The Bedlington Terrier weighs approximately 8–10 kg and has a height at the withers of around 41 cm. Males may be moderately taller, while females may be slightly smaller. It is a light-framed, medium-sized terrier, with a body that is slightly longer than its height at the withers.
The breed occurs in blue, sandy, and liver colours, without or with tan markings.
The most striking feature of the Bedlington Terrier is its unique lamb-like appearance, created by its distinctive grooming style (with European and American trimming styles differing from each other), and the silky tassels of hair at the tips of its moderately large, thin, triangular ears that lie close to the head. Its coat has a characteristic texture, requiring professional and regular care. It is a single-layered coat, typically curly on the legs and head, interspersed with stronger guard hairs, but it should never have a wiry texture. The coat does not shed.
The breed is characterised by a long, tapering neck and a narrow, wedge-shaped skull without a pronounced stop, with small, triangular-shaped eyes. Ideally, the head is covered with abundant, silky, almost completely white hair and is carried high and proudly. In contrast, the moderately long, tapering tail is gently curved, carried low, and should never rise above the topline.
Its muscular yet flexible appearance reflects its speed and agility. The movement is light and effortless, with the ability to gallop freely. The arched loin and flowing topline reveal its sighthound ancestry. The chest is deep, with a flat ribcage reaching down to the elbows.
The straight forelegs are set wider apart at the chest than at the feet. The hindquarters are muscular and give the impression of being longer than the forelegs. The hocks are strong and should turn neither inwards nor outwards.
The Bedlington Terrier grows coat over its entire body. During professional grooming, certain areas of the head, the throat, the ears, and the tail are clipped short with clippers. The remaining areas are shaped and styled using scissors to achieve the characteristic breed appearance. The standard Bedlington Terrier trim is not intended to alter or disguise the dog’s natural shape. Instead, it enhances the breed’s anatomical structure and highlights its functional conformation.
Fun fact:
Puppies are born with a dark coat – black in blue puppies, while those with sandy or liver colouring are born in brown shade. As they mature, their coat gradually lightens, and their final colour is never considered completely permanent, even in adulthood. The coat colour of a Bedlington Terrier continues to change throughout its lifetime, particularly noticeable in females.
For further details, click here to see the Breed Standard.
The Bedlington Terrier is a fascinating blend of terrier spirit and sighthound sensitivity — intelligent, alert and full of character, yet remarkably gentle, adaptable and calm.
Behind its distinctive appearance lies a dog with a lively and courageous nature. The Bedlington is naturally curious, enjoys having a purpose and can be surprisingly determined when something catches its interest. Yet unlike many terriers, it also possesses a softer, more sensitive side. Its sighthound heritage gives it an elegance and gentleness of character, as well as a wonderful ability to relax and settle at home.
The Bedlington Terrier is a wonderfully versatile breed with a unique personality. It is both an energetic terrier and sporting dog, yet equally content to spend hours curled up in its owner’s lap. One moment it is ready for adventure, the next it is happily relaxing at home. This remarkable ability to adapt makes it an ideal companion for a wide variety of lifestyles. Choosing the right puppy is important. A puppy with the appropriate temperament, bred from parents with stable, well-balanced characters, can become a wonderful companion for both older owners and active individuals or families who enjoy hiking, outdoor activities, and an energetic lifestyle.
Although the Bedlington Terrier enjoys long walks, playtime, and regular exercise, it is very much a house dog. Its deep attachment to its family means it thrives on close human companionship, while its single-layer coat offers only limited protection against cold, harsh weather. For this reason, it should live indoors with its family.
There is more good news for people who are sensitive to dog hair: the Bedlington Terrier is a non-shedding breed, making it a much cleaner companion in the home.
The Bedlington Terrier is also an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Compared with many other terrier breeds, it is generally easier to handle and eager to please. At the same time, it is an intelligent and quick learner that can excel in training and often becomes one of the top students at dog school.
The Bedlington Terrier excels in both obedience and canine sports. It is well worth introducing them to activities such as agility, obedience, trick training, and a variety of canine exercises. Some Bedlingtons also enjoy disc dog (frisbee), hunting, and even dock diving competitions. Their sighthound ancestry often comes as a pleasant surprise on the lure coursing field, where they display impressive speed and enthusiasm as they chase the artificial lure.
Bedlingtons are generally sociable and do not tend to seek conflict with other dogs. However, beneath their elegant appearance is still a true terrier, and if seriously challenged, they can be surprisingly fearless and determined. This combination of refinement and inner strength is one of the things that makes the breed so unique.
They adapt remarkably well to both the hustle and bustle of city life and the peace and quiet of the countryside. When introduced to other pets from an early age, they can also live happily alongside smaller animals, despite their hunting heritage.
If you are looking for a dog that will happily accompany you wherever you go, is versatile, affectionate with both family members and strangers, loves being the centre of attention, yet also enjoys lazy days curled up beside you on the sofa, then the Bedlington Terrier may be the perfect breed for you.
One thing is certain: a Bedlington Terrier is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
