A Detailed Comparison of the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

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Bedlington Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bedlington Terrier and for the Lancashire Heeler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bedlington Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler.

Bedlington Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

A very important difference between the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bedlington Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Bedlington Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bedlington Terrier to the Lancashire Heeler based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Bedlington Terrier Lancashire Heeler
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 14 to 16 years 9 to 14 years
Height 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 17 to 23 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2530 No Data
Price Range $2000 – $2800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • COPPER TOXICOSIS
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 1 year
  • Patellar Luxation
  • VetGen
    		•
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bedlington Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lancashire Heeler. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Bedlington Terrier is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bedlington Terrier is a better pet than the Lancashire Heeler. So, you should get the Bedlington Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    Below is a list of where the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most different:

    • Bedlington Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.
    • Bedlington Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Lancashire Heelers are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Bedlington Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    The Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:

    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bedlington Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

    Bedlington Terriers weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Bedlington Terriers are 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bedlington Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of Bedlington Terriers is between 14 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Bedlington Terriers is 15.0 years.

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

    Bedlington Terriers live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Health Problems of Bedlington Terrier versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bedlington Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bedlington Terrier than for the Lancashire Heeler.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bedlington Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bedlington Terriers and in Lancashire Heelers.

    Bedlington Terrier Health Problems

    Bedlington Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bedlington Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bedlington Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bedlington Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bedlington Terriers for:

  • COPPER TOXICOSIS
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 1 year
  • Patellar Luxation
  • VetGen

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bedlington Terriers here.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

    Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bedlington Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Bedlington Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bedlington Terriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Bedlington Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bedlington Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler

    Bedlington Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bedlington Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Bedlington Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bedlington Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Bedlington Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Bedlington Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Bedlington Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Bedlington Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bedlington Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bedlington Terrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Bedlington Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bedlington Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bedlington Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bedlington Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Bedlington Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Bedlington Terriers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Bedlington Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bedlington Terriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Bedlington Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Bedlington Terrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Bedlington Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bedlington Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Bedlington Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bedlington Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Bedlington Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bedlington Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bedlington Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.