Bedlington Terrier vs Boston Terrier

Terrier · Small vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Bedlington Terrier is the larger breed at 17–23 lbs (males) vs 12–25 lbs for the Boston Terrier.
  • The Bedlington Terrier typically lives longer (11–16 years).
  • The Bedlington Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Bedlington Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBedlington TerrierBoston Terrier
Group
TerrierNon-Sporting
Size
SmallSmall
Origin
EnglandUSA
Height (male)
16–17.5"15–17"
Height (female)
15–16.5"15–17"
Weight (male)
17–23 lbs12–25 lbs
Weight (female)
17–23 lbs12–25 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
11–16 years11–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
wirehairedshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a spirited, demonstrative, mild lamb-shaped terrier — looks like a sheep, fights like a tiger. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 17–23 lbs and lives 11–16 years. Breeders describe them as spirited, demonstrative, mild.

About the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a friendly, bright, amusing 'American Gentleman' in a tuxedo coat — born in Boston, the original AKC breed. Originally from USA, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–25 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, bright, amusing.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Bedlington Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Copper toxicosis
  • Eye disorders
  • Patellar luxation

Boston Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Eye problems
  • Patellar luxation
  • Allergies