PuppyBase

Bedlington Terrier vs Bull Terrier

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

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Bedlington Terrier vs Bull Terrier

People compare Bedlingtons and Bull Terriers because they both look like cartoon characters come to life. one’s a clay sculpture with a topper, the other a pear-shaped fluff missile. But underneath those unforgettable faces are two very different dogs. If you’re torn between them, you’re really choosing between a high-strung greyhound in terrier clothing and a full-contact cuddler built like a linebacker. The Bedlington is quiet in a crowd, lighter on its feet and softer in the home. At 20 pounds, it’s half the size of a Bull Terrier but packs just as much terrier spark. You’ll need to groom it every few weeks. the curly coat isn’t low-maintenance. and keep it leashed around squirrels or cats. It bonds deeply but doesn’t plaster itself to you like the Bull Terrier does. That loyalty runs quieter, more British, if you will. The Bull Terrier? It’s a 60-pound goofball that thinks it’s a lap dog. It’ll knock over your coffee table just to sit beside you, and it thrives on routine and strong leadership. It’s more affectionate, yes, but also more stubborn, more intense, and far less predictable around other animals. White ones can be deaf; all of them need cardiac and kidney screening. Here’s the real talk: the Bedlington fits better in city life and suits someone who wants a dog that’s allergy-friendly and agile. The Bull Terrier needs space, time, and experience. First-time owners often get blindsided by its strength and determination. The insight no one mentions? Both breeds look whimsical, but neither is a joke. They’re terriers through and through. hardwired to chase, dig, and test boundaries. Pick charm over chaos, and you’ll sleep better at night.

Bedlington Terrier
Bull Terrier
15–17.5 in
Height
21–22 in
17–23 lb
Weight
50–70 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
12–13 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#141
AKC popularity
#62

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 Bull Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Bedlington Terrier is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Affectionate w/ Family
Bull Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Bull
Coat Grooming
Bull Terrier needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Bull
Good with Strangers
Bull Terrier is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Bull
The verdict

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…

  • Apartments
  • Active people
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value good with other dogsBedlington Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Bull Terrier if…

  • Active individuals
  • Experienced dog owners
  • Families with older children
  • You value shedding levelBull Terrier 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
Bull Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bull 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

Other comparisons people run