Bedlington Terrier vs Chihuahua

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

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

VS
Chihuahua breed photo

Chihuahua

AKCFCIKC

The Chihuahua is a small dog breed known for its lively personality and alertness, often possessing a big-dog attitude despite its petite size. Originating from Mexico, this breed is characterized by its expressive eyes, large ears, and comes in a variety of colors and coat types.

Size

Extra Small

Energy

Medium

Lifespan

14-18 years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierChihuahua
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
DetailBedlington TerrierChihuahua
SizeMediumExtra Small
Energy LevelHighMedium
GroomingHighLow
TrainabilityModeratechallenging
Barking LevelLowHigh
Shedding LevelLowMedium
HousingApartmentApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Experience LevelBeginnerExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bedlington Terrier.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Chihuahua.

Bedlington Terrier Dealbreakers

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

Chihuahua Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 20-30 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

FactorBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Barking LevelLowHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bedlington Terrier bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Chihuahua bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

Bedlington Terrier Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Selective

Chihuahua Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Selective

Training

Bedlington Terrier

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

Chihuahua

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
s:** "Babying" the dog. Owners often carry them everywhere, denying them socialization and exercise, which creates a fearful, neurotic dog.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement is the only option. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or bite defensively.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesBedlington TerrierChihuahua
With CatsCaution - may chaseGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-12
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

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

Chihuahua: Chihuahua puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBedlington TerrierChihuahua
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

MeasurementBedlington TerrierChihuahua
HeightN/AN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryMediumExtra Small
Lifespan12-16 years years14-18 years years
Litter Size4-84-8

Bedlington Terrier Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Chihuahua Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Original PurposeN/AThe Chihuahua's lineage traces back to the Techichi, a mute companion dog of the Toltec civilization
OriginN/Acoat gene

Breeding Details

DetailBedlington TerrierChihuahua
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

Bedlington Terrier Health Issues

Copper ToxicosisCT
Retinal Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Kidney diseaseRenal Cortical Hypoplasia

Chihuahua Health Issues

Periodontal Disease13.5% prevalence
Obesity5.9% prevalence
Retained Deciduous Teeth5.7% prevalence
Patellar Luxation4.0% prevalence
Aggression4.2% prevalence

Bedlington Terrier Suggested Tests

  • DNA testing for Copper Toxicosis (COMMD1)

Chihuahua Suggested Tests

  • Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
  • Annual cardiac auscultation
  • Orthopedic check for patellar luxation

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

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.

Chihuahua 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

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

Chihuahua

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

Lifestyle Compatibility

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

Chihuahua Daily Life

Exercise Needs20-30 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionBedlington TerrierChihuahua
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Monthly Range$80–$160$50–$110
Yearly Range$960–$1,920$600–$1,320
Food / MonthN/A$20-50
Insurance / MonthN/A$30-60
Grooming / SessionN/A$0-50
Vet Routine / YearN/A$20-50
Monthly Cost Tier

Bedlington Terrier Lifetime Cost

N/A

Chihuahua Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBedlington TerrierChihuahua
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bedlington Terriers can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
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Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View Bedlington Terrier profile·View Chihuahua profile