Airedale Terrier Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & Traits
Looking for an active, intelligent, and loyal companion? Then you may want to consider the Airedale Terrier!
This versatile breed has a long history of working roles such as killing vermin and hunting game.
Learn more about this no-nonsense pup’s individual traits, their health concerns and how to best care for them.
Overview of the Airedale Dog Breed
| UTILISATION | Versatile hunting and all-around working farm dog. |
| FCI-CLASSIFICATION | Large and medium sized Terriers |
| BREED GROUP | Terrier |
| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | Great Britian |
| HEIGHT | 18-24 inches/45-61 centimetres at the shoulders |
| WEIGHT | 40-65 pounds/18-29 kilograms |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 11-14 years |
| TEMPERAMENT | Outgoing and confident, friendly, courageous, and intelligent. Alert at all times, not aggressive but fearless. |
| INTELLIGENCE | High |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | Low |
| DROOL AMOUNT | Low |
| EXERCISE AMOUNT | Very high |
| ENERGY LEVEL | Very active |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | Hard, dense and wiry, not so long as to appear ragged. |
| COLORS | Black, grizzle and tan. |
| SUMMARY | Affectionate with families. Good with kids and other dogs. Very loyal. Easy to train. Doesn’t adapt well to apartment living. |
History and Origin of the Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a unique breed of its own and originates from the English county of Yorkshire. The breed has been around for centuries and is believed to be the result of a mix between an Otterhound and Waterside terrier.
It is said that the breed was given its name after an Airedale show in which many ‘Waterside Terriers’ from the valleys of the rivers Wharfe, Calder and Aire were exhibited.
The Airedale Terrier was officially recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club of England in 1886. It first made an appearance at its championship dog show, held by the Airedale Agricultural Society in 1864.
The Airedale Terrier possesses amazing scenting abilities and has put them to good use in numerous settings, having been used by the Red Cross in times of war, by African, Indian and Canadian trackers, as well as with police and in armed forces across Britain and Russia.
It stands apart from other terriers due to its size and is also known fondly as the King of Terriers.
They were popular show dogs thanks to their sleek and muscular appearance and excellent talents.
Physical Characteristics of the Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier has a unique appearance with a strong and muscular body, square head, and long legs.
They have an average height of 18-24 inches at the shoulder, with males being slightly bigger than females.
Their coats are wiry, dense and weather-resistant with a tan and black coloration.
The hair on their face is shorter and smoother for easier grooming, while their ears are pricked to maintain the shape of their heads.
Health Concerns Associated with the Airedale Terrier Dog Breed
Despite their generally healthy nature, Airedale Terriers are more prone to certain medical conditions than other breeds.
Some of these issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease (a bleeding disorder), von Willem’s-like syndrome, skin allergies and sensitivity to anaesthesia.
Therefore, it’s important to have your Airedale Terrier screened for these conditions by a veterinarian.
Regular vet visits can also help catch any potential health problems before they become serious or develop into major illnesses.
Exercise Requirements for the Airedale Terrier Dog Breed
Airedale Terriers are an active breed and therefore do best when given a moderate amount of daily exercise.
They need at least one to two hours of physical activity on a daily basis, and more if possible.
Walks, runs, hikes, and playing in the yard can all be excellent sources of exercise for this breed.
Due to their strong prey drive, it’s important to keep them on a leash or within a secure area when not in your ownership.
Temperament, Social Skills, and Training Tips for An Airedale Terrier Dog
The Airedale Terrier is a loyal, intelligent, and spunky breed, making them ideal companions for those looking for an active, level-headed dog.
They are not overly needy or clingy, but they do crave companionship and bond strongly with their owners. Early socialization and training can help them develop solid social skills.
Proper training is essential for this breed to help control their prey drive and combative nature.
With positive reinforcement, these dogs can easily learn basic commands and be an excellent addition to any family environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs?
Yes! Airedale Terriers are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that can fit well in many different types of families. They are gentle, sensitive, and affectionate, making them great companions for children.
However, they also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so day-to-day life with an Airedale is rarely boring!
Are Airedale Terriers dog aggressive?
Generally speaking, no. Airedale Terriers are not known to be overly aggressive towards other dogs and they can often get along with other pets in the house.
However, like any breed of dog, each individual will have its own unique personality and training needs which may lead to some dog aggression or possessiveness around food, toys or territory.
Do Airedale Terriers bark a lot?
Airedale Terriers are generally not considered to be an overly loud breed of dog. They can be vocal on occasion, but they typically only bark out of necessity and do not suffer from excessive or nuisance barking.
What problems do Airedale terriers have?
Airedale Terriers may be prone to genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye defects, as well as heart disease and skin allergies. A responsible breeder will screen their dogs for common illnesses before arranging a sale.
Airedale behavior problems
Common behavior problems seen in Airedale Terriers include excessive digging, chewing, territorial aggression and escape attempts. These issues can be reduced with proper training and socialization.
Dogs similar to Airedale Terrier
While the Airedale Terrier is a unique breed, there are some other breeds of dogs with similar characteristics.
Some other companion breeds that may resemble an Airedale include Welsh Terriers, Irish Terriers, Otterhounds, Poodles, German Shepherds, Labradoodles and Australian Shepherds.
They all share many of the same traits such as mostly medium sized, a strong hunting instinct, a high level of energy and very intelligent.
Airedale Terrier size
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terriers and measures in at around 18-24 inches tall (41-61 cm) and can weigh anywhere from 40-65 lbs (18 to 29 kg). Females are typically slightly smaller than males.
Airedale Terrier price
On average, you should expect to pay between $800-$1,500 for an Airedale Terrier puppy. Prices can vary depending on the breeder and location, but also on factors like coat color and bloodlines.
In addition to purchasing price, you should also factor in annual veterinary care and other costs associated with pet ownership.
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