The Bedlington Whippet is a cross between a Bedlington Terrier and a Whippet.
A member of the Lurcher family, this hybrid dog breed is still relatively uncommon but they’re an increasingly popular mix thanks to some enticing traits.
For example, Bedlington Terriers are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed so there’s a chance your Bedlington Whippet will be a low-shedding canine.
However, no two Bedlington Whippets will be the same seeing as they’re a combination of two different dogs.
In this article, we’ll speak to Insta-famous Beldlington Whippet Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) to learn more about this increasingly popular mixed breed.
So with the introduction over, let’s take a deep dive into all things Bedlington Whippet.
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What Is A Bedlington Whippet?
Mia the Bedlington Whippet (Photo: miathebedlingtonwhippet / Instagram)
A Bedlington Whippet is a cross between a Bedlington Terrier and a Whippet.
While the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet are dog breeds recognised by the Kennel Club, the organization hasn’t granted the Bedlington Whippet status.
However, this hybrid dog remains a popular mix, especially in the UK where the parent breeds are more commonly seen.
They can also be called Bedlington Lurcher.
What Are The Origins Of The Bedlington Whippet?
The Bedlington Whippet is thought to have originated in the early 1990s when hybrid dogs became much more popular (with lots of Doodle varieties popping up). Initially bred to be working dogs, they were tasked with chasing pests of an owner’s property.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) shared a little more detail about the origins of the cross breed.
They take the “best bits” of both breeds – the athletic build and incredible speed of Whippets and the high endurance and pluckiness of Bedlingtons.
How Big Do Bedlington Whippets Get?
Bedlington Whippets can grow to a height between 15 and 22 inches and weigh from 10 to 18 kg.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) shared her perspective:
They’re smaller than most other Lurcher breeds. However, as they are a crossbreed, they do vary in size quite considerably.
Bedlington Whippet Appearance
Mia the Bedlington Whippet (Photo: miathebedlingtonwhippet / Instagram)
Bedlington Whippets can inherit physical traits from the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet. So there’s some variety within the cross breed.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) highlighted how the Bedlington Whippet’s appearance can vary within the cross breed depending on whether they take after their Bedlington Terrier or Whippet parent.
Bedlington Whippets are found in the same range of colours as Whippets and Bedlington Terriers, meaning there is a range of shades, from snowy white to blue-grey, browns, and mottled grey-black. Like Bedlington Terriers, Bedlington Whippets have a thick, closely woven shaggy coat that doesn’t get quite as long. Depending upon their ancestry, the fur can even be shorter and woolier, if they resemble their Whippet parent more.
Bedlington Whippet Temperament
It’s important to note that every Bedlington Whippet will be slightly different so if you’re looking for certain desired traits, there’s no guarantee your Bedlington Whippet will meet your expectations.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) shared her perspective on Bedlington Whippet temperament.
I can only speak on authority with regards to Mia who is incredibly gentle and gentle. However, she can be very strong-willed and a little aloof when meeting other dogs and people she doesn’t know and this comes off as being shy. She has never been aggressive but will stand up for herself if another dog takes play too far with her or with other dogs that she knows. She is very loving and loyal. She does want to be close to you but she is not a particularly cuddly dog – it is very much on her terms if she wants to come for a cuddle.
Are Bedlington Whippets Hard To Train?
The Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet were both ranked in the top 50 smartest dogs in Stanley Coren’s infamous study on canine IQ called The Intelligence Of Dogs. They were described as having average intelligence and obedience. However, the book is nearly 30 years old and both breeds are considered reasonably intelligent.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) considers Bedlington Whippets to be a smart cross breed.
They’re an incredibly intelligent breed so pick up training very quickly the basics (sit, stay etc). We got it down in the first few weeks, the same with house training. Recall was our largest struggle especially when squirrels are involved, but with a lot of constant practice we are getting there (she is only a year). Like all dogs, it is an ongoing process.
Bedlington Whippet Exercise
Bedlington Whippets will need between 60 and 120 minutes of exercise a day. This can take various formats – a walk, a run at the dog park, a training session in the garden or scent work in the home.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) gets at least two hours of exercise a day.
We take out Mia for a minimum of 2.5 hours a day combining higher intensity running and play with longer more steady walks.
Do Bedlington Whippets Shed A Lot?
Mia the Bedlington Whippet (Photo: miathebedlingtonwhippet / Instagram)
As we mentioned at the start of the article, Bedlington Terriers are a hypoallergenic dog breed. They don’t shed at all – but the Whippet is considered a moderate shedder. When you combine the Bedlington Terrier and the Whippet, you may end up with a low-shedding mix but there’s no guarantee. This is something to be aware of if you’re someone with allergies to dogs. If your Bedlington Whippet has a short coat, you can get away with a weekly brush. Long-coated Bedlington Whippets will need to be brushed every couple of days to remove dead hair, debris and dirt.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) gets a weekly brushing.
They don’t shed much which is an added bonus! With regards to grooming, Mia’s coat is short for a Bedlington Whippet, so we groom her once a week but that is more to bond with her and get her used to grooming – which she loves.
Would You Say Bedlington Whippets Are Family-Friendly Dogs?
Every dog is different – and the Bedlington Whippet is no different. While some members of the cross breed may excel in a family home, others might prefer a more predictable, quieter and relaxed environment. It’s a good idea to educate children on how to interact with a dog as well as constant supervision.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) is a little aloof.
Mia is an incredibly friendly dog but she’s not fond of people, especially children approaching her. If they give her time to come to them then she is very loving and calm.
Do Bedlington Whippets Suffer With Separation Anxiety?
Any dog can suffer from separation anxiety irrespective of breed or mix. Bedlington Whippets are no different. Separation anxiety can occur when owners are about to exit the home or once they’ve left.
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) doesn’t appear to suffer with separation anxiety when she’s left alone.
She is fine to be left alone for a few hours. We have the most amazing welcome home too (once she wakes up!)
Owner Advice For Someone Looking For A Bedlington Whippet Breeder Or Puppy
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) offered some advice to anyone thinking about getting a Bedlington Whippet.
Make sure you go and visit where they have been brought up and meet the mum, ask questions about the dad if you can’t meet them. As they are a cross breed, it is a good indication of the size your puppy will grow to.
How Much Does A Bedlington Whippet Puppy Cost?
Mia the Bedlington Whippet (Photo: miathebedlingtonwhippet / Instagram)
Bedlington Whippets can cost between £1000 and £2000. As a cross breed, there isn’t a dedicated club that governs Bedlington Terrier breeders so you’ll need to be careful that you’re dealing with an ethical, legitimate breeder.
Mia’s owner (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) revealed how much she paid for her Whippet.
We got Mia at the peak of lockdown so she was £1,500 – I’m not sure if they have come down in price since then.
Can You Give An Insight Into The Monthly Costs Of Owning A Bedlington Whippet?
Mia the Bedlington Whippet (Photo: miathebedlingtonwhippet / Instagram)
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) is described by her owners as a low-maintenance dog.
Mia is very low maintenance – we pay for insurance and food that is it we have had no vet visits or need of grooming.
Are Bedlington Whippet Fussy Eaters Or Have Any Dietary Requirements?
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet) does show some pickiness with her dog food.
Mia can be a very picky eater, in regards to when she eats. Some days she will choose not to eat and then eat the same combination of foods the next day. However other Bedlington Whippet owners I know say their dogs eat everything and have more of a Whippet’s appetite.
Bedlington Whippet Misconceptions
Mia (@miathebedlingtonwhippet):
I am not sure there are many misconceptions, before we got Mia, we read a lot saying that they were not good dogs for first-time owners or that they weren’t good city / flat dogs. We have had no issues at all. I think so long as you are committed and make time to take your dog out and invest in them you can make it work incredibly well.
Wrapping Up
Mia the Bedlington Whippet (Photo: miathebedlingtonwhippet / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our Bedlington Terrier feature.
They’re a cross between a Bedlington Terrier and a Whippet to result in a wooly hybrid dog.
Sometimes dubbed Bedlington Lurchers, these dogs require a lot of exercise so they’re prefer for dog lovers who enjoy long walks.
They can be relatively low-shedding dogs with minimal grooming needs, especially short-coated Bedlington Whippets.
However, it’s important to remember each Bedlington Whippet can differ ever so slightly so it’s impossible to predict the exact traits a Bedlington Whippet will inherit from their parents.
