[2024] Airedale Terrier Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

The Airedale Terrier Dog Overview

The Airedale Terrier is a sleek, well-behaved, long-legged terrier that is not over-the-top in any way.

This breed has a strong, round bone structure and a combination of strength and quickness. Airedales have powerful jaws and a free gait.

The coat is tough, dense, and wiry; it is close and straight, with occasional hair crinkling or waving.

Airedale Terrier Highlights

As with any Terrier, Airedales are prone to digging (often in the middle of a lovely flower bed), chasing small animals, and barking.

The Airedale Terrier is a connoisseur of human relics. He will pick up almost anything (socks, underwear, children’s toys) in order to add to his treasure trove.

The Airedale Terrier, as a high-energy working dog, requires daily exercise. In general, he maintains an active and energizing lifestyle throughout his life. He is unsuitable for apartment living and requires a wide, fenced yard.

Chewing is another Airedale favorite pastime. When you are gone from home, he should be left in a crate or secure kennel with durable toys.

Although Airedale is a self-sufficient dog, he appreciates being part of a family. He is most content when he is indoors with his people and is not intended to be a backyard dog.

Airedale Terriers are excellent with children and are affectionately referred to as dependable babysitters. Children and dogs, on the other hand, should never be left alone.

Grooming is required, therefore budget for a professional groomer or educate yourself on how to groom your Airedale.

Training and socialization are critical for instilling good canine manners in the Airedale. If he is unfamiliar with other dogs and people, he can be combative.

Never attempt to purchase a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store if you want a healthy dog. Choose a trustworthy breeder that screens her breeding dogs for hereditary illnesses they may pass on to the offspring and for sound temperaments.

Airedale Terrier Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 3 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 4 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 1 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 2 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 3 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 4 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 3 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 3 Star
VOCALITY 4 Star

Airedale Terrier Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Height: At the shoulder, it should be 21 to 23 inches tall
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: England
DATE OF ORIGIN: 1800s
OTHER NAMES: Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier, Irish Red Terrier
Temperament: Alert, Confident, Courageous, Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing
Activities: Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Hunting Tests, Police Work
Color: Tan and black, tan and grizzle
Litter Size: 7 to 9 puppies
Puppy Prices: $800 – $1500 USD on average

Airedale Terrier Health:

Airedales are typically healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will screen for hip dysplasia, a joint deformity.

Regularly examine an Airedales ears to eliminate foreign matter and prevent wax buildup, and brush his teeth.

The National Breed Club Recommends the Following Health Examinations:

Hip Evaluation
Cardiac Exam
Renal Disease DNA Test
Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Airedale Terrier Grooming:

The Airedale Terrier’s attractive coat is composed of two layers: a strong and wiry topcoat and a short and soft undercoat.

The majority of Airedales Terriers have a distinct coat pattern: the majority of the canine is tan (ears, legs, head, underbelly, and occasionally the shoulders) with a black or grizzled back and upper sides (black mixed with gray and white).

Occasionally, a speck of red appears in the dark and a small white star appears on the chest.

Although the Airedale Terrier is not a shedder, he does shed at specific seasons of the year. Regular brushing of your Airedale (once or twice a week) and bathing as needed keep the coat in good shape (over-bathing is not recommended, as this softens the coarse terrier coat).

While the family Airedale does not require trimming, most owners have him groomed three to four times a year by a professional groomer to maintain a neat appearance (an untrimmed coat is thick, curly, and unruly).

Clippers, stripping (a technique in which the coat of your canine is thinned and shortened with a sharp, comb-like tool called a stripping knife), or a combination of both are used to trim the coat.

Paying a professional groomer to groom your Airedale is an expensive proposition that should be considered when choosing this breed.

Owners who are highly determined can learn to trim their dogs on their own, but it is neither easy nor quick.

Brush your Airedale’s teeth at least twice or three times a week to eliminate tartar and the bacteria that live within.

Brushing your Airdale’s teeth on a daily basis is even preferable if you want to avoid gum disease and foul breath.

Trim your Airedale’s nails once or twice a month if he does not naturally wear them down to avoid unpleasant tears and other complications. If they click on the floor, they are excessively lengthy.

Dog toenails contain blood veins, and if you cut too deeply, you risk bleeding – and your dog may refuse to cooperate the next time the nail clippers are pulled out.

Therefore, if you are unfamiliar with clipping dog nails, get advice from a veterinarian or groomer.

The ears of your Airedale should be checked weekly for redness or an odor that could indicate infection.

When cleaning your dog’s ears, use a cotton ball wet with a moderate, pH-balanced ear cleanser to assist in preventing infections. Nothing should be inserted into the canine’s ear canal; only the outer ear should be cleaned.

When your Airedale is a puppy, begin acclimating him to being brushed and checked. Handle his paws repeatedly – dogs are extremely protective of their feet — and inspect his lips.

Make grooming a pleasurable process full of praise and prizes, and you’ll build the framework for smooth veterinarian tests and other handling as he grows older.

While grooming, check for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms such as redness, soreness, or inflammation of the skin, nose, mouth, and eyes, as well as on the feet.

Clear eyes with no redness or discharge are ideal. Your thorough weekly examination will assist you in identifying potential health problems early.

Airedale Terrier Exercise:

Terriers are well-known for their high levels of activity. Given the Airedale’s size as a terrier, that energy must be channeled safely.

Airedales, on the other hand, enjoy playing with their family members.

A daily play session of moderate duration, in addition to multiple daily walks (or backyard time), should suffice to meet the Airedale’s activity requirements.

Although Airedales like interaction with youngsters, interactions with toddlers and younger children should be closely supervised.

Airedales are rangy but strong; when combined with a noisy disposition, this strength can result in disasters.

Airedale Terrier Training:

Obedience training is highly advised for the Airedale due to his size (he is a medium-sized dog, but the largest of the terrier breeds), strength, and rambunctiousness.

An Airedale should at the very least learn basic obedience instructions such as come, sit, and stay.

The breed’s intellect and their strong attachment to family members make training relatively simple.

Owners and trainers should remember that a clever dog is an easily bored dog, and that different training sessions are more effective than repetitive ones.

Additionally, a bored dog that is frequently left alone for extended periods of time will acquire undesired tendencies.

Often, it helps to supply the dog with tough toys that will keep him interested for an extended period of time.

Airedale Terrier Food and Nutrition:

With their thick chests, Airedale Terriers are more prone to developing Gastric Torsion, more frequently referred to as Bloat.

This potentially fatal illness arises when the stomach twists in an unnatural manner.

There are still many unanswered concerns regarding the reasons and potential treatments, however for breeds at greater risk, it is recommended to feed two or three smaller meals each day rather than one large one.

If your dog is a fast eater, feeding from a slow feeder or treat toy is also recommended.

Airedale Terrier Temperament and Personality:

Airedales are a hardworking, independent, and athletic breed with a great deal of drive, energy, and stamina.

He is prone to digging, chasing, and barking, which are all habits associated with terrier breeds. These characteristics can be aggravating for owners who are unfamiliar with the Airedale temperament.

If you’re considering an Airedale, evaluate whether you’re willing to put up with his proclivity for possibly unwanted habits — and whether you’re willing to accept the problems that come with his independent character.

If you decide you are, you will enjoy the Airedale’s lively, fun-loving, and even funny disposition.

The Airedale is an active breed that requires plenty of exercise. Leave him alone for extended periods of time or he may become bored, which will result in the harmful actions stated previously.

Maintain an engaging and varied training regimen – repetitious activities will dull the Airedale. He responds well to treats and other forms of positive reward; drill-and-jerk training should be avoided.

The Airedale is a dependable watchdog that takes pride in defending his family. He can be a ferocious protector, but is affectionate toward his family and friends.

At the end of the day, temperament is influenced by a variety of factors, including heredity, education, and socialization.

Puppies with sweet dispositions are interested and lively, eager to approach and be held by humans.

Select the puppy who is in the middle of the road, not the one who is beating up his littermates or hiding in different corners.

Always meet at least one of the parents — typically the mother is available — to confirm that they have pleasant personalities with whom you are comfortable.

Meeting the parents’ siblings or other relatives also aids in determining what a puppy will be like as an adult.

As with any dog, the Airedale puppy needs early socialization – exposure to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences — while still young. Socialization enables your Airedale puppy to develop into a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is an excellent place to start. Regularly inviting visitors over and taking him to bustling parks, dog-friendly stores, and leisurely strolls to meet neighbors can also help him hone his social skills.

Airedale Terrier Care/Upkeep:

This attractive breed is frequently referred to as the smartest of all Terriers.

Their brilliance, along with their independence, endows them with an abundance of character, but they may also be a source of contention. They are not always the ideal choice for a new dog owner.

They will benefit from living in a household with the time and resources necessary to provide them with sufficient exercise to satisfy their athletic and high-spirited natures.

If they are not stimulated sufficiently, they will seek out ways to amuse themselves. Along with physical activity, they would benefit from a variety of additional enrichment activities around the house.

Assembling a variety of interesting and tough chew toys and scheduling time for short, enjoyable training sessions and other brain training exercises will significantly lessen the likelihood of destructive or wild behavior.

If you want a lapdog, the Airedale is not the breed for you. They are devoted to their family and may be quite affectionate, but only on their terms. They are not born coddlers.

Due to their fun, sometimes clown-like attitude, they frequently get along well with the household’s children.

Due to their size and loud nature, they may be more suitable to households with older children who have been taught to respect the dog’s space.

While Airedales are typically quite friendly with their own family, they can be reserved among strangers, and their defensive instincts might surface when disturbed.

If not properly managed, they can develop a proclivity for barking and will constantly alert you to the presence of an approaching stranger.

They can build close ties with other dogs in the household with proper introductions, although they do not always appreciate the company of other canines, particularly those of the same sex.

While early and continued socialization might be beneficial, these are frequently not dogs that enjoy romping with their four-legged friends in a dog park.

Their owners must have a firm grasp of canine behavior and training, or be willing to learn. They can be stubborn and quite strong-willed, and their antics may also try their owner’s tolerance.

You cannot compel an Airedale to perform something they do not want to do, and if you push them too far, they may attempt to challenge you. It is far preferable to encourage kids to make excellent decisions on their own through reward-based training.

If their strong intelligence, natural athleticism, and enthusiastic personality are properly channeled, Airedales can succeed in dog sports or canicross.

This might be an excellent strategy to keep them enriched and to deepen your relationship.

Airedales, like many other terrier breeds, like digging. If you have an immaculate, well-kept garden, you may like to work on training and enrichment in this place. A demarcated digging area can be advantageous.

As is the case with many terrier breeds, Airedales can have a strong prey drive. You’ll need to work diligently to establish a strong recall, and you may need to keep them on a leash in regions with a lot of animals.

Airedales do not require extensive grooming. They are also not prolific shedders, and a weekly brushing of their stiff and wiry, broken coat is typically sufficient to remove dead hairs and keep it healthy.

Numerous Airedale owners have their dog’s coat hand stripped several times a year to keep it from growing excessively thick and unkempt.

Airedale Terrier Relationship with Children and Other Pets

The Airedale is a sociable breed that makes an excellent family pet. He may even become protective of the children in the house in some situations, although his huge size and high level of activity may be too intense for extremely small children.

As with any breed, you should always educate youngsters how to approach and touch dogs and supervise encounters between canines and small children to avoid biting or ear or tail pulling on either party’s part.

Teach your youngster to never approach a dog that is eating or sleeping, or to attempt to take away the dog’s food. No dog, regardless of its friendliness, should ever be left alone with a youngster.

As long as the Airedale is properly socialized and taught, the Airedale gets along well with other dogs in his household.

He can, however, be hostile against unknown canines he regards as threatening.

And, considering the Airedale’s reputation as a hunter, he is quite prone to pursue prey animals such as cats, rabbits, gerbils, and hamsters.

Airedale Terrier Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Charlie	Lucy
02	Buddy	Bella
03	Rocky	Callie
04	Jake	Molly
05	Riley	Lola
06	Bentley	Ruby
07	Sam	Roxy
08	Toby	Luna
09	Oliver	Layla
10	Riley	Holly

All About Airedale Terrier

During World War I, a courageous Airedale Terrier named Jack risked the front lines to carry a message to British headquarters.

Jack sustained a shattered leg and damaged jaw while running through a half-mile of marsh with artillery pouring down on him. Regrettably, he died shortly after completing his goal.

The message he was carrying miraculously saved his regiment, and he was posthumously given the Victoria Cross for “Gallantry in the Field.” Jack’s bravery and courage are still applicable to today’s Airedales.

Jacks were intended to be a multi-purpose dog with the keenness of a terrier but the ability to swim and scent prey. Airedale Terriers are a sporting and working breed that compete in agility, obedience, and hunt tests today.

They get the most enjoyment out of life when there is work to be done, even if it is merely entertaining children, with whom he gets along magnificently. (However, interactions between children and dogs should always be supervised by an adult.)

The Airedale, like all terriers, enjoys digging, chasing, and barking. He is brimming with vitality and makes a fantastic jogging partner.

His favorite hobbies are daily walks and romps in the yard. It’s impossible to discuss Airedale without stressing his independence.

This is a very bright dog who thinks for himself and does not always follow his owner’s lead. If you’re looking for a pet that is extremely obedient and will obey your every command, the Airedale

Terrier is not the breed for you. If, on the other hand, you thrive on challenge, living with an Airedale may be for you.

It’s worth noting that the Airedale Terrier is intolerant of harsh treatment and will harbor resentment toward the attacker.

He can be violent with other dogs and animals and possesses a high prey drive, making him tough to manage at times.

According to legend, Airedale does not initiate battles; he ends them. Consistent, positive obedience training and a securely gated yard are required.

As expected, the Airedale makes a wonderful watchdog.

He will fiercely and valiantly defend his family from intruders. He is, nevertheless, hospitable to those who are invited to his home.

The Airedale is not all business; he has a funny and playful side as well.

He adores his family’s company and romps and plays, tossing toys, snatching soiled socks, swiping food from the kitchen counter, and generally causing trouble.

He matures slowly and frequently retains a puppyish quality well into old life.

Airedales are an enthralling breed. He is courageous and athletic, as well as elegant and amusing. According to many owners, the only thing better than having one Airedale Terrier is having two.

Airedale Terrier History:

The Airedale is the largest Terrier breed. The earliest effort to create the Airedale Terrier occurred in 1853, although no one had a blueprint in mind at the time.

A Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier was crossed with an Otterhound with the goal of developing a well-balanced sporting dog capable of hunting both otters in rivers and rats on land.

The initial crossbreeding resulted in a dog with the intelligence of a terrier and the ability to swim and sense game.

Waterside or Bingley Terriers were the names given to the crossings, and within 12 years of the first crossbreeding, the dog had developed into a popular sporting terrier.

The Aire Valley’s first dog show was held in 1864 when the Waterside Terrier competed in the Broken-Haired Terriers class (the Waterside or Bingley Terrier name was not mentioned until 1879). Hugh Dalziel went on to characterize the Bingley Terrier as “par excellence… an extraordinarily good one” after judging it at a show.

His remarks sparked immediate interest in the species and a howl of protest from its devotees, who denounced Dalziel’s identification of Bingley as the breed’s genesis.

At this time, a group of fanciers decided to call the Waterside or Bingley Terrier the Airedale Terrier.

Dr. Gordon Stables, who judged the dogs a year before Dalziel, is said to have offered the exact name initially, but this isn’t easy to verify. Dalziel had another opportunity to judge the Airedale Terrier in 1880, and in his report, referred to the dog as such.

Initially, the name Airedale Terrier was not widely approved or utilized, which caused some confusion.

At various shows, classes were created for either one or all three of the breed’s names, and it wasn’t until 1886 that the Kennel Club in England officially recognized the Airedale Terrier as the breed’s official name.

The Airedale Terrier Club of America was created in 1900 and began offering a perpetual trophy at parent club events in 1910.

The Airedale Bowl is a trophy that features the names of the victors etched on the bowl and pedestal.

Throughout World War I, Airedale Terriers were used as messengers, sentries, food and ammo bearers, scouts, ambulance dogs, ratters, Red Cross casualty dogs, sled dogs, and guard dogs.

The war produced tales of the Airedale Terrier’s bravery and loyalty, which increased the breed’s appeal.

Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge were just a few of the numerous individuals that owned and admired the breed.

The American Kennel Club placed the Airedale Terrier 20th in popularity in 1949, but the breed has subsequently fallen in popularity.

A portion of this drop can be attributed to the increased usage of German Shepherds in jobs historically performed by Airedales.

Where to Adopt Airedale Terrier:

Choosing a puppy from a reputed breeder significantly increases your chances of having a healthy, well-socialized puppy.

Additionally, you will avoid unintentionally supporting the booming cruel and unethical puppy farming industry.

Consult the Airedale Terrier Club of America‘s list of registered breeders as a starting point.

If you’re considering opening your home to an Airedale in need of a forever home, you can contact a breed-specific rescue organization such as Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption, or you can visit the American Terrier Club of America’s rescue page.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

If you’re looking for dogs that are similar to the Airedale Terrier, you may also be interested in the following breeds:

Airedale Terrier Fun Facts:

They Were Originally Used to Hunt Rats.
They’re the Largest of the Terriers.
They Served In the Military.
One Airedale Earned the Victoria Cross.
They Were Among the First Police Dogs.
An Airedale Appeared in “One Hundred and One Dalmatians”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why are Airedales so uncommon?

The same characteristics that make Airedales “the only breed” for some of us also make them the most despised. They are incredibly intelligent and frequently exceedingly stubborn. Airedales are capable of pulling practical jokes due to their rational brain process and sense of humor.

Do Airedale terriers have a lot of barking?

Airedales are a hardworking, independent, and athletic breed with a great deal of drive, energy, and stamina. He is prone to digging, chasing, and barking, which are all habits associated with terrier breeds.

Is it easy to train Airedale terriers?

Airedales are regarded as reasonably easy to train because of their intelligence.