Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison

Originally known as Rodbury Terriers or Rothbury’s Lambs, and renowned for looking like a lamb, the Bedlington Terrier was bred in the village of Bedlington in Northumberland. They’ve had other names too and were also known as ‘gypsy dogs’ and this is because gypsies used them to hunt.

The Bedlington Terrier Club was established in 1875 and the National Bedlington Terrier Club was formed in England in 1877. The breed has links with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. When you look at the slightly arched back, it could also be related to the Whippet. They have been crossed with Whippets to get that speed, and feisty character.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known as an achondroplastic, a dwarf breed, and they come from Pembrokeshire in Wales. Not much is known of the dog's history but it is believed that the dogs came over with Flemish weavers who settled in Pembrokeshire way back in the 12th century already.

This dog breed has always been a cattle herding dog. Their fame has come from them being a favorite dog breed for the British royals and particularly of Queen Elizabeth II.

Lamb-Like in Looks but the Heart of a Lion

Don’t let their lamb-like appearance fool you – the Bedlington Terrier is a plucky dog who has some amazing speeds when it comes to swimming and running. This is an intelligent dog too and every bit a Terrier in spirit. Their tenacity has seen them being used in dog fighting as well.

The Look

The Bedlington Terrier stands at about 41cm in height and weighs between 8 – 10kg. Muscular, with a deep chest, graceful and lithe, not only does he look like a lamb but the dog’s expression is gentle too with bright deep-set eyes. When it comes to his coat, the dogs have blue, sandy or liver color coats and the coat has tan markings in some areas.

The coat is shaggy and is made up of hard- and soft hair that will need to be regularly trimmed. Known as a hypoallergenic breed, the coat is also described as thick and linty. The ears are floppy with rounded tips, and are thin and velvety in texture with a small silky tassel at the tip. The longish tail is set low and tapers down to a point.

The Pembroke Welsh stands at between 25 and 30cm in height and weighs between 11 and 14kg.

The coat is thick and shortish and can be fawn or a mix of colors such as white, cream, tan and black. The coat sheds quite a bit. Some of these dogs are born with their tail naturally short while others have the tail docked to give it that distinct look.

Temperament:

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loving dogs and with their human families, they want to become involved with their lives. They like to please their owners and are therefore easy to train and socialize, becoming very obedient and amicable.

They’re alert, intelligent dogs and make great watchdogs too. They get on well with other pets in the home as well as children.

You can’t miss the Bedlington Terrier – he has a striking resemblance to a lamb. The curly coat is interesting too – a mix of hard- and soft hair. He is friendly, loyal and devoted to his human family and is known to be a brave, courageous, feisty dog with the inclination to bark more. Socialization and training can change this though. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home. He isn’t aggressive but if taunted, he can put up a good fight.

This is a dog that can adapt to his surroundings so he slots in well to both city- and country living. Wherever he lives, he will need adequate exercise.

The present-day Bedlington Terrier, inducted by the American Kennel Club in 1967, is not a lamb by any means, and by choosing to have him as your pet, you’ll be amazed at his wonderful qualities that make him such in ideal companion.

British royalty has always loved the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and why not? He is loving, energetic, feisty, gentle, calm, friendly and intelligent.

Able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside, he will however need to be exercised every day as he has always been a herding- and working dog, used to working.

If you’re willing to bring the Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, he’ll show you what a splendid pet and companion he can be for you too.

Bedlington Terriers are a healthy breed, but just like other dogs, they are prone to some common dog illnesses. You can always ensure that your Bedlington reaches his 12 – 14 years of age lifespan by ensuring his vaccines are kept up to date, that he is fed excellent food and fresh water, he is exercised and that he is loved and cherished. Also, if you’re looking to buy a Bedlington, find a reputable breeder.

Some common health issues to look out for in your Bedlington Terrier include -

Hip dysplasia
Different eye diseases
Hypothyroidism
Copper storage hepatopathy or Liver Disease – this is a disease which can be inherited and where large amounts of copper accumulate in the tissues of the liver. The result is inflammation and cell damage and this can lead to liver failure and even death. Abdominal swelling, jaundice and weight loss are symptoms to watch for with this disease.

Pembrokes can live to be between 12 to 15 years. With good care they can live to be a ripe old age, but just like with any other dog, they can become ill with any of the many common dog illnesses there are.

Some of these diseases are hip dysplasia, monorchidism and degenerative myelopathy. Being a small or short dog, they are also prone to obesity.

Monorchidism:

This is a condition where only one testicle descends and the other isn’t able to descend into the scrotum. Both testicles should be in the scrotum by 2 months of age. Monorchidism is usually genetic and you may find your dog licking his genital area quite a bit.

If you suspect your dog has monorchidism, you will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Degenerative Myelopathy:

This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord and is usually seen in older dogs, starting with your dog losing coordination in the hind limbs.You’ll notice your dog dragging his feet.

As the disease progresses, the limbs weaken and the dog even has difficulty with standing. Eventually the dog is unable to walk. With time your pet even suffers with urinary and fecal incontinence. Fortunately it isn’t a painful disease but you will want to speak to your vet for advice.

Exercise and Training

The Bedlington Terrier is a lively, cheerful companion at home and is somewhat more relaxed than other terrier breeds. Affectionate and loyal, he just loves to spend time with his human family. He’ll love to be your companion on a walk and he gets delighted when you’re ready to play ball games with him. He makes a great friend for children too, and even though he makes a good watchdog, he will welcome any visitors you have. When trained and socialized he becomes an obedient, well behaved member of the family.

Grooming

The Bedlington coat sheds a little but the rough coat will need to be trimmed regularly and the coat brushed twice a week to ensure no tangling and to remove loose hairs. Also, regular cleaning of teeth and ears can help ensure that harmful bacteria doesn’t build up, ensuring the overall health of your dog.

If you bring a puppy home, make sure he gets his puppy vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Your puppy requires 4 meals a day. Make sure to always give your pet the best quality food there is to ensure his health. Avoid giving him spicy, human food. Dogs like simple, consistent diets which don’t upset the stomach. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, buy the best quality one that isn’t full of preservatives, colorants and fillers. Try and mix in some homemade food occasionally such as chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots. A little bit of raw meat occasionally will do wonders for your pet and he will have more energy, a shinier coat, less skin allergies and less inflammation.

Always ensure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Brush the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s hair twice a week. Feel for any unusual lumps while doing this. Check inside and outside his ears for ticks and fleas and ear infections.

Trim his nails.

Make sure if he goes outside that he has a shady spot to lie down in.

Exercise him. Take him on walks.

Give him your love and attention.

Take him to the vet when you can see that he is sick.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t intend for it to have puppies.