Bedlington Terrier vs Schipperke
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
Schipperke
Non-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.
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bedlington Terriers are less energetic than Schipperkes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bedlington Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Schipperkes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bedlington Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Schipperkes.
- Trainability: Schipperkes may be slightly easier to train due to their Schipperke's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schipperkes adapt better to apartment living, while Bedlington Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bedlington Terrier and Schipperke, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-16 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-18 inches 38-44 cm | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm |
| Weight | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg | 10-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Charming, Frollicking | Confident, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bedlington Terrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is characterized by being confident, alert, curious, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bedlington Terrier and Schipperke, 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
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Schipperke
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.
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes 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, Schipperkes 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
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
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
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bedlington Terrier and Schipperke, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.