Bedlington Terrier Quirks Only Owners Understand

Why your “lamb-like” dog is actually running the show

The Great Bedlington Deception

People see Poppy and immediately go all soft and gooey. “Oh, what a sweet little lamb!” they coo, reaching out to pet her curly coat. What they don’t realise is that behind those innocent dark eyes is a dog who’s already assessed the situation, decided she’s in charge, and is plotting her next move. Yes, she is full of little Bedlington terrier quirks.

If you’re a Bedlington owner, you’ll know exactly what I mean. These dogs are masters of disguise. They look like the gentlest creatures on earth, but they’ve got personalities bigger than most Great Danes and absolutely zero awareness of their actual size.

These things are true whether your beloved pup is a full Bedlington or a Beddie cross like Poppy (she’s Patterdale terrier and Bedlington terrier, if you’re wondering). After living with her for several years now, I’ve come to realise that what I thought were her quirky little habits are actually classic Bedlington traits that every owner deals with.

So if you’re wondering whether your Bedlington is completely bonkers, or if it’s just the breed… well, it’s definitely the breed.

The Classic Bedlington Quirks That Define the Breed

1. 0-60 Quicker Than a Porsche

One minute Poppy’s sprawled across the sofa like she’s never walked a day in her life. The next, she’s rocketing across the garden at speeds that honestly shouldn’t be possible for something that weighs less than a bag of dog food.

The transformation is instant and dramatic. Something catches her attention (a squirrel, a bird, a bee, sometimes just the wind moving a leaf in an interesting way) and she goes from sleepy lap dog to furry missile in about 0.3 seconds. Then, just as suddenly, she’ll trot back over and flop down like nothing happened.

This explosive speed comes straight from their hunting heritage. Bedlingtons were originally bred in the mining towns of northern England to hunt everything from rats to foxes, and they needed that burst of speed to catch quick prey. That instinct hasn’t gone anywhere, even if the closest thing to prey in your garden is a confused pigeon.

It’s like living with a part-time athlete who only shows up when the mood strikes.

2. No Stick Is Too Big. Fact!

Poppy has never met a stick she considered too large for her. I’ve watched her drag branches that are literally five times her length across the park, looking absolutely determined and slightly ridiculous. Other dog owners stop and stare, probably wondering if I should intervene.

The bigger the stick, the more convinced she is that it’s exactly what she needs. Never mind that she can barely turn her head with it in her mouth, or that it keeps getting caught on everything, or that it won’t fit through the gate. She’s committed to the stick, and the stick is coming home with us.

It’s that classic Bedlington combination of determination and complete lack of self-awareness about their own limitations. They were bred to take on badgers and otters, so in their minds, a large stick is nothing.

3. Yes, I CAN Sleep Like This

If there were Olympic medals for creative sleeping positions, Bedlingtons would sweep the podium. Poppy can fall asleep in positions that look genuinely uncomfortable. Twisted around chair legs, hanging halfway off the sofa, or my personal favourite, sharing a single deck chair with another dog like they’re old friends at a spa.

I’ve stopped taking photos of all her sleeping positions because I’d run out of phone storage. She treats every surface like it’s been personally designed for her comfort, no matter how awkward or impractical it might seem to the rest of us.

This flexibility comes from their lithe, athletic build. Bedlingtons have an arched back and surprisingly flexible body that allowed them to twist and turn when going to ground after prey in tight spaces.

4. Every Surface Is My Throne

Speaking of surfaces, Poppy has never encountered one she didn’t think was put there specifically for her use. Park benches, garden walls, tree stumps, other people’s furniture. It’s all fair game.

She’ll hop up on anything that’s roughly at sitting height and arrange herself like she’s posing for a portrait. There’s something wonderfully regal about the way she sits, surveying her domain from whatever elevated position she’s claimed for herself.

It’s not attention-seeking behaviour either. She genuinely seems to believe that any available perch is rightfully hers. This confidence probably comes from their working dog past, when they needed to be bold and assertive to take on dangerous prey.

5. Water Is Never Too Dirty

For a breed that’s supposed to be elegant and refined, Bedlingtons have absolutely zero standards when it comes to water quality. Poppy will happily wade into the murkiest puddle, sit in muddy streams, and generally treat any water source as her personal spa.

I’ve given up trying to keep her clean on muddy walks. She’ll find the one puddle I didn’t spot and make herself at home in it, looking perfectly content while I’m calculating how long it’ll take to get the mud out of her coat.

Here’s the interesting bit: Bedlingtons are actually exceptional swimmers. Their ancestors included Otterhounds, which explains their love of water and their powerful swimming ability. They were used to hunt otters in rivers and streams, so muddy water doesn’t phase them one bit.

The contrast between her pristine, lamb-like appearance and her willingness to sit in a muddy stream is peak Bedlington behaviour.

6. No… I’M in Charge

Poppy doesn’t ask for walks. She informs me when it’s time. She’ll position herself by the front door with this expectant look that clearly says “come on then, I’ve decided we’re going out now.” There’s no begging or whining, just a quiet confidence that obviously I’ll notice and follow her lead.

Don’t even think about choosing the route. She knows exactly where we’re going and will simply start heading in her preferred direction, expecting me to keep up. If I try to go a different way, she’ll give me this look like I’m being deliberately difficult.

It’s not just walks either. She decides when it’s dinner time, where she’s sleeping tonight, and which chair is hers for the evening. She’s basically the furry head of household who just happens to weigh 20 pounds.

This bossy streak is pure terrier temperament. Bedlingtons were working dogs who needed to make quick decisions when hunting dangerous prey. That independent thinking translates to a dog who’s absolutely certain they know best about everything.

7. Looks Like a Lamb… Thinks Like a Wolf

This is the big one – the fundamental Bedlington quirk that catches everyone off guard. That soft, curly coat and gentle expression hide a personality that’s pure terrier. They’re hunting dogs in sheep’s clothing, and they never let you forget it.

Poppy can go from looking like the most innocent creature on earth to displaying laser focus on a squirrel in the space of a heartbeat. The lamb-like appearance is just excellent camouflage for what’s essentially a very determined, very clever little predator.

The breed’s motto sums it up perfectly: “The Head of a Lamb and the Heart of a Lion.” That sweet face hides courage, tenacity, and hunting instincts that go back over 200 years. Bedlingtons were bred to take on badgers, one of the most dangerous quarries a terrier can face, and they did it fearlessly.

8. You Dogs Had Better Listen to Me (And I Don’t Care How Big You Are)

At the dog park, size means absolutely nothing to a Bedlington. Poppy will march up to dogs three times her size and make it clear that she’s the one in charge here. Not aggressively (she’s far too dignified for that), but with a quiet confidence that somehow works.

I’ve watched her organise entire groups of dogs at the park, directing play sessions and settling disputes with nothing more than a look. Bigger dogs seem to just accept her authority, probably because she’s so convinced of it herself.

It’s like she missed the memo about being a small dog and no one’s had the heart to tell her. This fearless attitude served the breed well when they were working dogs. A Bedlington weighing 20 pounds needed the confidence to face down a badger weighing nearly as much, and that bold temperament persists today.

9. Groomed or Scruffy, I’m Still Gorgeous

One of the most dramatic transformations you’ll see is a Bedlington before and after grooming. They go from looking like a slightly overgrown sheep to resembling a perfectly sculpted work of art. But here’s the thing, they carry themselves with exactly the same confidence either way.

Poppy struts around with equal pride whether she’s freshly groomed or looking like she’s been through a hedge backwards. The attitude never changes, just the packaging.

A word of warning if you’re thinking of getting a Bedlington: that distinctive lamb-like clip requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Their coat is a mixture of hard and soft hair that doesn’t shed much, which is brilliant for allergy sufferers, but it does need regular maintenance to avoid matting.

10. That Squirrel Doesn’t Stand a Chance

Finally, there’s the eternal optimism about their hunting abilities. Every Bedlington is convinced that today will be the day they finally catch that squirrel, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Poppy’s success rate with squirrels is approximately zero, but her enthusiasm remains undimmed. She approaches each squirrel encounter like she’s finally worked out the perfect strategy, usually resulting in the squirrel sitting safely in a tree while she barks indignantly from below.

Those hunting instincts are genuine, though. Give a Bedlington the chance to chase rabbits or work as a ratter, and you’ll see just how capable they really are. They’ve got the speed, stamina, and determination to excel at it.

Living with a Bedlington: What You Need to Know

The thing about Bedlington quirks is that they’re not bugs. They’re features. Yes, they’re stubborn, convinced of their own importance, and completely oblivious to their size limitations. But they’re also loyal, intelligent, and endlessly entertaining. And extremely loving. And I wouldn’t change a thing about her!

If you’re thinking about getting a Bedlington, here’s what you need to know: you’re not getting a dog. You’re getting a small, furry person with very strong opinions about how things should be done.

They need exercise. That explosive speed and hunting heritage means they need proper walks and mental stimulation. A bored Bedlington is a destructive Bedlington. Plan on at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise daily.

Grooming isn’t optional. Budget for professional grooming every six to eight weeks, or learn to clip them yourself. Their coat may not shed, but it grows quickly and will mat without proper care.

Training requires patience. They’re intelligent and eager to please, which sounds perfect until you realise they’re also independent thinkers who’ll question whether your idea is really the best one. Consistent, positive training works wonders.

They’re not always good with other dogs. That terrier temperament can make them scrappy with dogs of the same sex, and their prey drive means small pets need careful introduction. Poppy definitely can’t live with cats. In fact, that is how we got her.

But if you appreciate a dog with personality, you’ll never be bored. They’re affectionate family dogs who form strong bonds with their people. They’re good with children when properly socialised. They make excellent watchdogs without being yappers. And they’ve got more character in one small, curly package than most dogs twice their size.

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The Verdict

And if you already have one? Well, you’ll know exactly what I mean about every single one of these quirks. They’re all completely mad in exactly the same way, and honestly, that’s part of their charm.

I wouldn’t change a thing about Poppy. Yes, she thinks she’s in charge. Yes, she’ll find the muddiest puddle in a five-mile radius. Yes, she’ll drag home sticks that won’t fit through the door. But she’s also the most entertaining, loyal, affectionate little character I’ve ever met.

That’s the Bedlington for you: part lamb, part lion, and 100% convinced they’re the boss.

What’s your Bedlington’s most ridiculous quirk? I’d love to hear about the weird and wonderful things they do that make you shake your head and laugh at the same time!