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The Bedlington Whippet cross is becoming an increasingly popular Whippet mix and it’s a breed I see more and more as time passes.
Bred from Whippets and Bedlington Terriers, it’s a very elegant mix combining the best of both parent breeds: the athletic build and incredible speed of Whippets and the high endurance and pluckiness of Bedlingtons.
In this post I’m going to provide a detailed overview of the Bedlington Whippet cross, focusing on the following topics:
Table of Contents
- An Introduction to Bedlington Terriers
- Bedlington Whippet Cross Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
- Exercise & Care
- Bedlington Whippet Images from Instagram
- Summary
An Introduction to Bedlington Terriers
The Bedlington Terrier has a fairly potted history, and although now considered a breed in it’s own right, it’s full origins are not fully understood.
Bedlingtons appear to be closely related to Dandie Dinmont Terriers. However, they’re larger and their body shape suggests that (ironically for this article) there is Whippet somewhere in their line.
Their name comes from the village of Bedlington, a village in Northumberland in the north east of England. It’s in this area where Bedlington Terriers seem to have arisen, where they were likely bred as working dogs to help keep rodents at bay around coal mines.
Their popularity expanded beyond mining regions, probably as much for their endurance and athleticism as well as their loving nature and appealing curly coats.
The Bedlington Terrier is still a very popular dog breed, and likely as a consequence, the Bedlington Whippet cross attracts a very loyal fanbase too.
Bedlington Whippet Cross Appearance
As with all Whippet cross breeds, while Bedlington Whippet mixes likely share the physical appearance of both parents, it’s possible that they may retain more of the characteristics of one parent than the other. The following describes the most common look that “Beddy Whippets” will probably have.
The Bedlington Terrier is classed as a small dog breed with a height range between 15.5″ (39cm) and 17.5″ (44cm) with males tending to be larger than females.
Since Whippets are medium sized dogs, Bedlington Whippet cross breeds will likely be larger than purebred Bedlington Terriers, and will be small to medium-sized.
As such, it’s probable that Beddy Whippets will have a height in the range of 15″ (38 cm) to 16″ (41cm) with a corresponding weight of between 7kg (15lbs) to 11kg (24.5lbs).
Like Whippets, Beddys are elegant and muscular dogs though they have a pear-shaped head with a bloom of silky fur on the top. This is one of the defining characteristics of the breed, and it’s something that’s often passed on to Bedlington Whippet crosses in the form of a much furrier face.
Bedlington Terriers have floppy ears that tend to hang down towards their cheeks, as opposed to Whippets who have upright, rose-shaped ears. Consequently, Bedlington Whippets usually have floppier and more furry ears than purebred Whippets.
Since Bedlington Terriers have a thick double coat with a mix of hard and soft fur (often described as “linty”), Bedlington Whippet crosses have in a fluffy and wispy coat.
Temperament
As with any mixed breed dog, temperaments can vary just in the same way as physical appearance. All dog breeds have a general tendency towards a certain temperament, but individual dogs can have personality traits that differ from what’s expected.
Bedlington Terriers are known as courageous, intelligent and tenacious. They can be excitable at play too and like Whippets are often a little headstrong.
They’re a versatile breed, equally happy to be outside playing energetically or or staying indoors as a loving, loyal and quiet homebody.
In terms of socialising with other dogs, Bedlington Terriers can be a little aloof, so early socialisation is important.
Whippets too are happy at home as long as they’re given sufficient exercise. They too are loving and companionable, but as with Bedlingtons they have a tendency to chase, but both breeds are good in a family environment and neither is known to be aggressive.
The Bedlington Whippet cross will likely be:
- Loyal
- Friendly, especially with family members
- Headstrong
- Intelligent
- A touch aloof with strangers
- Playful
Find out more about Whippet temperament in my detailed guide.
Health
Cross bred dogs can inherit some or all of the health issues of their parents and the Bedlington Whippet cross is no different. That said, Bedlington Terriers and Whippets are generally considered healthy breeds, though they’re both prone to certain illnesses and health conditions.
It should be noted that both breeds share a risk of a bleeding disorder called Canine von Willebrand’s Disease.
Whippets
- Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Mitral Valve Degeneration
- Deafness
- Sinus problems
- Allergies
Bedlington Terriers
- Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Thrombopathia
With proper care and regular veterinary checks for health issues, Bedlington Whippets have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
If you’re thinking of buying a Whippet puppy, make sure to buy from a reputable breeder who can demonstrate proper breeding practices. Avoid puppy mills at all costs.
Exercise & Care for a Bedlington Whippet Cross
Bedlingtons have bags of energy and can run for miles. Where Bedlingtons are fast runners, Whippets are sprint merchants and can clock speeds of up to 35mph when they step on the gas.
Exercise
Bedlington Whippets will require long walks / runs off the leash in an enclosed are for at least an hour each day. They’ll enjoy high-energy play too, so while a private enclosed garden is not a necessity, it will be an asset.
It’s import that they’re given the exercise and play they need each day, otherwise they may become destructive at home.
Walks around the block will be good as an addition to more demanding exercise, but a leash or Whippet harness will be a must: Beddy Whippets will attempt to chase anything small and furry that catches their eye.
Whippets are known to have a tricky time sharing their home with other smaller animals… they’re just too tempting to chase. In my experience, Whippets don’t live well with cats and this may be something a Bedlington Whippet cross may struggle with too.
You should also be advised that Beddy Whippets are not great left alone for long periods: anything over 4 hours is probably a big no-no. They love their families and enjoy just hanging out with them. Left alone for too long, they may suffer anxiety, boredom and they may become destructive.
Grooming
All dog breeds shed and there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. However there is a shedding continuum: some dogs shed far more than others.
The good news for those averse to shedding is that Whippets don’t shed much, and despite their thicker coats, neither do Bedlingtons.
Bedlington Whippet crosses inherit this trait, even though they have a longer coat than most Whippet mixes have. That said, they will require more grooming than a purebred Whippet, since their coats can become tangled and matted.
Whippet Grooming Mitts on Amazon
Most Bedlington Whippets need grooming with a comb or strong bristle brush at least once a week. This will help to reduce knotting and remove loose hairs. However, it’s not necessary to bathe them at the same frequency, so as to avoid washing away natural protective oils in the coat.
Unless they’re completely filthy from a muddy walk, you should only need to wash a Bedlington Whippet every 4 – 6 weeks.
Though it’s not necessary to clip their fur (assuming you groom them regularly), you’ll likely need to trim the fur around their ears and paws to prevent them overgrowing.
As for nails, check them every week and trim them too when necessary. Overgrown nails are painful to dogs and can affect their gait.
Bedlington Terrier Whippet Mix Images from Instagram
Summary
The Bedlington Whippet mix is an ideal family dog but with working dog chops. They are energetic and so require lots of exercise… if you don’t have at least an hour a day to spare to take them on walks this may not be the right breed for you.
Early socialisation is important to ensure confidence with others. Formal training will be helpful here and at the same time will also smooth out a tendency to be independent and strong-willed. Though in fairness this tendency will probably never leave them entirely!
Smaller pets in the same home may be a problem. Bedlington Whippet crosses are sighthounds and they have a strong prey drive, which is almost impossible for them to overcome.
However, a loving home that provides suitable care will result in a great companion: loyal, loving and fun to be around!
The Bedlington Whippet Cross at a Glance
- Weight: 7kg (15lbs) to 11kg (24.5lbs)
- Height: 15″ (38 cm) to 16″ (41cm)
- Temperament: Calm and affectionate at home and full of fun at playtime
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Exercise Requirement: High… 1 – 2 hours of exercise and play each day
- Suitable for Families: Yes
Do you own a Bedlington Whippet cross? Or perhaps you simply love Bedlington Whippets? I’d love to hear from you in either case. Why not tell me more in the comment section below?
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Missy says
Hi. I am so glad to have stumbled on the site as I have a bed x whipp and she is 5 months old. I have had her since she was 8 weeks and it’s so uncanny how we have all got different dogs but yet they are all so similar. I understand better now how to deal with her and yes she is head strong. I have to compromise with her or we will be fighting over it all night… but just to say as a breed they are so loving. I don’t know what I would do without her now. Her name is Missy.
paulf says
Nice to hear about Missy and I’m so glad she found you! Lovely, lovely dogs.
Helen Jordan says
I have a beautiful 15 week Beddy Whippet she is either full on or snoozing. Very intelligent confident loving and loves meeting people and dogs. We are both smitten and cannot imagine life without her. My husband who did not want a puppy has been utterly won over!!!
paulf says
That’s lovely Helen. They’re such lovely dogs!
Annette says
Hi, I rescued a beautiful puppy 1 week ago today. Records show she is 6 1/2 months. I didn’t believe she was the mix they told me so I started doing some research. I’ve come to the conclusion she is a Beddy Whippet.
Would love to be able to share her picture with someone more educated on this breed than I. If someone could help me, please contact me.
Leila Scott says
I’d love some information on reputable breeders of Bedlington x Whippets, I would dearly love to own one. Any information would be very much appreciated. I’m located in Essex. Thank you.
Sally says
We had brother and sister 5/8 whippet 3/8 Bedlington. They lived to 13 and 15 years. This article describes them well. Incredible jumpers, very strong prey drive, agile, but loving, gentle, friendly and sofa/lap lovers in the house. Not aloof but not clingy either. When I’m in a position to do so I will get a Beddy Whippet (or 2) again.
Aman Sharma says
I love this mix! I have a Bedlington Whippet and he is the best dog ever!
Simon says
Hi, I had a Beddy Whippet (Tig) for 17 years the most loyal, loving dog ever, said I’d never get another???
A year went by and I longed for another the feeling wouldn’t go away. Finally I decided the time was right so started looking. I wanted a single colour smooth coated dog and after searching I found Fred.
I got him at 7 weeks and never looked back he’s now 19 weeks and I have enjoyed every day of him, he makes me laugh daily, he’s loving, friendly and loves to play.
I can not believe how good he is not sure if it’s my training skill or the breed but never thought I could get a better dog than the previous.
Simple. There is no better dog out there they give you everything you’d expect and more with minimal effort.
paulf says
Hi Simon… I’m so glad you’ve found another lovely Beddy Whippet, and one who sounds just adorable! Thanks for telling us about him.
Lisa says
I have a delightful Beddy whip – she is completely smooth haired whilst all her siblings are fluffy! she is gorgeous. she is nearly 2, and the easiest dog I have ever trained! Love this breed.
paulf says
Hi Lisa. I know several people who have Beddy Whippets and they are such gorgeous dogs.
Dr. James K. O'Neill says
My little Daphne is two years old. I built a 6ft run for her and had to make it 8 after she Houdini’d her way out twice after rabbits on the farm. She is my joy.
Brenda Stevens says
Perfect description of a Whippet / Bedlington. Mine is 18 weeks old so she’s very bitty and is full of energy. (In fact I’m shattered lol)! She’s definitely head strong and will answer me back if I don’t do what she wants but she is a very quick learner. I just hope I can teach her to return to me without too many issues! B
paulf says
She sounds quite a character Brenda! Thanks for stopping by to tell us about her.
Brenda says
Hi I need some help. My Bedlington Whippet is 8mths old now and she’s the best. However I don’t know what to about her coat. She has very very thick hair especially around her neck and rear end and is a mixture of rough and smooth. She needs it cut but I don’t know how without her looking stupid, and I can’t find any grooming guides / pics to go by. Can anyone give me some tips? Many thanks.
Lorna Cross says
My gorgeous little girl, Harriet, 8 years old now. Adopted at 3 from a friend. I had large rough haired lurches before, amongst other large dogs but Harriet is the most cuddly, loving dog. She is so obedient and will run for ages and always comes back when called. Yes, she doesn’t like the car too much, nor water, but she loves our other dog, a rough haired dachshund and large cat! Yes… a cat! Which we had from a kitten. She’s perfect.
Dave says
I’ve been looking for a Beddy Whippet for a while now but most of those available have either Greyhound (Standard or Italian) or Bull Terrier in their lineage and are getting expensive. I have a 6 year old Beddy Cocker cross called Bob who’s by far the best dog I’ve ever had, super loving, super shouty, super feisty and super playful all at the same time. I’d have another but they are rare over here and the Beddy Whippet cross really appeals as an alternative.
Louise says
Hi. I have a whippet 8 years old George, a Bedlington 4 years old ( Chilli named due to her high skin temperature!) and Two Bedlington Whippets one at 5 years (Dora) the other 10 months old (Coco and what a clown she is!).
The 10 month old can clear a 6 foot fence easily along with her Dad (George). She is a proper crackpot who makes us laugh or cry most days! She has a strange habit of doing her ablutions on anything other than the ground when in the garden, i.e. patio table or chairs, top of kennel (fully insulated carpeted and complete with slumberdown bed waste of space and money as only uses it for said ablutions) and never outside long enough to actually use it!
I built a 6 foot run and put the kennels in there so that they wouldn’t have to be stuck inside in the summer whilst I was at work, but oh no they much prefer lazing about in the house!
Anyway George and Dora high prey drive, Chilli and Coco prefer to play see who can trip the human up the most times in one walk 🤣. They are all fab, loving and I would like to say loyal, but really they will go to anyone that shows them any affection and even those that don’t 🤣
paulf says
It sound like you have your hands very full Louise!
nick says
One thing to understand is that although they are very loving, they are not the intellectual giants of dogs, and have no sense of right or wrong. Don’t get mad at a Whiplington if it jumps onto the table and scoffs your dinner; anything left out is fair game to them. And yes, they are good jumpers / climbers!
They have a very soft bite and struggle to get dog chews started. They will also likely make crazy excited whining noises when they greet you after an extended period of absence, more so than any other dog I’ve known. Ours doesn’t travel well and he tends to get car sick. They also don’t really like water due to the thin coat; they will have a paddle but will not enjoy going into the water.
Leslie says
We had two rescue dogs that look exactly like the Bedlington-Whippet mix, Olive (17) and Scout (15) both passed in 2021. We are so excited to find this cross breed and are looking for a Breeder in the U.S., thoughts?
A says
You won’t find any breeders in the USA as far as I know. Look for American stag hounds or the woman who runs Romany lurchers in Missouri – she brought her stock from England. Otherwise if you want Whippet size sighthounds in the USA for sure, it’s Silken Windhounds that are the closest in size to a whippet.
Robyn says
I have a girl called Shaggy (because of the permanent expression of “it wasn’t me”) she is 17 months old and fits the description perfectly. She makes me laugh every day.
paulf says
What a great name… and a hilarious reason why you called her Shaggy! I love that!
Sharon says
My Beddy Whippet is 13 years old. We have always had traditional lurchers previously but she is much more stubborn than all the other dogs we have had but much more intelligent and the only one that would constantly chase a ball! They are fun, loyal dogs and make perfect family pets as long as you are conscious of the prey drive. At 13, by time she clocks something it has normally disappeared, so it’s not such a big problem now. 🤣
Jilly says
I own two 18 month old Bedlington Whippet brothers. This post sums them up brilliantly and we think they are perfect! Very cuddly, love home comforts and are amazing to see on walks/runs.
paulf says
2 Beddy Whippet brothers… You have your hands full Jilly!
Margaret says
Yes, we own 8 year old Monty and I say your description is spot on. He particularly loves walks he hasn’t taken before and always wants to try an alternative route rather than a familiar one. He is highly intelligent, independent, likes to do things his way, but not a bad bone in his body.
paulf says
Hi Margaret. Monty sounds like a real character!
Pete says
Are you sure about the weight? Finlay is 2 years old and 11kg.
paulf says
Hi Pete. Thanks for pointing out my mistake… I have updated the height and weight characteristics.
Kerr says
Yes I own a 6 and half month male black and grey Bedlington Terrier cross Whippet. As you would expect he’s full of energy and still I bit of a nipper!
paulf says
I’ll bet he is a bit of a handful still at nearly 7 months old!
Shelley says
Hi ! Can I ask who bred your dog? Looking for a reputable breeder. Thank you 😊