Bedlington Terrier vs Irish Terrier
Terrier · Small vs Terrier · Medium
Bedlington TerrierSmall
A spirited, demonstrative, mild lamb-shaped terrier — looks like a sheep, fights like a tiger.
Weight: 17–23 lbsLifespan: 11–16 years
Irish TerrierMedium
A bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner.
Weight: 27 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Terrier is the larger breed at 27 lbs (males) vs 17–23 lbs for the Bedlington Terrier.
- • The Irish Terrier typically lives longer (13–15 years).
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Irish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Terrier |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | England | Ireland |
Height (male) | 16–17.5" | 18" |
Height (female) | 15–16.5" | 18" |
Weight (male) | 17–23 lbs | 27 lbs |
Weight (female) | 17–23 lbs | 25 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–16 years | 13–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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 Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 27 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as bold, dashing, tenderhearted.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Bedlington Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Copper toxicosis
- • Eye disorders
- • Patellar luxation
Irish Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Hyperkeratosis
- • Eye disorders