Both Bedlington Terriers and Beagles require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, Beagles are more active and require more exercise than Bedlington Terriers, as they were originally bred for hunting. Both breeds also require regular grooming, although the Bedlington Terrier’s curly coat requires more attention than the Beagle’s short coat.
Physical Characteristics
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a small dog typically weighing 17-23 pounds and standing about 15-17 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive pear-shaped head, with a narrow, pointed muzzle and a tufted topknot of hair on their forehead. Their ears are small and folded over, and their eyes are almond-shaped and dark. Bedlington Terriers have a thick, curly coat that is usually gray or liver-colored and have a graceful, arched back.
One of the unique physical characteristics of the Bedlington Terrier is their unique gait, which is described as a “lamb-like” hop due to their long, powerful hind legs and shorter front legs, which give them a distinctive, bouncy stride.
Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that typically weighs between 20-30 pounds and stands about 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder, according to the American Kennel Club. They have broad, square heads, large, floppy ears, and big, expressive eyes. Beagles have short, sleek coats in various colors, including black, white, tan, and red.
One of the most unique physical characteristics of the Beagle is its powerful sense of smell, which is second only to that of the Bloodhound. They have a long, droopy snout that is perfectly designed for sniffing out scents, and they are often used as hunting dogs or in search and rescue operations.
Temperament
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a gentle and affectionate breed known for being loyal and devoted to their families. They are also intelligent and curious dogs, always eager to explore their surroundings. Bedlington Terriers are generally good with children and pets but may be reserved with strangers and have a high prey drive, so they may not be suitable for households with small animals such as cats or rodents.
Bedlington Terriers are active dogs, but they do not require excessive exercise. Instead, they enjoy going for walks and playing in a fenced yard and are adaptable to apartment living as long as they have enough mental and physical stimulation.
Beagle
The Beagle is a friendly and outgoing breed known for being sociable and getting along well with children and other pets. They are also intelligent and curious dogs, always eager to explore their surroundings. Beagles are generally good with strangers but may be susceptible to separation anxiety if left alone for an extended period.
Beagles are active dogs and need regular exercise. They love going for strolls and playing in a fenced yard. They are also adaptable to apartment living as long as they acquire enough mental and physical stimulation. It is crucial to note that both breeds may have a stubborn streak and require consistent training and socialization from a young age.
Training and Exercise
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training. They are keen to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can have a stubborn streak, so consistency and patience are key. Early socialization is also important to prevent any aggression toward other dogs.
As for exercise, the Bedlington Terrier is an energetic breed that demands daily exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A brisk walk, jog, and playtime in a fenced yard or park should suffice. They also love participating in canine sports such as agility and obedience trials.
Beagle
The Beagle is a friendly and curious breed that can sometimes be distractible during training. However, with tolerance and consistency, they can learn basic obedience commands and are known for their strong sense of smell, making it more difficult to train off-leash.
Like the Bedlington Terrier, the Beagle requires daily exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They appreciate going for walks and playing in a fenced yard or park. However, it’s important to note that Beagles tend to become overweight, so their exercise routine should be coupled with a healthy diet.
The Bedlington Terrier and Beagle require daily attention and consistency regarding training and exercise. They may be excellent companions for families and individuals with proper training and exercise.
Health and Lifespan
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are typically healthy, but like all dogs, they are prone to common health issues. Bedlington Terriers may face various health issues, and some of the most common ones are:
- Copper toxicosis
- Patellar luxation
- Thyroid problems
- Heart disease
Bedlington Terriers have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. To ensure that your Bedlington Terrier lives a long and healthy life, it is vital to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups, provide a healthy diet, and ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise.
Beagle
In general, Beagles are a healthy breed based on experience. However, Beagles may experience common health problems like any other dog breed. Here are some of the most typical health issues that they may encounter:
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Cherry eye
- Hypothyroidism
On average, Beagles can live for 10 to 15 years. If you want your Beagle to live a long and healthy life, take them for regular veterinary check-ups, provide a nutritious diet, and give them enough exercise.
