PuppyBase

Bedlington Terrier vs Glen of Imaal 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier

People compare Bedlingtons and Glens because they’re both rare, low-slung terriers with a soft look and a working past, but that’s where the similarities end. You’re not just picking between two dogs. you’re choosing two entirely different lifestyles. The Bedlington is the high-strung artist of the pair. Picture a lamb-shaped dog with a spring in its step, built for speed and flair. It’s lighter, faster, and needs more exercise. 4 out of 5 on energy means daily runs or serious play sessions. It sheds hardly at all, so it’s a legit choice for allergy sufferers, but that coat needs weekly clipping and hand-stripping. Skip grooming and you’ll have a matted mess. It’s charming and loyal, but it can be snippy with small pets and unpredictable around kids under 10. Think of it as the diva terrier: stunning, sensitive, and a bit much if you’re not all in. The Glen is the quiet powerhouse. He’s shorter but stockier. think 40 pounds of Irish muscle packed into a low-slung frame. He’s calmer, barks less, and bonds deeply with his family. Glens are affectionate to a fault, happy to follow you from room to room like a furry shadow. They’re better in apartments not because they’re smaller, but because they’re more relaxed. But don’t be fooled by the calm exterior. this dog was bred to go underground after badgers. He’s bold, stubborn, and not for first-time owners. Here’s the real insight: Bedlingtons look like pets but act like athletes. Glens look like couch potatoes but carry the heart of a warrior. If you want a dog that turns heads and thrives on routine activity and grooming, go Bedlington. If you want a stoic companion who’ll stick close and handle country life or city living with equal ease, choose the Glen.

Bedlington Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier
15–17.5 in
Height
12.5–14 in
17–23 lb
Weight
32–40 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
10–15 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#141
AKC popularity
#174

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 Glen of Imaal Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Glen of Imaal Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Glen
Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Bedlington
Drooling Level
Bedlington Terrier drools less (1-point difference)
Bedlington
Watchdog / Protective
Bedlington Terrier is more protective (1-point difference)
Bedlington
Adaptability
Glen of Imaal Terrier is more adaptable (1-point difference)
Glen
The verdict

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…

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

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value affectionate w/ familyGlen of Imaal 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
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal 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