Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, suitable activity and regular preventive monitoring, this dog generally lives from 12 to 14 years. Screening for hereditary diseases in breeding dogs strongly helps to preserve its quality and length of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its athletic build and protective coat give it good overall endurance. However, this apparent robustness should not lead to neglecting the breed’s genetic predispositions, notably hepatic, ocular and renal.
Watch points
What to watch for
Careful preventive monitoring is recommended from the youngest age, with regular veterinary check-ups and vigilance for any loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, visual disturbance, lameness or change in water consumption.
Copper toxicosis : A hereditary accumulation of copper can progressively damage the liver and requires genetic screening, biological monitoring and veterinary management.
Retinal dysplasia : This developmental abnormality of the retina can impair vision to varying degrees and warrants an ophthalmological examination.
Atresia of the lacrimal puncta : The absence or obstruction of the lacrimal openings can lead to chronic discharge and irritation around the eyes.
Renal cortical hypoplasia : Insufficient development of the renal cortex can compromise kidney function and require appropriate biological monitoring.
Hip dysplasia : This poor joint congruence can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis despite the breed's small size.
Patellar luxation : Instability of the patella can cause an intermittent gait and, depending on its severity, require surgical management.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its dense coat allows it to withstand moderate cold well. It tolerates high heat less well and must then have shade, fresh water and outings during the coolest hours. After clipping, additional protection may be necessary in cold or very damp weather.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Bedlington Terrier generally remains slim and active, but its ration must match its actual expenditure. Regular weigh-ins, counted treats and maintaining a daily activity help preserve its silhouette and limit the load on its joints.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the genetic status related to copper toxicosis checked.
- Regularly check the eyes and clean any discharge with a suitable product.
- Monitor the drop ears and keep them clean and dry.
- Schedule an annual veterinary examination with liver monitoring according to individual risk.
- Maintain regular activity without joint overload.
Vaccination
Bedlington Terrier vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bedlington Terrier? Like all cats, the Bedlington Terrier receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Bedlington Terrier is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Bedlington Terrier vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Bedlington Terrier?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bedlington Terrier
Before any breeding, it is recommended to check the genetic status relating to copper toxicosis linked to the COMMD1 gene, to carry out an ophthalmological examination and to assess the hips as well as the patellas. A blood test with hepatic and renal parameters can complement the monitoring advised by the veterinarian.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
