Skip to content

American Foxhound vs Bedlington Terrier

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

American Foxhound breed photo

American Foxhound

AKCFCIKC

The American Foxhound is a spirited and friendly breed known for its loyalty and endurance, originally bred for hunting foxes in the United States. With its keen sense of smell and melodious bay, it excels in tracking and makes for a gentle and affectionate companion.

Size

Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

11-13 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
Bedlington Terrier breed photo

Bedlington Terrier

AKCFCIKC

The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive and elegant dog breed known for its lamb-like appearance, characterized by a soft, curly coat and arched back. Originally bred in England for hunting and companionship, this breed is celebrated for its gentle yet spirited nature, making it a beloved family pet.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

12-16 years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK
DetailAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
SizeLargeMedium
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingLowHigh
TrainabilitychallengingModerate
Barking LevelHighLow
Shedding LevelMediumLow
HousingAcreageApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Experience LevelExperiencedBeginner
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a American Foxhound.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bedlington Terrier.

American Foxhound Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Bedlington Terrier Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

FactorAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Barking LevelHighLow
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
American Foxhound bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Bedlington Terrier bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

American Foxhound Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Bedlington Terrier Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Selective

Training

American Foxhound

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • Keep training sessions short and varied

Bedlington Terrier

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • Keep training sessions short and varied

American Foxhound Considerations

dealbreakerThe "Deafness" of the Nose

The most significant behavioral hurdle is their selective hearing. When an American Foxhound catches a scent, their ears effectively turn off. This is not stubbornness in the human sense; it is a biological override. Recall (coming when called) is notoriously unreliable, making off-leash activity in unfenced areas a dangerous gamble.

challengeThe Baying

This breed does not just bark; they "bay"—a loud, musical, carrying sound designed to be heard for miles across rolling hills. In a suburban neighborhood or apartment complex, this is a recipe for noise complaints and eviction notices. They often vocalize out of boredom or loneliness.

challengeWanderlust

If a gate is left unlatched or a fence is too low, they will be gone. Their stamina allows them to travel miles before they even realize they have left home.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
With CatsCaution - may chaseCaution - may chase
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

American Foxhound: American Foxhound puppies require consistent training and patience.

Bedlington Terrier: Bedlington Terrier puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
HeightN/AN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryLargeMedium
Lifespan11-13 years years12-16 years years
Litter Size4-84-8

American Foxhound Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Bedlington Terrier Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Original Purposespeed and competitive spiritN/A
OriginN/AN/A

Breeding Details

DetailAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

American Foxhound Health Issues

Thrombocytopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections
Pelger-Huet Anomaly
Hypothyroidism

Bedlington Terrier Health Issues

Copper ToxicosisCT
Retinal Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Kidney diseaseRenal Cortical Hypoplasia

American Foxhound Suggested Tests

  • Thrombocytopathy Screening
  • Hip Evaluation

Bedlington Terrier Suggested Tests

  • DNA testing for Copper Toxicosis (COMMD1)

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

American Foxhound Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Bedlington Terrier Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

American Foxhound

low maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Bedlington Terrier

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelLow
Seasonal SheddingLow
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

American Foxhound Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingAcreage
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Bedlington Terrier Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Monthly Range$90–$150$80–$160
Yearly Range$1,080–$1,800$960–$1,920
Food / Month$60-90N/A
Insurance / MonthN/AN/A
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / YearN/AN/A
Monthly Cost Tier

American Foxhound Lifetime Cost

N/A

Bedlington Terrier Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkAmerican FoxhoundBedlington Terrier
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, American Foxhounds can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
For American Foxhound & Bedlington Terrier owners

Turn your dog into a brand deal.

Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a American Foxhound or Bedlington Terrier, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.

Apply for free

No followers minimum · Free to join

Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View American Foxhound profile·View Bedlington Terrier profile