Bedlington Terriers and Italian Greyhounds are very different dog breeds with distinct characteristics and personalities. Here are some key differences to consider:
- Coat: Bedlington Terriers have a unique curly or wavy coat that sheds very little and requires regular grooming. On the other hand, Italian Greyhounds have smooth coat that sheds very little but requires less grooming.
- Temperament: Bedlington Terriers are known for being loyal, affectionate, and good-natured but can also be stubborn and independent. Italian Greyhounds are also affectionate and loving but can be more reserved and sensitive.
- Energy level: Bedlington Terriers are moderately active and enjoy daily exercise and playtime. Italian Greyhounds are known for their high energy levels and require regular exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- Health: Both breeds are generally healthy but may be prone to certain health issues. Bedlington Terriers may be prone to liver disease and eye problems, while Italian Greyhounds may be prone to dental and joint problems.
Physical Characteristics
Size
The Bedlington Terrier and Italian Greyhound vary in size. The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed, standing at 16-17 inches tall and weighing around 17-23 pounds. On the other hand, the Italian Greyhound is a small-sized dog breed, standing 13-15 inches tall and weighing around 7-14 pounds.
Coat
The Bedlington Terrier has a unique soft, curly, and woolly coat, often described as looking like a lamb. The coat colors vary but are mostly blue, liver, and sandy. The Italian Greyhound has a short and smooth coat in various colors, including black, blue, cream, fawn, red, and white.
Color
As mentioned above, the Bedlington Terrier comes in blue, liver, and sandy colors, while the Italian Greyhound comes in various colors. It is worth noting that the Italian Greyhound can also have markings on their coat, such as brindle or white markings.
Temperament
Personality
The Bedlington Terrier and Italian Greyhound have unique personalities, making them great companions. The Bedlington Terrier is known for being gentle and affectionate towards their owners. They are also known for being independent but still enjoy spending time with their family, are adaptable to different living situations, and have a calm demeanor.
The Italian Greyhound is also a loving and affectionate breed. They are known for being sensitive and can easily become attached to their owners. They are also playful and enjoy being active. However, they can be timid around strangers and may require socialization to prevent shyness.
Training
Based on observation, Bedlington Terriers and Italian Greyhounds require early training and socialization to develop good behavior and manners. The Bedlington Terrier can sometimes be stubborn and require a firm, consistent training approach. Positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise can effectively train them.
The Italian Greyhound is a sensitive breed and may require a gentle training approach. Harsh methods may cause them to become fearful or anxious and respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency.
Health
Common Health Issues
Both Bedlington Terriers and Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy breeds. However, like most dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health issues for Bedlington Terriers include:
- Copper toxicosis
- Eye problems like cataracts and retinal dysplasia
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
Meanwhile, some of the most common health issues for Italian Greyhounds include:
- Dental problems such as periodontal disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Hypothyroidism
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of a Bedlington Terrier is around 12-16 years, while the average lifespan of an Italian Greyhound is around 13-15 years, according to American Kennel Club. However, both breeds can live well into their senior years with proper care and attention.
Grooming and Care
Maintenance
Both the Bedlington Terrier and Italian Greyhound have different grooming needs. Bedlington Terriers have a thick, curly coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They should be groomed every 6-8 weeks to maintain their coat’s shape. On the other hand, Italian Greyhounds have short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They only need to be brushed once a week to remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny.
Both breeds require regular dental care to prevent dental problems. Brushing their teeth daily with dog toothpaste and providing them with dental chews can help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Diet
A healthy diet is important for both breeds to maintain their health and well-being. Bedlington Terriers require high-quality dog food rich in protein and low in fat to maintain their coat’s health. Bedlington Terriers and Italian Greyhounds can eat various foods, but it’s important to feed them a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Here are some foods that are generally safe and healthy for dogs:
- Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish (cooked, boneless, and skinless)
- Eggs (cooked)
- Apples (seedless and cut into small pieces)
- Bananas (cut into small pieces)
- Blueberries
- Carrots (cooked or raw)
- Green beans
- Pumpkin (canned, unsweetened)
- Sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal (cooked)
- Quinoa
It’s important to avoid feeding your dog foods that are toxic to them, including chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocado, and anything sweetened with xylitol. It’s also important to avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human food high in fat, salt, and sugar.
Based on experience, you should always talk to your veterinarian about dietary recommendations for your Bedlington Terrier or Italian Greyhound. Their nutritional needs may vary based on age, weight, and health status.
