Bedlington Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bedlington Terrier
Terrier Group
Labrador Retriever
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bedlington Terrier Overview
Bedlington Terriers feature a distinctive lamb-like appearance with their curved topline, arched back, and unique crisp, curly coat. Their graceful, muscular build combines with a pear-shaped head and tasseled ears. Standing 15-17.5 inches tall, these elegant terriers display remarkable agility and speed, while their gentle expression masks their fearless nature and sporting ability.
Labrador Retriever Overview
Labrador Retrievers embody a perfect blend of strength and gentleness, featuring a distinctive broad head, powerful jaws, and friendly eyes that reflect their warm personality. Their water-resistant double coat comes in black, yellow, or chocolate, complementing their athletic build and otter-like tail. Standing proudly with a balanced frame, these dogs showcase muscular shoulders and strong legs built for both work and play.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bedlington Terriers are less energetic than Labrador Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bedlington Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Labrador Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bedlington Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Labrador Retrievers.
- Trainability: Bedlington Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Bedlington Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bedlington Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Labrador Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bedlington Terrier and Labrador Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-16 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-18 inches 38-44 cm | 22-25 inches 55-62 cm |
| Weight | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Charming, Frollicking | Friendly, Active, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
The Bedlington Terrier is known for being loyal, charming, frollicking, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Labrador Retriever Temperament
The Labrador Retriever is characterized by being friendly, active, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bedlington Terrier and Labrador Retriever, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bedlington Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bedlington Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bedlington Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Labrador Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Labrador Retrievers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Labrador Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bedlington Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Copper Toxicosis
- Retinal Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Renal Disease
- Distichiasis
Labrador Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- PRA
- Exercise-Induced Collapse
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Bedlington Terrier
Pros
- Low-shedding coat
- Affectionate with family
- Good with children
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate exercise needs
- May chase small animals
Labrador Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to weight gain
- Chewing tendency in puppyhood
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bedlington Terrier and Labrador Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.