Dog health

Bedlington Terrier health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Bedlington Terrier, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 21 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 6 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, inherited eye disease, hypothyroidism and Von Willebrand's disease. A typical vet bill for a small dog runs $273 – $1,110.

Health problems linked to the Bedlington Terrier

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5]Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [9]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [8]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [10]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [11]
HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [12]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [13]
Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder)Named by: AKC breed page [1]Blood doesn't clot normally, so cuts and surgeries can bleed more than expected. Testing before surgery is important. [14]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [13]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: The Bedlington is generally a healthy breed, and responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), thrombopathia, and certain eye issues. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Copper Toxicosis DNA Test. [1][9] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 2 DNA health tests for the Bedlington Terrier, including Copper Toxicosis (Menkes and Wilson diseases); Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [15] One health test costs $58 there. [16]

What to budget

For a small dog like the Bedlington Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508), and surgery, when needed, runs $435 – $1,484. [17]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Bedlington Terrier at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 11–16 years and you get roughly $9,600–$22,100 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [17][18] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [19] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [20] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [21]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Bedlington Terrier?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, inherited eye disease, hypothyroidism and Von Willebrand's disease. That doesn't mean every Bedlington Terrier will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Bedlington Terrier?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508).

Should I get pet insurance for a Bedlington Terrier?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Bedlington Terrier breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Copper Toxicosis DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Bedlington Terrier live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11–16 years.

Bedlington Terrier breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsElbow dysplasia surgery cost for dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (21) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Bedlington Terrier breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Elbow dysplasia
  6. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  8. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  9. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  10. OFA – Eye certification
  11. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  13. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VCA – Von Willebrand's disease in dogs
  15. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Bedlington Terrier DNA tests
  16. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  17. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  18. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  19. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  20. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  21. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)