Bedlington TerrierVSBulldog

The Bedlington Terrier is known for being gentle, spirited, charming, while the Bulldog is typically described as docile, willful, friendly. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Bedlington Terrier has the edge with a 4/5 rating compared to the Bulldog's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Bedlington Terrier is your pick.

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 Bulldog is a medium breed at 31–40 cm (12–16 in) and 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Bulldog 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 Bulldog sports a short coat in brindle, white, fawn, red, piebald. 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 Bulldog has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Bedlington Terrier requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Bulldog is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

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

The Bulldog sheds more than the Bedlington Terrier — 3/5 versus 1/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Bulldog.

The Bedlington Terrier demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Bulldog is lower-maintenance at 2/5. 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 Bulldog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bedlington Terrier has a lifespan of 11–16 years, while the Bulldog lives 8–10 years. The Bedlington Terrier tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Bedlington Terrier scores 3/5 compared to the Bulldog's 1/5. The Bedlington Terrier is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Bedlington Terrier include copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, renal cortical hypoplasia. The Bulldog is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, skin infections. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Bedlington Terrier and $900 for the Bulldog. 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 Bulldog scores 2/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Bedlington Terrier ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 2/5), 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 Bulldog with a score of 4/5 compared to 2/5. 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.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

The Bedlington Terrier's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 2/5), 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.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Bedlington Terrier ranges from $1,500–$2,500, while a Bulldog typically costs $1,500–$4,000. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,270 for the Bedlington Terrier and $1,600 for the Bulldog. The Bulldog costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Bedlington Terrier and $50 for the Bulldog. 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.