle is the safest breed for allergic people.)
9. Finding one. Very few Bedlington Terrier puppies are born each year, and very few adult Bedlingtons are available from rescue groups. You will need to get on a waiting list for either a puppy or an adult.