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Bedlington Terrier vs Maltipoo

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
Maltipoo breed photo

Maltipoo

AKCFCIKC

The Maltipoo is a popular designer dog that combines the gentle, affectionate nature of the Maltese with the intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle. These small, fluffy companions are known for their charming personalities and adaptability. Maltipoos thrive on human companionship and make excellent lap dogs, yet still enjoy playtime and short walks.

Size

Small

Energy

High

Lifespan

10+ years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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 TerrierMaltipoo
SizeMediumSmall
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingHighHigh
TrainabilityModerateEasy
Barking LevelLowHigh
Shedding LevelLowLow
Chew strengthModerateN/A
HousingApartmentApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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 Maltipoo.

Bedlington Terrier Dealbreakers

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

Maltipoo Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 50-65 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

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

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
Barking LevelLowHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bedlington Terrier bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Maltipoo bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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

Maltipoo 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

Maltipoo

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • oo is not a purse dog; it is a small athlete.
  • oo is a noisy Maltipoo [cite: 24, 25].
  • ** Positive reinforcement only. Both parent breeds are highly sensitive; harsh corrections or yelling will cause the dog to shut down or urinate submissively [cite: 26, 27].

Maltipoo Considerations

challengeThe "Shadow" Syndrome

Maltipoos will follow owners room-to-room. This is endearing until it becomes pathological. Owners who work 8+ hours away from home often find their Maltipoo develops destructive behaviors, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), or incessant vocalization.

challengeAlert Barking

Despite their small size, Maltipoos are vigilant watchdogs. They possess a high sensitivity to environmental noise (hallway footsteps, elevators, car doors). This trait, inherited from the alert Maltese and the sharp Poodle, can make apartment living contentious if not managed early. They do not bark to threaten, but to announce, and they announce *everything*.

challengeNeuroticism & "Small Dog Syndrome"

If treated like a human infant rather than a canine, Maltipoos can develop resource guarding and reactivity. They may snap when moved from a couch or become reactive toward larger dogs on walks due to fear.

Multi-Species Compatibility

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

Advanced Behavior

TraitBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowHigh
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

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

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

Maltipoo: Maltipoo puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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 TerrierMaltipoo
HeightN/AN/A
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryMediumSmall
Lifespan

12–16 years

N/A

Litter Size4-84-8

Bedlington Terrier Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Maltipoo Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
Original PurposeN/AThe Maltipoo is a "Designer Dog" originating in the United States in the 1990s
OriginN/Ain the United States in the 1990s

Breeding Details

DetailBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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

Maltipoo Health Issues

Patellar Luxation
Periodontal Disease
White Shaker Syndrome
Progressive Retinal AtrophyPRA
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Bedlington Terrier Suggested Tests

  • DNA testing for Copper Toxicosis (COMMD1)

Maltipoo Suggested Tests

  • Genetic testing for PRA-prcd
  • Patellar Luxation (OFA certified)
  • Daily dental hygiene
  • Annual/bi-annual professional veterinary dental cleanings
  • Weight management
  • Use of a harness instead of a collar

Health Risk Overview

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

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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.

Maltipoo 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

Maltipoo

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

Maltipoo Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
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 TerrierMaltipoo
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

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

Niche Suitability

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

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

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

Ongoing Costs

CostBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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$50-100
Vet Routine / YearN/A$300-800
Monthly Cost Tier

Bedlington Terrier Lifetime Cost

N/A

Maltipoo Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBedlington TerrierMaltipoo
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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