You wouldn’t think someone would compare a dog that looks like a sculpted lamb and a rugged, barrel-chested water dog from Maryland, but here we are. probably because both are uncommon, both have strong personalities, and both come up when you're searching for a loyal, active dog that’s not a Labrador. That’s where the similarity ends. The Bedlington Terrier is a darting, wiry little athlete with the soul of a poet and the energy of a pinball. It’s quiet on the shedding front. near-zero, a dream for allergy sufferers. but don’t let that soft face fool you. This is a dog bred to chase vermin into tight holes, and it still carries that sharp terrier spark. It’s
Bedlington Terrier
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
15–17.5 in
Height
21–26 in
17–23 lb
Weight
55–80 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
10–13 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#141
AKC popularity
#45
Trait-by-trait
Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
3
Affectionate w/ Family
4
3
Good with Young Children
3
3
Good with Other Dogs
3
1
Shedding Level
3
3
Coat Grooming
3
1
Drooling Level
2
3
Good with Strangers
3
3
Playfulness
3
4
Watchdog / Protective
4
3
Adaptability
4
3
Trainability
5
4
Energy Level
4
3
Barking Level
3
3
Mental Stimulation Needs
4
Bedlington Terrier Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Overlay
Where they diverge
Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Trainability
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is easier to train (2-point difference)
Chesapeake
Affectionate w/ Family
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Chesapeake
Drooling Level
Bedlington Terrier drools less (1-point difference)
Bedlington
Adaptability
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is more adaptable (1-point difference)
Chesapeake
The verdict
Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…
Apartments
Active people
Allergy sufferers
Choose the Chesapeake Bay Retriever if…
Active families
Hunters and waterfowlers
Cold and wet climate owners
You value shedding level — Chesapeake Bay Retriever scores higher here.
