Bedlington Terrier

Before you become a Bedlington Terrier parent, find out about any possible health issues. Not all Bedlington Terriers face them, but it’s good to be prepared. 

Speak with your local vet for more information about potential health issues for Bedlington Terriers. Some vets offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These provide advice on potential health conditions, management options and an idea of related costs. 

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can also advise on finding a responsible breeder and testing for inheritable diseases. 

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare. This includes things like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. And you also need pet insurance to cover vet bills.

Not all Bedlington Terriers need the same amount of food. This depends on their:

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight. 

Dog food packets usually provide a good indication of appropriate portion size. But you still need to take your dog’s individual needs into account and adapt where necessary. 

Knowing your dog’s body condition can help you decide how much food to give them. You can find out how to determine their body condition through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA). 

If unsure, ask your vet for more advice.

Bedlington Terriers are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy. 

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment. 

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you. 

Bedlington Terriers, like all dogs, need training and daily enrichment. When exercising your Bedlington Terrier, consider their:

• age
• health
• personality. 

Young or growing pups, for example, might need a few short walks instead of one long one. Exercise plans for older, injured, or ill dogs may need to be adapted based on advice from your vet. Quiet, peaceful walks may suit some dogs, where others may require something more sociable. 

Ask your vet for advice on exercising your dog.

Bedlington Terriers shed very little but still need grooming. To put your dog at ease and help their confidence, introduce handling and grooming step by step. This will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone and ensure a positive experience for your pup.

When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• stand up at their full height
• turn around without touching the sides
• lie down and stretch out
• wag their tail. 

Slowly build up the time your dog spends in their crate to help them feel positive about it. They should associate it with good things happening.

Like us, every furball has their own unique personality shaped by their experiences. This means that different Bedlington Terriers have varying temperaments. 

As dogs grow, they learn all about the world. They figure out their likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways. 

Some doggos, for example, might like meeting new dogs and new experiences. Others might not, or might prefer human company.

Any breed of dog can be taught new tricks. The important thing is that the learning is positive. Find out your doggo’s favourite snacks, toys or treats. These work well as rewards for training and they find it much more enjoyable. 

Your dog also need to learn useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling. This will help you spend quality time together without worry, both at home and outside.

Every dog has a different personality shaped by their life experiences. They develop likes and dislikes as they grow, and react differently to situations.

However, some ways of respecting and behaving safely around dogs are universal to all pooches. It’s important for the whole family to know about this. To learn more, book one of our family workshops on living safely together. They’re suitable for children aged 7 to 11.