Bedlington TerrierVSBull Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is known for being gentle, spirited, charming, while the Bull Terrier is typically described as playful, mischievous, exuberant. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Bull Terrier tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Bedlington Terrier's 4/5. Expect the Bull Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Bull Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Bedlington Terrier is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bedlington Terrier may be the better choice.

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium breed standing 38–44 cm (15–17 in) tall and weighing 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs). In comparison, the Bull Terrier is a medium breed at 53–56 cm (21–22 in) and 22–32 kg (49–71 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bull Terrier is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Bedlington Terrier's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bedlington Terrier has a curly coat available in blue, liver, sandy, blue and tan, liver and tan, while the Bull Terrier sports a short coat in white, brindle, red, fawn, tricolor. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bedlington Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Bull Terrier has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Bull Terrier, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Bedlington Terrier is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Bedlington Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 4/5, compared to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The Bull Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Bull Terrier sheds more than the Bedlington Terrier — 2/5 versus 1/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Bull Terrier.

The Bedlington Terrier demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Bull Terrier is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The Bedlington Terrier's curly coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $350 for the Bedlington Terrier and $100 for the Bull Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bedlington Terrier has a lifespan of 11–16 years, while the Bull Terrier lives 11–14 years. The Bedlington Terrier tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Bedlington Terrier include copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, renal cortical hypoplasia. The Bull Terrier is prone to deafness, heart disease, kidney disease, patellar luxation. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Bedlington Terrier and $500 for the Bull Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bedlington Terrier is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Bull Terrier scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Bedlington Terrier ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Bedlington Terrier outranks the Bull Terrier with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Bedlington Terrier tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Bedlington Terrier leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Bull Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

The Bedlington Terrier's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the Bedlington Terrier is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The Bedlington Terrier's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Bedlington Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Bull Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Bedlington Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Bedlington Terrier is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Bull Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Bedlington Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Bedlington Terrier ranges from $1,500–$2,500, while a Bull Terrier typically costs $1,200–$3,500. The Bull Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,270 for the Bedlington Terrier and $1,260 for the Bull Terrier. The Bedlington Terrier is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Bedlington Terrier and $55 for the Bull Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.