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Bedlington Terrier vs Hamiltonstovare

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 Hamiltonstovare

People compare the Bedlington Terrier and the Hamiltonstovare because both are rare, game little dogs with a touch of old-world charm. but that’s where the similarities end. One’s a silvery, lamb-like charmer from the English mines; the other’s a bold, tricolor hound built for Swedish forests. If you're choosing between them, you’re really deciding between a quirky companion and a working partner. The Bedlington is quiet in the house, gentle with kids over 8 or so, and nearly hypoallergenic with that soft, low-shedding coat. But don’t be fooled by the curls. he’s still a terrier. He’ll chase squirrels into traffic, bark at strangers, and needs clipping every six weeks. Skip grooming and you’ll have a matted, mischievous mess. He’s better for city apartments than his energy level suggests, but only if you’re walking him hard and keeping his mind busy. The Hamiltonstovare? He’s a pack hound at heart. Larger, louder, and built for miles of tracking. He’ll charm the kids with his patient, regal demeanor, but he’s not made for small yards or irregular schedules. Let him off leash in an open field and he’ll disappear, nose to the ground, chasing a scent like it’s his job. because it is. He sheds seasonally, needs weekly brushing, and thrives in homes where hunting or hiking is part of life. Here’s the real talk: The Bedlington bonds tightly and can be neurotic if ignored. The Hamiltonstovare loves you deeply but will always love the trail a little more. Pick the Bedlington if you want a unique, affectionate oddball. Pick the Hamiltonstovare if you’re okay being second fiddle to a fox trail.

Bedlington Terrier
Hamiltonstovare
15–17.5 in
Height
19–24 in
17–23 lb
Weight
40–75 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
14–17 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#141
AKC popularity

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 Hamiltonstovare
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Hamiltonstovare is better with kids (2-point difference)
Hamiltonstovare
Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Good with Strangers
Hamiltonstovare is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Hamiltonstovare
Affectionate w/ Family
Hamiltonstovare is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Hamiltonstovare
Coat Grooming
Hamiltonstovare needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Hamiltonstovare
The verdict

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…

  • Apartments
  • Active people
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value coat groomingBedlington Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Hamiltonstovare if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Rural living
  • You value good with young childrenHamiltonstovare 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
Hamiltonstovare Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Hamiltonstovare 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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