Bedlington Terrier: The Lamb That Thinks It’s a Lion

There’s a good chance you’ve never seen a Bedlington Terrier in the flesh. They’re one of Australia’s rarest terrier breeds — and one of the most misunderstood. People see a curly white dog that looks like it wandered off a farm and assume it’s some kind of designer poodle cross. It’s not.

Underneath that lamb-like coat is a proper terrier: fast enough to keep pace with a horse, brave enough to go head-to-head with a badger, and stubborn enough to stare you down over the last piece of chicken. They were bred by English coal miners to catch rats and rabbits, and that working-dog grit hasn’t gone anywhere.

But here’s what makes the Bedlington genuinely special: they’re one of the few terrier breeds that can switch it off. They’ll sprint around the backyard like a whippet for 20 minutes, then curl up on the couch and barely move for three hours. That on/off switch is rare in the terrier world, and it’s why Bedlington owners tend to be lifers.

If you’re considering this breed in Australia, though, you need to go in with your eyes open. The gene pool here is tiny, breeders are few, and there’s a serious inherited health condition that every buyer must understand before putting down a deposit. This guide covers all of it — the good, the expensive, and the stuff breeders don’t always mention upfront.

What You’ll Learn

• Breed traits & temperament
• Health concerns to know
• True cost in Australia
• Training & exercise needs
• Is this breed right for you?

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Bedlington Terrier at a Glance

Breed Group	Terrier (ANKC Group 2)
Origin	Bedlington, Northumberland, England
Height	38–44 cm (males slightly taller)
Weight	8–10.5 kg
Lifespan	12–16 years (median ~13.5 years)
Coat Type	Thick, linty (mix of soft and crisp), curly, non-shedding
Colours	Blue, liver, sandy — each with or without tan points
Hypoallergenic	Yes — minimal shedding, low dander, no doggy odour
Grooming Needs	High — professional clip every 6–8 weeks
Exercise Needs	Moderate — 30–60 minutes daily
Trainability	Moderate — intelligent but independently minded
Good With Kids	Yes — gentle and playful with supervised children
Barking Level	Moderate — alert barkers, can be trained quiet
Shedding	Virtually none
AKC Popularity	#141 of 200 breeds (rare)

History & Origins

The Bedlington Terrier takes its name from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, northeast England. The breed’s earliest documented ancestor was a dog called Old Flint, owned by a man named Squire Trevelyan in 1782 — making the Bedlington one of the oldest identifiable terrier breeds in Britain.

For decades they were known as Rothbury Terriers (after the nearby village of Rothbury) before the Bedlington name stuck around 1825. Miners and Romani travellers prized these dogs for their ratting ability underground and their silence while hunting — a useful trait when you’re poaching rabbits on someone else’s land.

The breed’s development almost certainly involved crosses with Whippets (for speed and that distinctive roached back), Dandie Dinmont Terriers (for tenacity), and possibly Otterhounds (for their curly, water-resistant coat). That Whippet influence is still obvious: Bedlingtons can hit genuinely impressive speeds and have been described as capable of keeping up with a galloping horse.

The first Bedlington Terrier dog show class was held in 1870 at Bedlington itself. In 1948, a Bedlington named Rock Ridge Night Rocket won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, giving the breed brief international fame.

In Australia, the breed arrived in the early twentieth century but has always remained rare. The ANKC requires all Bedlington Terrier breeding stock to be DNA-tested for copper toxicosis before any litter can be registered — a rule that has helped improve breed health but also makes breeding programs more complex and expensive to maintain. There are currently only a handful of active, registered Bedlington breeders across the entire country.

Temperament & Personality

Bedlington Terriers are often described as having the “look of a lamb and the heart of a lion,” and that’s not just a cute tagline. These dogs genuinely surprise people. They’re milder mannered than most terriers — you won’t get the frenetic Jack Russell energy or the stubborn Scottie attitude — but they are absolutely not pushovers.

At home, a well-socialised Bedlington is calm, affectionate, and almost cat-like in how it drapes itself across your lap. They bond deeply with their family and tend to follow their person from room to room. They’re not clingy in an anxious way; they just genuinely like being near you.

With children, Bedlingtons are typically gentle and patient. They’re robust enough to handle a bit of rough play without being so large that they knock toddlers over. That said, like any dog, they need to be taught boundaries — and kids need to be taught how to interact respectfully.

Where the terrier fire shows up is with other dogs. Bedlingtons are not typically dog-aggressive on walks, but they will not back down from a confrontation. Old breed literature describes them as “fit to kill any other dog of his weight,” which is a polite way of saying they punch well above their size class. Early socialisation with other dogs is non-negotiable.

Their prey drive is genuine. Bedlingtons were bred to chase and catch small animals, and that instinct is still strong. Cats they’ve been raised with are usually fine; the neighbour’s cat sprinting across the yard is a different story. Recall training needs to be rock-solid before you consider off-lead walks, because a Bedlington in pursuit mode has selective hearing.

One trait owners consistently mention is the breed’s sense of humour. Bedlingtons are playful, slightly mischievous, and seem to enjoy making people laugh. They’re not as “serious” as many working terriers, which makes them easier to live with day-to-day.

Health & Genetic Conditions

No sugarcoating here: if you’re buying a Bedlington Terrier, you need to understand copper toxicosis. It’s the breed’s signature health concern and the single most important thing to discuss with any breeder.

Lifespan & Longevity

Bedlington Terriers are a long-lived breed with a median lifespan of approximately 13.5 years. Many healthy Bedlingtons reach 14–16 years, and there are documented cases of dogs living beyond 18 years with attentive care.

UK health surveys indicate the most common causes of death are old age (23%), urological conditions (15%), and liver-related disease (12.5%) — with copper toxicosis accounting for the bulk of the liver category.

Age-Specific Care Tips

Life Stage	Key Considerations
Puppy (0–12 months)	DNA test for copper toxicosis. Begin socialisation early. First eye screening at 8 weeks. Establish a relationship with a vet familiar with the breed.
Young adult (1–4 years)	Annual liver function blood panels if carrier status is unknown. Maintain consistent exercise routine. Watch for early signs of patellar luxation (skipping gait).
Adult (4–8 years)	Copper levels peak around age 6 in affected dogs — liver monitoring is critical during this stage. Annual eye exams. Dental checks.
Senior (8+ years)	Bi-annual vet visits. Joint supplements for mobility. Kidney function screening. Adjust exercise for comfort — Bedlingtons slow down gracefully.

Grooming & Care

Bedlington Terriers have one of the most distinctive coats in the dog world: a thick, linty mix of soft and crisp hair that grows continuously, doesn’t shed, and forms tight curls. It’s genuinely hypoallergenic, has almost no doggy odour, and won’t leave hair on your furniture. The tradeoff? It requires serious maintenance.

An ungroomed Bedlington doesn’t look cute and fluffy. It looks matted, shapeless, and nothing like the elegant lamb silhouette the breed is known for. If you’ve seen photos of “ungroomed Bedlington Terriers” online, you know what we mean — they’re almost unrecognisable.

Grooming Task	Frequency	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Professional clip	Every 6–8 weeks	$80–$150 per session
At-home brushing	1–2 times per week	Slicker brush ~$20–$40
Bathing	Every 6–8 weeks (at grooming)	Included in grooming session
Ear cleaning	Weekly	Ear cleaner ~$15–$25
Nail trimming	Every 2–3 weeks	$15–$20 at vet/groomer, or DIY
Dental care	Daily brushing recommended	Dog toothbrush kit ~$15–$30

Grooming tip: Finding a groomer who knows the Bedlington clip can be a challenge in Australia because the breed is so rare. Ask your breeder for recommendations, or be prepared to learn the basics yourself. Many owners pick up clipping skills over time — the short areas (ears, cheeks, belly) are straightforward, while shaping the body and blending the legs takes practice.

Products worth looking at in Australia include the Chris Christensen slicker brush range (available through online pet supply stores) and Plush Puppy grooming products, which are actually Australian-made and work well on Bedlington-type coats.

Exercise Needs

Bedlingtons need 30–60 minutes of exercise per day, split across walks, free play, and mental stimulation. They’re not marathon dogs, but they’re far more athletic than they look. That Whippet heritage gives them explosive acceleration and genuine stamina when they want to use it.

A typical routine might be a 20–30 minute walk in the morning and some backyard play or a short evening walk. They love chasing balls, playing tug, and will happily sprint laps around a fenced yard.

Off-lead exercise is fantastic for Bedlingtons — if your recall is bulletproof. Their prey drive means a squirrel, possum, or even a blowing leaf can trigger a chase. Australian owners should be particularly careful around native wildlife. Secure, fenced dog parks are your safest option for off-lead time.

Australian Climate Considerations

Bedlingtons tolerate Australian winters easily and actually prefer cooler weather. In summer, especially in Queensland, Western Australia, and inland NSW, you’ll need to adjust exercise to early morning or evening. Their thick coat insulates well but can cause overheating in temperatures above 30°C. Always provide shade, fresh water, and avoid hot pavement that can burn paw pads.

Their curly coat handles light rain without issue, but heavy downpours will soak through. A quick towel-dry after wet walks prevents the coat from matting.

Training Guide

Bedlington Terriers are intelligent — ranked roughly 40th out of all breeds for working intelligence — but they’re terriers, which means they have opinions about when and how they’d like to cooperate.

Positive reinforcement works best. Bedlingtons respond well to food rewards and praise, and they shut down under harsh corrections. They’re sensitive dogs with long memories; yell at a Bedlington once and it may hold a grudge for weeks.

Age	Training Focus	Tips
8–16 weeks	Socialisation, name recognition, house training, crate introduction	Expose to different people, dogs, surfaces, sounds. Puppy school is highly recommended.
4–6 months	Basic commands (sit, stay, come, leave it), lead walking, grooming tolerance	Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes). Bedlingtons get bored with repetition.
6–12 months	Recall reinforcement, impulse control, settling on command	Adolescent stubbornness peaks here. Stay consistent. Don’t skip recall practice.
12+ months	Advanced obedience, trick training, agility, scent work	Bedlingtons excel at agility and earthdog trials. Mental challenge prevents boredom.

Honest difficulty rating: 6/10. Easier than most terriers thanks to their people-pleasing streak, but harder than retrievers or collies. The biggest challenge is recall around distractions — invest the time early and you’ll be rewarded.

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Cost of Ownership in Australia

Bedlington Terriers are not a cheap breed in Australia. The small breeder pool, mandatory DNA testing, and specialist grooming needs all add up. Here’s a realistic breakdown in AUD.

Upfront Costs

Item	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Registered puppy from reputable breeder	$2,000–$3,500+
Initial vet check, vaccinations, microchip	Usually included in purchase price
Desexing (if not breeding)	$300–$600
Crate, bed, bowls, lead, toys	$300–$500
Puppy school (6–8 week course)	$150–$300

Ongoing Annual Costs

Item	Estimated Annual Cost (AUD)
Professional grooming (7–8 sessions)	$560–$1,200
Quality dog food	$800–$1,200
Annual vet check + vaccinations	$250–$450
Pet insurance	$500–$1,000
Flea, tick & worming prevention	$200–$400
Council registration	$30–$80 (varies by council)
Toys, treats, replacements	$150–$300

Total estimated first-year cost: $4,500–$7,500+ AUD. Annual ongoing costs: $2,500–$4,500+ AUD. The grooming alone adds $500+ per year compared to a wash-and-wear breed.

Where to Find a Bedlington Terrier in Australia

Registered breeders are the safest path. Check DogzOnline (dogzonline.com.au) for current Bedlington Terrier litters, or contact Dogs Australia state bodies (Dogs Victoria, Dogs NSW, Dogs Queensland, etc.) for breeder referrals. Expect waiting lists of 6–12 months or longer.

Rescue Bedlingtons are extremely rare in Australia. If you’re open to rehoming, the UK-based Bedlington Terrier Rescue Foundation (bedlingtonrescue.co.uk) occasionally assists with international rehoming, though this involves significant quarantine and transport costs.

Is a Bedlington Terrier Right for You?

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The Bedlington Terrier is one of dogdom’s best-kept secrets: a non-shedding, low-odour, moderate-energy terrier that’s equally happy sprinting after a ball or sleeping on your lap.

They’re not for everyone. The grooming commitment is real, the health screening is essential, and finding a puppy in Australia takes patience. But for owners who do their homework, choose a responsible breeder, and invest in proper care, a Bedlington will reward you with 13–16 years of loyalty, laughs, and a dog that turns heads everywhere you go.

If you can handle the upkeep, this funny-looking little terrier might just be the best dog you’ll ever own.

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Frequently Asked Questions