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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bedlington Terrier need? Like all dogs, Bedlington Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Bedlington Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Bedlington Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Bedlington Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Bedlington Terrier
Before any breeding, it is recommended to check the genetic status regarding copper toxicosis linked to the COMMD1 gene, to carry out an ophthalmological examination and to evaluate the hips as well as the patellas. A blood test with hepatic and renal parameters can complement the monitoring recommended by the veterinarian.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
