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Bedlington Terrier vs Lagotto Romagnolo

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
Lagotto Romagnolo breed photo

Lagotto Romagnolo

AKCFCIKC

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed known for its curly, water-resistant coat and exceptional truffle hunting abilities. Originally bred as a water retriever in the Romagna region, this intelligent and affectionate dog is increasingly popular as a family companion due to its friendly and energetic nature.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

15-17 yrs

Height

Not Specified cm

Quick Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
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 TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
SizeMediumMedium
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingHighHigh
TrainabilityModerateModerate
Barking LevelLowHigh
Shedding LevelLowLow
Chew strengthModerateModerate
HousingApartmentYard

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Experience LevelBeginnerBeginner
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 Lagotto Romagnolo.

Bedlington Terrier Dealbreakers

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

Lagotto Romagnolo Dealbreakers

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

Surrender Risk

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

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Barking LevelLowHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bedlington Terrier bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Lagotto Romagnolo bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
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

Lagotto Romagnolo Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

Bedlington Terrier

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

Lagotto Romagnolo

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • ** They are sensitive dogs. Harsh corrections or yelling will cause them to shut down or become fearful. Positive reinforcement (treats/toys) is the only effective method.

Lagotto Romagnolo Considerations

challengeAlert Barking & Noise Sensitivity

The Lagotto was historically a watchdog on the barges of the Romagna marshlands. This instinct remains intact. They are . They will bark at delivery trucks, neighbors, and leaves blowing across the driveway. Unlike a Golden Retriever who might welcome a burglar, a Lagotto will announce them loudly. This makes them challenging for thin-walled apartments.

dealbreakerStranger Wariness

This is not a "love everyone" breed like a Labrador. Lagottos are naturally reserved and can be suspicious of strangers. Without extensive, positive socialization during the critical puppy window (8-16 weeks), this reserve can curdle into fear-based reactivity. They often require a proper introduction protocol before accepting new guests into the home.

challengeThe "Digging" Imperative

This is the only breed in the world specialized for truffle hunting. The instinct to dig is . If you do not provide a designated digging spot (like a sandbox) or engage them in nosework, they will likely "landscape" your garden or dig at your carpets.

Multi-Species Compatibility

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

Advanced Behavior

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

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

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

Lagotto Romagnolo: Lagotto Romagnolo puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
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 TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
HeightN/ANot Specified cm
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryMediumMedium
Lifespan

12–16 years

15–17 years

Litter Size4-84-8

Bedlington Terrier Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lagotto Romagnolo Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Original PurposeN/AThe Lagotto Romagnolo is arguably the grandfather of all water dogs
OriginN/Ain the marshlands of the Romagna sub-region of Italy

Breeding Details

DetailBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
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

Lagotto Romagnolo Health Issues

Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD): ~11% carriers, ~1% affected
Benign Familial Juvenile EpilepsyBFJE
Hip Dysplasia
Cerebellar AbiotrophyCA
HyperuricosuriaHUU

Bedlington Terrier Suggested Tests

  • DNA testing for Copper Toxicosis (COMMD1)

Lagotto Romagnolo Suggested Tests

  • DNA testing for Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD)
  • DNA testing for Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE)
  • OFA or PennHIP scores (for Hip Dysplasia)
  • DNA testing for Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

Health Risk Overview

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

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
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.

Lagotto Romagnolo 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

Lagotto Romagnolo

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

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

Lagotto Romagnolo Daily Life

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

Housing & Legal Restrictions

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

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumHigh

Travel Compatibility

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

Niche Suitability

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

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

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

Ongoing Costs

CostBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
Monthly Range$80–$160$80–$160
Yearly Range$960–$1,920$960–$1,920
Food / MonthN/AN/A
Insurance / MonthN/AN/A
Grooming / SessionN/A$100-150
Vet Routine / YearN/AN/A
Monthly Cost Tier

Bedlington Terrier Lifetime Cost

N/A

Lagotto Romagnolo Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBedlington TerrierLagotto Romagnolo
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.

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