Miniature American Shepherd 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.
Miniature American Shepherd
Herding Group
Bedlington Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Miniature American Shepherd Overview
Miniature American Shepherds showcase a compact yet athletic build, embodying the intelligence and agility of their larger Australian Shepherd ancestors. Their expressive almond-shaped eyes and medium-sized ears complement a well-proportioned head, while their double coat features various colors including black, blue merle, red, and red merle with white markings. These dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with an eager-to-please attitude.
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: Miniature American Shepherds are less energetic than Bedlington Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Miniature American Shepherds require more grooming attention compared to Bedlington Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Miniature American Shepherds tend to be more reserved 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 Miniature American Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Miniature American Shepherd and Bedlington Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 11-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-18 inches 33-46 cm | 15-18 inches 38-44 cm |
| Weight | 20-40 lbs 9-18 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted | Loyal, Charming, Frollicking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Miniature American Shepherd | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Miniature American Shepherd Temperament
The Miniature American Shepherd is known for being good-natured, intelligent, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
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 Miniature American Shepherd 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
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Miniature American Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Miniature American Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Miniature American Shepherds 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, Miniature American Shepherds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Miniature American Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- PRA
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Epilepsy
Bedlington Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Copper Toxicosis
- Retinal Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Renal Disease
- Distichiasis
Pros & Cons
Miniature American Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Versatile working ability
- Compact size
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong herding instinct may need management
- Requires consistent training
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 Miniature American Shepherd and Bedlington Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.