How Much Does a Bedlington Terrier Cost?

Bryan Cummins, the author of Terriers of England and Wales states that no other terrier is quite as deceptive-looking as the Bedlington terrier. Indeed, the dog is often mistaken for a lamb and is even known as a wolf in lamb’s clothing.

Bedlingtons look meek and gentle like lambs but do not let that fool you: this is a hardy dog with the courage of a lion, steel-trap jaws, and a fighting ability next to none. Do not let the Bedlington’s ‘almost starved’ appearance fool you – once roused it can be deadly to vermin of all kinds: rats, otters, badgers, etc. 

Are you planning to make the Bedlington Terrier a part of your household? Then you’ve come to the right place. 

This guide will help you financially plan for this amazing dog. We will talk about its purchase price, cost of the basic supplies, and also medical costs. We will also cover the costs you could incur on training your Bedlington terrier, and follow this with food costs, additional costs, etc.

Getting a dog is easy but once you get down to it, you realize there is more to it than just feeding and walking it twice a day. Bedlington terriers are high-maintenance because they need plenty of grooming and at least an hour of exercise every day. It is good to know these things up front so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Let us summarize the Bedlington terrier’s costs:

How Much Does a Bedlington Terrier Puppy Cost?  

Bedlington terrier puppies are extremely cute and their looks are accentuated by those cute tassels at the ends of their ears. Since the breed has been an AKC member since 1936, you won’t have too much difficulty finding a reputed, registered breeder. You can find the list of breeders according to your location here.

SandOnOakHill has been breeding Bedlingtons for more than 40 years. Many of their dogs have won championships too. Their puppies are priced between $800 and $2300. The average price of Bedlington pups is $1500.

What Factors Influence this Price?

Here are the factors affecting a Bedlington terrier’s price:

Coat color

Bedlingtons come in three colors: liver, blue, and sandy. You also have variations like dark blue, blue and tan, liver and tan, and sandy and tan. Generally sandy and blue are popular colors and their high demand increases their prices.

Breeders

A breeder’s reputation could also increase your potential puppy’s price. Many registered breeders carry champion bloodlines and their pups tend to sell for upwards of $2000. These breeders also carry genetic tests for copper toxicosis – a mutant gene that could cause young Bedlington’s to die. Puppies with health records also cost more.

If budget is a concern, you could always consider adopting your Bedlington. To find a shelter that has rescued Bedlingtons near you, click here. The price of adopting is about $400 depending on the shelter.

The following table can show you the price bracket for Bedlington terriers:

Cost of Basic Supplies for Bedlington Terrier

Whether you’re purchasing a puppy or a mature Bedlington terrier, some basic equipment can go a long way in making it feel more comfortable. This will help reduce the stress of the transition:

Crate and bedding

This can be made of wire or plastic. Use a liner inside the crate or you can add some chew-proof bedding. Basic crates cost around $35 to $50.

Bowls

Non-tip, anti-skid food and water bowls made using heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel are best. Ceramic bowls also work great. Bowls should not cost more than $20.

Toys

Bedlington terriers are meant to be active dogs and a couple of toys will help your pet expend its extra energy in a positive manner. Buy some balls, rope toys, and frisbees to play with your Bedlington. You also need to provide teething toys, rings, rope toys, etc. to your teething puppy. This will help soothe its aching gums. Treat-filled kong toys can help alleviate boredom and keep your pet engaged. Toys cost around $20-$30.

Leash and collar

Buy an appropriately-sized leash and collars to take your terrier out on walks. The approximate cost is $20.

Grooming tools

An important part of keeping a Bedlington terrier is the fact that it will need regular grooming. You need to clip your Bedlington every 6 to 8 weeks. If you fail to do it, you’d need to at least brush its coat with a sturdy brush. Basic grooming tools, shampoos, pet wipes, and nail trimmers should not cost over $75.

Here is a table showing the cost of these basic supplies:

Bedlington Terrier Training Costs

Getting your Bedlington properly trained will prevent a lot of hassles in the future and will also give you the well-behaved pooch you’ve always dreamed of.

There are many different kinds of dog training available in the US. It is a good idea to research all these different options before you set aside a budget for training your Bedlington. 

One of the most popular ways of training a dog is through group classes. The benefit of group training is that your Bedlington will get used to other dogs and that can help them socialize. Many group classes like the ones offered at PetCo and PetSmart are also very affordable and cost just $20 per session. They are an excellent way to get your dog’s basic training started.

Dog boot camp training is another excellent way of getting your Bedlington trained. It entails boarding your pet with the trainer. This can cost anywhere from $500 to $1250 per week.

In case your Bedlington does not get along too well with other dogs, then private training is an option to consider. Some trainers have their facilities, some train at the local dog park, while some come to your house and train your puppy. Based on this, the costs can vary from $45 to $120 per session. 

If you want to save money, you could consider watching some dog training videos on YouTube and training your dog on your own.

Bedlington Terrier Food Cost

Here are some feeding guidelines for a Bedlington terrier

• Feed your puppy the same food it was eating at the breeder. This is essential to prevent stomach upsets.
• A puppy weighing around 10 lb. needs to eat ½ cup of dry food daily. You can divide this into 3-4 smaller meals.
• An adult Bedlington terrier weighs between 17 to 23 lb. and needs to eat one cup to one and a half cups of dry dog food per day. You can divide this into 2 small meals.
• Your Bedlington’s diet will also depend on its age, activity levels, and overall health. Lactating or pregnant bitches will need different food and quantities and so will a senior Bedlington terrier.
• Always evaluate your pet’s health from time to time and make dietary changes as advised by your vet.

The following table shows the food quantity per month and approximate food costs:

Bedlington Terrier Dog Food Comparison and Costs

The best food for a Bedlington terrier contains about 18-20% protein. Meat, fish, and eggs are good protein sources for most Bedlingtons. The food should also contain 5-10% healthy fats in the form of omega essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, etc. This is important for keeping their skin and coat healthy. You can also choose food with probiotics to enhance digestion and boost your terrier’s immunity.

Look for foods that contain meat as the first ingredient and do avoid ones that contain filler ingredients like corn, soy, and by-products. 

Here is a table showing the best dog food brands for Bedlington Terriers along with their price per pound:

Bedlington Terrier Medical Costs

Apart from food and training costs, you also need to budget for your Bedlington terrier’s health care. Your pet will need regular veterinary care which means at least two routine checkups per year. A single trip to the vet can cost around $50. If you need lab work, then add in another $100 to $300 depending on the tests. Dental treatments can cost around $200 or more depending on your pet’s dental health.

In the first year, your buddy will need many vaccinations and booster shots to prevent contagious canine diseases. Most vet practices charge between $50 and $100 for vaccines and they mainly include the core vaccinations like distemper, parvovirus, etc. If your vet adds in non-core vaccines like Lyme disease, rattlesnake, and Leptospirosis, then add another $35 to $50.

It is very important to prevent fleas and ticks on your Bedlington. They may seem harmless but, in reality, could spread deadly diseases. They can also cause severe itching in your pet. Most preventing flea/tick treatments cost around $50 for a 3 month supply.

De-worming is another important medical cost you will incur. Worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms, etc. can cause a host of issues in dogs. Therefore, you must follow a regular deworming schedule. Most deworming treatments cost between $8 and $30 depending on the medicine used.

Emergency medical costs

We can never predict the future and we never want to think of anything bad happening to our beloved pets. However, emergencies can arise in the form of your dog swallowing something sharp, or eating a cooked piece of bone that shatters, or something that may be toxic to it. 

Emergency vet visits could cost as high as $1000. If your buddy needs emergency surgery, then that can cost as much as $3000. Hospitalization and ICU stay can set you back by nearly $500 per day.

Here is a table showing approximate costs of common vet procedures:

Inherited Diseases in Bedlington Terriers

Copper toxicosis/copper storage hepatopathy

In Bedlington terriers, a common inherited disease is copper toxicosis. It is caused by the mutation of the COMMD1 gene. Symptoms of copper toxicosis include bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, bloody urine, etc. Treatment includes getting rid of the excess copper from the liver using chelation therapy. Most dogs diagnosed with the condition die within 2 years despite treatment. It is best to avoid breeding dogs with COMMD1 gene mutation.

Total retinal dysplasia

Symptoms of total retinal dysplasia in dogs include bumping into things, color changes within the eye, failure to recognize people, etc. As the disease progresses, it can cause bleeding in the eye, glaucoma, and even blindness. The cost of treating the condition usually includes surgery which can cost between $1300 and $1800 per eye. Parents of pups can be screened for this condition so it is preventable.

Buying Pet Insurance for Your Bedlington: Is It Worth it?

We protect ourselves, our cars, and our homes, so it only makes sense that we also protect our dogs. This is where the best pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance can cover many routine-and emergency-veterinary costs so you can provide your Bedlington terrier with the medical care it deserves, in a timely manner.

Most Bedlington terriers purchased from top breeders are usually healthy and hardy. However, an illness or an injury could occur anytime requiring you to spend thousands of dollars on medical bills. With pet insurance, you can rest easy knowing that your pet will receive the care it requires should the need arise. 

Pet insurance works in the same way as other insurances do. You decide upon the kind of coverage your best friend might need and pay monthly premiums. Should a medical emergency arise, the insurance company will reimburse most of the bill amounts. Some companies cover up to 90% of the total cost. Many even offer lucrative discounts on multiple pets and some have plans starting under $20 per month.

Here are the 5 top-rated pet insurance companies in the United States:

Additional Costs of Owning a Bedlington Terrier

As can be seen, owning a Bedlington terrier is a huge financial commitment. It is important that you can provide the best care to your beloved pet. In addition to the food, medical, and training costs, you also need to factor in the following expenses:

Spaying/neutering

In case you choose not to breed your terrier, you may want to spay/neuter it. Spaying/neutering can reduce many behavioral issues and also prevent certain cancers. The cost of spaying is slightly more than the cost of neutering surgery. It is best to get it done by your vet before your pet turns 1 year old. Expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the procedure.

Microchipping, registration, and license renewal

Microchipping isn’t compulsory but it is good to have. It is a painless procedure performed by a vet. Most vets charge around $45 for it. The chip inserted in your pet’s body can help you track it down in the event it is stolen or lost. Registration costs around $45. Every year, you need to renew your pet’s license for a small fee of $25.

Dog walking

Bedlington terriers need an hour of exercise every day. If you cannot commit to this, it is best to hire a dog walker. Without exercise, your Bedlington is bound to get bored, depressed, and, worse, obese. Dog walkers charge between $10 and $40 for a walk of 30-45 minutes.

Pet travel/boarding costs

If you travel frequently, then you have the option of taking your terrier with you. Alternatively, you can board it. Pet boarding costs $50-$75 per night. Traveling with a pet by air can set you back by $125-$250 per trip.

If both these options are not feasible, you could hire a pet-sitter to watch your dog. They usually charge around $45 per hour (or $75 per night) but they handle important tasks like feeding and walking your pet.

Grooming

Bedlingtons need regular grooming because their coat needs to be clipped every 6-8 weeks. Basic grooming costs around $30 in most cities and includes nail trimming, shampoo and blow-dry, ear cleaning, etc. For special grooming, you could pay $45 to $90 per session.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Bedlington Terrier Cost?

Let us summarize the cost of owning a Bedlington terrier. This will help you decide whether this breed is right for you.

Initial costs

First, consider the puppy’s price. If you’re buying your Bedlington from a breeder, expect to pay between $800 and $2700 for a puppy from top bloodlines. If you adopt, then the cost will be around $400. 

Then there are some initial basic or one-time expenses to consider. These include basic supplies like toys, food/water bowls, grooming tools, etc. Expect to pay a total of $200 for all these basic supplies.

Training is another cost in the first year. You could spend anywhere from $50 to $120 if you choose to bring a trainer home. Spaying and neutering along with vaccinations will cost another $200. Based on this, expect to spend between $1200 and $3000 in the first year.

Monthly costs

These mainly include costs of food, flea-tick prevention, grooming, and pet insurance. Spend at least $100 on high-quality food and treats. Grooming with special hair cuts can cost $75. Medical and insurance costs can be another $50. You might also face some unexpected expenses of around $50. The total monthly cost is around $150 to $300.

Annual cost

After the first year, the cost of owning a Bedlington will drop slightly. Expect to pay around $600 to $2000 per year. These costs mainly include food, medical, grooming, pet insurance, travel, etc.

Lifetime cost

The average lifespan of a Bedlington terrier is 10 to 13 years. If you bring your dog when it was a puppy, you might spend somewhere in the range of $10,000 to $30,000 over your dog’s lifetime. This may seem excessive, but once you bring your Bedlington home, you will want to ensure that it gets the best of everything.

We hope this guide helps you plan financially for your beloved Bedlington Terrier.