About the Bedlington Terrier: Breed Overview
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful, lamb-like breed known for its distinctive curly coat, arched back, and surprisingly athletic build. Originally bred in Northumberland, England for hunting vermin, the Bedlington combines elegance with tenacity. Despite their gentle appearance, these dogs have robust jaws and teeth that require consistent dental attention from their owners.
Bedlington Terriers typically weigh 17–23 pounds and live 11–16 years. Their medium-sized jaw and relatively even bite pattern make dental care manageable — but like all terrier breeds, they can be prone to tartar accumulation if oral hygiene is neglected.
Bedlington Terrier Dental Anatomy
The Bedlington Terrier has 42 permanent adult teeth — the standard count for all domestic dogs. Their jaw structure is moderate: neither as compressed as brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs) nor as elongated as dolichocephalic dogs (like Greyhounds). This balanced bite means teeth have reasonable spacing, which helps reduce tartar buildup compared to breeds with crowded dentition.
One notable anatomical feature is the Bedlington’s strong canine teeth. Because these dogs were bred to seize and hold fast-moving prey, their canines are well-developed. These teeth, along with the premolars, are most susceptible to tartar buildup and require the most attention during brushing.
Common Dental Problems in Bedlington Terriers
Periodontal disease is the most frequent dental issue in Bedlington Terriers, as it is in most medium-sized breeds. Studies show that over 80% of dogs develop some form of gum disease by age three without consistent oral care. In Bedlingtons, this often begins as gingivitis — redness and mild swelling of the gums — and can progress to deeper periodontal tissue destruction if left untreated.
Tartar buildup tends to concentrate on the upper premolars and canine teeth. Once tartar (calculus) hardens, it cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional scaling under anesthesia. Signs of excessive tartar include yellow-brown deposits on tooth surfaces, persistent bad breath, and reluctance to chew hard food.
Tooth fractures are a risk for Bedlingtons who chew hard objects. Antlers, hard nylon bones, and real bones can fracture carnassial teeth (the large upper premolars), sometimes requiring extraction or root canal therapy.
Daily Teeth Brushing for Bedlington Terriers
Daily brushing is the gold standard of canine dental care. For Bedlington Terriers, the process is generally straightforward once the dog is conditioned to accept oral handling from an early age. Aim for at least 4–5 brushing sessions per week to see meaningful plaque reduction.
What you need:
- A dog-specific toothbrush (finger brush works well for first-time introductions)
- Enzymatic dog toothpaste (never use human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic to dogs)
- A calm, comfortable environment with consistent timing
Brushing technique: Lift the lip gently, apply toothpaste to the brush, and use small circular motions targeting the gumline. Focus on the outer surfaces (cheek-facing sides) of the upper back teeth where tartar accumulates most. Most Bedlingtons tolerate brushing well once routinely introduced as puppies.
Dental Chews and Supplements
For Bedlington Terriers who resist brushing or as a supplementary measure, dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can help reduce plaque by 20–30%. Look for the VOHC seal on products like CET Hextra chews or Greenies. Choose a size appropriate for the Bedlington’s weight range (small to medium dog sizes).
Dental water additives containing enzymes or chlorhexidine can also reduce oral bacteria when added to the drinking bowl daily. These are a low-effort addition to a dental care routine but should not replace brushing.
Professional Dental Cleaning Schedule
Even with consistent home care, most Bedlington Terriers benefit from a professional dental cleaning every 1–2 years. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s teeth and gum health at annual wellness exams and recommend cleanings as needed.
Professional cleanings are performed under general anesthesia and involve:
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gumline
- Polishing to smooth enamel and slow future tartar adhesion
- Full-mouth dental X-rays to detect hidden bone loss or tooth root issues
- Extractions if any teeth are non-salvageable
The cost typically ranges from $300 to $800 depending on your geographic location and the extent of cleaning required.
Dental Care for Bedlington Terrier Puppies
Bedlington Terrier puppies begin teething around 3–4 months of age, when deciduous (baby) teeth are replaced by permanent adult teeth. During this period, puppies may chew excessively to relieve discomfort. Provide appropriate chew toys — soft rubber or rope toys work well — to redirect chewing behavior away from furniture and household items.
Begin handling your Bedlington puppy’s mouth from week 8 onward. Gently lift the lips, touch the gums, and introduce the toothbrush gradually with palatable toothpaste. Puppies that are comfortable with oral handling from an early age are far easier to brush throughout their adult lives.
Monitor for retained deciduous teeth — sometimes a baby tooth fails to fall out when the permanent tooth erupts beneath it. Retained teeth create crowding and significantly increase tartar risk. If you notice double teeth in your puppy, consult your vet promptly; retained deciduous teeth usually need extraction.
Warning Signs of Dental Problems
Monitor your Bedlington Terrier for these early warning signs that dental intervention may be needed:
- Persistent bad breath — beyond mild “dog breath” to a noticeably foul odor
- Visible tartar — yellow or brown hard deposits on teeth, especially back teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums — signs of active gingivitis or periodontitis
- Pawing at the mouth — may indicate tooth pain or a foreign object between teeth
- Reluctance to eat hard food — a classic sign of oral discomfort
- Dropping food while eating — possible dental pain affecting chewing ability
If you observe any of these signs, schedule a veterinary dental evaluation promptly. Early intervention is almost always less invasive and less expensive than treating advanced disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related reading: Bedlington Terrier dental care guide