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Bedlington Terrier Dogs for Adoption in Portland, ME

Your guide to finding and caring for a Bedlington Terrier in Portland

Bedlington Terriers suit Portland's walkable neighborhoods, as long as the leash stays on near squirrels. At 17 to 23 pounds, a Bedlington handles the stairs of a Parkside triple-decker easily and stays calm on a quiet Rosemont street. A lap around Capisic Pond Park gives the breed a good outing, though its sighthound speed makes off-leash recall a gamble. Expect a curly coat that barely sheds and a playful, affectionate dog that wants to be near you.

9766 dogs similar to Bedlington Terrier available in Portland and nationwide

Find your Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terriers and Similar Breeds Available for Adoption Near Portland

About the Bedlington Terrier breed

The Bedlington Terrier comes from the mining country around Bedlington, Northumberland, England, where miners valued it for clearing vermin and chasing rabbits. Its pear-shaped head, woolly topknot and arched back give it a lamb-like look, but the body underneath is lean and fast, and Whippet ancestry likely explains its speed.

Most Bedlingtons are gentle and affectionate at home and quick to spring into action when something small runs by. The crisp, curly coat sheds very little but needs regular brushing and a professional clip every six to eight weeks. In Portland, that means planning for a groomer and for leashed walks, since city streets require a leash of 8 feet or less. Each dog differs in energy and temperament.

Weight
17–23 lbs
Height
15–18 in
Lifespan
11–16 yrs
Temperament
Gentle, Playful, Spirited
Group
Terrier
Shedding
Low

Owning a Bedlington Terrier in Portland

Having a Bedlington Terrier in Portland

Bedlingtons combine a soft look with a fast, athletic build and terrier courage. For Portland adopters, the details that matter most are a secure fence or leash, regular clipping, a liver-health plan with a veterinarian, and how a small dog handles snowy winters.

Temperament

Bedlingtons are usually affectionate, playful and mellow at home, with terrier pluck when something excites them. Many chase cats and small animals, so introductions matter. In Portland's close-set neighborhoods, early practice with passing dogs, bikes and sidewalk crowds helps. Every Bedlington is different, and history and socialization shape behavior as much as breed does.

Exercise Needs

Plan on daily walks plus a chance to run hard. The fenced Valley Street Dog Park on the West End edge lets a Bedlington stretch out safely, and Back Cove Trail suits leashed loops on an 8-foot leash. Voice-control areas require you to stay within 50 feet with a leash in hand, a risky fit for a chase-prone terrier.

Health Considerations

Copper toxicosis, an inherited liver disorder, is the best-known concern; a DNA test and liver monitoring through a veterinarian can help guide diet. Bedlingtons can also develop cataracts, abnormal eyelashes, loose kneecaps and kidney disease. Because Lyme disease is endemic in Maine, check for ticks after wooded walks and keep up preventive care.

Living Space

A Bedlington is quiet and tidy indoors, so it adapts to Portland's mix of triple-deckers, condos and single-family homes when daily exercise happens. Stairs are no trouble for a dog this size. A high, secure fence matters more than yard size, and homes with cats or other small pets need careful, gradual introductions.

What it costs to own a Bedlington Terrier in Portland

ExpenseTypical costPer year
Food$20 to $45 per month$240 to $540
Pet insurance$40 to $85 per month$480 to $1,020
Routine vet care$200 to $400 per year$200 to $400
Other*$831 to $2,161 per year$831 to $2,161
Estimated yearly total (after year one)$1,751 to $4,121

Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.

* Professional clipping every 6 to 8 weeks, a dental cleaning allowance, flea, tick and heartworm prevention, the Maine dog license ($6 if spayed or neutered, $11 if not), and toys and bedding.

Adopt a Bedlington Terrier in Portland.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have dogs available in and near Portland.

Rescues and Shelters in or near Portland

Portland's shelter and rescue community lists adoptable dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds, and the listings change often. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Portland area with dogs available for adoption, worth asking whether a Bedlington Terrier is coming in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a Bedlington Terrier usually does well in a Portland apartment because it's quiet and tidy indoors, as long as it gets daily walks and play. It may bark at hallway noise, and Portland's code gives a warning before fining for habitual barking. Stairs in triple-deckers are easy for a 17-to-23-pound dog, but get landlord approval in writing first.

Yes, with some preparation. A small, lean Bedlington gets chilly on long walks, so a coat or sweater helps, especially after a fresh clip. Wipe paws after salted sidewalks, keep potty trips short during deep freezes, and plan indoor play on icy days. Keep the dog inside, since Maine law requires insulated shelter for outdoor dogs.

Valley Street Dog Park is the safest bet for running, since it's fenced. For wooded walks, Baxter Woods allows voice control only 5–9 a.m. and 3–10 p.m. from August through March, and requires an 8-foot leash April through July. The Eastern Promenade has marked off-leash zones, but a chase-prone Bedlington often does better on a leash.

Sometimes. METRO buses require pets to ride in a contained carrier, so a Bedlington would need one big enough for its 17-to-23-pound frame. The Amtrak Downeaster allows only pets of 20 pounds or less in a carrier, with a reservation. Casco Bay Lines ferries let dogs ride with their own ticket. Portland has no subway.

Not inside. Maine law bars pet dogs from indoor dining rooms where food is prepared and served, though service animals are exempt. Patio policies are set by each restaurant, so look for a posted welcome before sitting down with your dog. A well-exercised Bedlington usually settles under a table, but keep it leashed and away from dropped food.

Plan on brushing several times a week and a professional clip about every six to eight weeks. Portland's damp fall and snowy winter mean mud and road salt cling to the curly coat and legs, so wipe down after walks and comb out mats promptly. Professional clipping is the largest part of the yearly Other costs on this page.

Often, yes. Portland's walkable neighborhoods, leashed loops and fenced dog park suit a moderate-energy small dog, and a Bedlington's low-shedding coat is easy indoors. The tradeoffs are cold winters, regular clipping, tick checks after wooded walks and the need for a leash near squirrels. Each dog's own energy level matters too, so a household that's home often tends to do well.

Bedlington Terriers can be good family dogs, especially in homes with older children who play gently. Many are affectionate, playful and calm indoors, and they usually bond closely with their people. Their terrier spirit means they may not tolerate rough handling, and a strong chase drive can complicate life with small pets. Meeting the individual dog is the best test.

Bedlington Terriers are small to medium dogs, standing about 15 to 17.5 inches at the shoulder, with males a bit taller than females. Most weigh between 17 and 23 pounds. Their long legs, arched back and fluffy coat can make them look larger than they are. An adult rescue's current measurements give the clearest picture.

A Bedlington in Portland typically costs roughly $1,750 to $4,120 a year. Food runs $20–$45 a month, pet insurance $40–$85 a month, and routine vet care $200–$400 a year. Other costs, mainly professional clipping, dental care and parasite prevention, add $831–$2,161 a year. Insurance runs higher because of the breed's inherited liver condition.

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