Clumber Spaniel vs Bedlington Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Clumber Spaniel
Sporting Group
Bedlington Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Clumber Spaniel Overview
Clumber Spaniels are distinctive sporting dogs characterized by their massive, low-set bodies and pure white coats with lemon or orange markings. Their deep-set, gentle eyes and heavy brow create a thoughtful expression, while their substantial bone structure and rectangular build reflect their heritage as methodical hunters. Known for their dignified demeanor and patient nature, these dogs combine gentlemanly composure with an amusing, playful side.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Clumber Spaniels are less energetic than Bedlington Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Clumber Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Bedlington Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Clumber Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bedlington Terriers.
- 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 Clumber Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Clumber Spaniel and Bedlington Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Clumber Spaniel | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 11-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Clumber Spaniel | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 15-18 inches 38-44 cm |
| Weight | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Clumber Spaniel | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Mellow, Amusing, Gentlemanly | Loyal, Charming, Frollicking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Clumber Spaniel | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Clumber Spaniel Temperament
The Clumber Spaniel is known for being mellow, amusing, gentlemanly, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
The Bedlington Terrier is characterized by being loyal, charming, frollicking, 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 Clumber Spaniel and Bedlington Terrier, 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
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Clumber Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Clumber Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Clumber Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bedlington Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bedlington Terriers 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, Bedlington Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Clumber Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- PRA
- Ectropion
- Hypothyroidism
Bedlington Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Copper Toxicosis
- Retinal Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Renal Disease
- Distichiasis
Pros & Cons
Clumber Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Good with children
- Loyal family companion
- Excellent hunting abilities
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Significant drooling
- Prone to weight gain
- Regular grooming required
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Clumber Spaniel and Bedlington Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.