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Bedlington terrier

The Bedlington Terrier comes from the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, where it was bred to kill vermin and, by repute, to poach.

Its lamb-like appearance — an arched back, a pear-shaped head and a curly linty coat — conceals a fast, hard terrier.

It stands 39 to 44 centimetres, weighs 8 to 10 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years. The coat is a mix of hard and soft hair that grows continuously and needs clipping rather than shedding. The breed is defined medically by one inherited disease: copper toxicosis, in which copper accumulates in the liver until it causes failure, and which was so common in the breed that its genetics were worked out here first.

Origin
Bedlington, Northumberland, England
Size
39–44 cm; 8–10 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Curly and linty; grows continuously and needs clipping
Temperament
Mild indoors, a hard terrier outdoors
Health
Copper toxicosis — a DNA test exists and should be insisted on

Related: Airedale terrier · American hairless terrier · American pit bull terrier · American Staffordshire terrier · Australian terrier

2 bedlington terrier photos, newest first

  • Mustard II, a bedlington terrier

    Mustard II

    Mustard II was promoted to baker guarding a runaway bread roll; unfortunately, a paper fan unfolds across the floor.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Mustard II, a bedlington terrier

    Mustard II

    Mustard II pretending the mud was not their idea.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a bedlington terrier

Insist on the copper toxicosis DNA test. The disease causes copper to build up in the liver until it fails, it is recessive so carriers appear healthy, and the test has been available for years. Testing has reduced the incidence enormously, which is why the test result — not a reassurance — is what a buyer should be looking at.

An affected dog can be managed with a low-copper diet and chelation, but it is a lifelong condition.

The coat does not shed and needs professional clipping every six to eight weeks, plus brushing between.

They are gentle in the house and quite different outside — the prey drive is real, and so is a willingness to fight other dogs if pushed.

Ask also about progressive retinal atrophy and patellar luxation.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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