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Bedlington Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

People compare Bedlington Terriers and Teddy Roosevelt Terriers because they’re both small, feisty terriers with big personalities and a knack for pest control. But that’s where the similarity ends. If you’re torn between them, it’s not just about size or energy. it’s about what kind of chaos you’re ready for. The Bedlington looks like a lamb but moves like a greyhound. He’s quiet in the house, gentle with older kids, and sheds next to nothing. perfect if you’ve got allergies or love a crisp, groomed look. But don’t be fooled by the fluff. This dog needs hand-stripping every few weeks and won’t forgive you if you skip it. He’s loyal, yes, but also sensitive and a bit aloof with strangers. And that terrier instinct? It runs deep. You’ll never trust him off-leash near squirrels. or your neighbor’s Chihuahua. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is the all-terrain pocket rocket. Compact, bold, and endlessly curious, he’s the dog that will greet you at the door with a squeaky toy in his mouth and a plan to dig under the fence by noon. He’s more adaptable, louder, and way more affectionate. This is the dog that sleeps in your closet just to be close, and yes, he’ll bark at the mail truck like it’s a personal offense. He sheds a little, trains easily, and thrives with active families who don’t mind a dog that’s always on. Here’s the real difference: the Bedlington is a high-maintenance companion with a soft soul. The TR Terrier is a working dog in a small frame. he needs a job, even if it’s just finding every lost sock in the house. Pick the Bedlington if you want elegance and calm beside your morning coffee. Pick the Teddy if you want a partner who’s always up for a project. and won’t let you sit still for long.

Bedlington Terrier
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
15–17.5 in
Height
8–15 in
17–23 lb
Weight
8–25 lb
11–16 yr
Lifespan
14–16 yr
$1.8–3.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Teddy
Good with Young Children
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Teddy
Good with Other Dogs
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Teddy
Shedding Level
Bedlington Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Bedlington
Coat Grooming
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Teddy
The verdict

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if…

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

Choose the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Farm settings for pest control
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value affectionate w/ familyTeddy Roosevelt 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Teddy Roosevelt 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

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