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Bedlington Terrier vs Brittany

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bedlington Terrier vs Brittany

People compare Bedlingtons and Brittanys because they’re both medium-sized, energetic dogs with a spring in their step and a look that turns heads. fluffy Bedlingtons with their lamb-like curls, and sleek Brittanys with their docked tails and bounding stride. But that’s where the similarity ends. If you’re picturing weekend hikes and a dog who’ll run all day, the Brittany is your match. These dogs are built for motion, bred to quarter fields and point game, and they thrive with owners who run, hunt, or live outdoors. You’ll need a fenced yard and time for training, because a Brittany without a job gets destructive fast. They’re easier to train than most, eager to please, and great with kids, but they shed more and need space. The Bedlington is a different kind of athlete. one with flair. Don’t let the soft coat fool you. This terrier has grit, originally bred to clear mines and take on badgers. They’re quieter in the home, better for apartments, and nearly non-shedding, making them a rare terrier for allergy sufferers. But they’re not the dog to leave alone all day, and they’ll chase cats or small pets without hesitation. Grooming is a must. those curls go frizzy without regular clipping. Here’s the real difference: Brittanys live to work with you. Bedlingtons want to impress you. Choose the Brittany if your life is in motion. Pick the Bedlington if you want a loyal, stylish companion who still remembers his scrappy roots. And be honest. do you want a partner for the trail, or a quirky charmer who’ll nap on your lap after a sprint? That’s the question that really decides it.

Bedlington Terrier
Brittany
15–17.5 in
Height
17.5–20.5 in
17–23 lb
Weight
30–40 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#141
AKC popularity
#26

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bedlington Terrier Brittany
Overlay

Where they diverge

Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Trainability
Brittany is easier to train (2-point difference)
Brittany
Good with Young Children
Brittany is better with kids (1-point difference)
Brittany
Good with Other Dogs
Brittany is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Brittany
Playfulness
Brittany is more playful (1-point difference)
Brittany
The verdict

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…

  • Apartments
  • Active people
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value watchdog / protectiveBedlington Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Brittany if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Runners and hikers
  • You value shedding levelBrittany scores higher here.
Bedlington Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bedlington Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Brittany Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Brittany home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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