Are Bedlington Terriers Good with Cats?
The adorable Bedlington Terrier with its gentle lamb-like appearance seems like it would make an ideal companion for cats. However, appearances can be deceiving when it comes to determining how well this breed will tolerate feline housemates. While Bedlingtons have qualities that lend themselves to successful cat coexistence, there are also some potential drawbacks. This article provides an in-depth look at the Bedlington Terrier temperament and other considerations to help determine if this breed is likely to get along with cats.
Background on Bedlington Terriers
To understand this breed's potential cat compatibility, it's helpful to first know some background:
- Origin - Bedlington Terriers originated in the mining town of Bedlington, England in the 1800s. They were bred to hunt vermin.
- Size - Bedlingtons are medium-small dogs weighing 17-23 pounds and standing 16-18 inches tall.
- Appearance - Hallmarks of the breed are a distinct lamb-like, tear-drop shaped head, and a curled or "linty" soft coat. Their body is graceful and lithe.
- Temperament - While spirited and energetic, Bedlingtons also have an easygoing and gentle nature. They forge strong bonds with their owners.
- Exercise needs - Bedlington Terriers have moderate exercise requirements. They enjoy brisk walks or runs but are not ultra high-energy.
- Grooming - Their thick curly coat requires regular brushing and trimming. Occasional hand-stripping gives their coat its distinctive texture.
- Health issues - Bedlingtons are prone to copper toxicosis, a liver disorder. Responsible breeders screen for it.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament and Cat Friendliness
The sweet, mild-mannered temperament of the Bedlington Terrier means they often thrive in multi-pet households. Here's a look at how their personality traits impact feline compatibility:
Gentle nature
- Bedlingtons have a very gentle demeanor and are not bred for aggression.
- They tend to be peaceful, docile dogs.
- While lively, Bedlingtons are not prone to hyperactivity or neurotic behaviors which could stress cats.
- Their sensitivity makes them attentive to feline body language and unwilling to upset cats.
Eager to please
- Bedlingtons aim to please their owners and are very responsive to commands.
- They can be trained not to chase or harm cats when instructed properly.
- Their loyalty means they will obey rules about leaving kitty friends alone.
Low prey drive
- Although vermin hunters, Bedlingtons have less prey drive compared to other terriers.
- They are not intensely fixated on chasing and killing furry critters.
- With supervision and training, their mild prey instinct can be redirected onto appropriate toys.
No dominance issues
- Bedlingtons are not prone to domineering behaviors.
- They are happy to be lower ranking than cats in the family hierarchy.
- Bedlingtons will back down when confronted by a confident cat.
Suitable energy level
- Very hyper dogs are more apt to terrorize cats.
- But Bedlingtons have a moderate activity level in line with most cats.
- Their exercise needs are easily met with daily walks and playtime.
Good with kids
- Bedlingtons are excellent family dogs who enjoy children.
- Families with kids often have cats, so kid-friendly dogs tend to adapt well.
- Early socialization with children predicts tolerance of other household pets too.
In summary, the laidback and gentle temperament of the Bedlington Terrier makes them one of the more cat-compatible terrier breeds. But there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
Potential Drawbacks of Bedlingtons with Cats
While their sweet nature gives them a leg up, there are still some challenges when adding a Bedlington Terrier to a cat household:
Hunting instincts
- Bedlingtons were originally bred to hunt vermin like rats and rabbits.
- Those instincts don't disappear entirely even with today's companion dogs.
- Their desire to chase small furry things is present but mild compared to other terriers.
- With training and supervision, hunting behaviors can be redirected to toys. But the instinct may never disappear fully.
High prey drive individuals
- Prey drive varies greatly between individual dogs of any breed.
- Some Bedlington Terriers will have more powerful instincts to stalk and chase cats.
- Puppies with a higher prey drive may be difficult to train out of cat chasing behaviors.
Excitable as puppies
- Bedlington puppies are bouncy, lively, and excitable like any rambunctious youngster.
- During the puppyhood phase, their energy level may overwhelm gentle cats.
- Close supervision is required while puppies mature and learn impulse control.
Small animal interest
- Bedlingtons were bred specifically to pursue underground vermin and other small prey.
- Many retain a high level of interest in squirrels, rabbits, mice, and other little creatures.
- It takes work to teach them cats are off limits despite their tiny size.
While the typical Bedlington has a trustworthy character around cats, responsible training and management are always required when introducing dogs and cats. Never leave them unattended together.
Tips for Cat Friendly Bedlington Training
If you decide to add a Bedlington Terrier to your cat-loving home, here are some tips for nurturing their coexistence:
Puppy Training Essentials
- Start socialization and training early with puppies under 16 weeks old. This critical window is when behaviors and attitudes form.
- Take advantage of puppy kindergarten and obedience classes. Learning alongside other dogs provides important socialization.
- Use only positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections can make dogs aggressive or fearful. Reward wanted behaviors.
- Practice impulse control games like "sit" and "leave it" which will help manage prey drive.
Cat Introductions
- Exchange scents before face-to-face meetings by rubbing cloths on each animal.
- Bring the new dog into the resident cat's territory initially, not the other way around.
- Keep pup leashed and reward calm behavior in the cat's presence. Correct chasing immediately.
- Provide cats an escape route onto high surfaces. Never force interactions.
- Let the animals set the pace for getting acquainted and don't leave unattended.
Ongoing Management
- Neuter or spay your pets to ease tensions and reduce problematic behaviors.
- Maintain separate feeding areas and litter boxes to avoid resource competition.
- Provide a safe cat-only zone using baby gates where kitty can retreat when needing alone time.
- Keep the peace by meeting the exercise needs of both species daily. A tired dog is less likely to harass cats.
With training, introductions, and management applied properly from the start, your Bedlington can become a polite canine companion to felines.
Signs of Success with Cats
How do you know if your Bedlington Terrier is learning to co-exist successfully with cats? Watch for these positive indicators:
- Ignores or only glancing interest in the presence of cats
- Sniffs calmly at feline housemates without stalking
- Backs off from hissing or swatting cats
- Waits for cats to exit before approaching food bowls
- Plays only with dog toys, not chasing the cat's toys or tail
- Calmly walks past cat without fixation or lunging on leash
- Follows "leave it" command when cats are around
- Respects boundaries of cat's safe zones
Seeing these appropriate social behaviors emerge indicates your training and socialization efforts are paying off. With time, patience and consistency, many Bedlington Terriers can adapt to peacefully sharing their home with cats.
The Outlook for Bedlingtons and Cats
While it requires effort and patience, Bedlington Terriers often make great companions for cats due to their typically mild and gentle character. No dog should ever be 100% trusted alone with cats, but with proper training and management from puppyhood, your Bedlington can be taught to get along with feline housemates harmoniously. For potential adopters looking for a cat-friendly terrier breed, the sweet-tempered Bedlington makes an excellent choice.