Airedale Terrier: Origin, Personality, Training

(Airedale, King of Terriers)

Group: AKC and KCGB Terrier

AKC Ranking: 55

Also Known As: Airedale, King of Terriers

Most of today’s Airedales are companion dogs, but there are still working dogs. They are excellent at competitive obedience and agility.

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A General Appearance of the Dog

The largest of the terriers, the Airedale Terrier is a very rectangular dog with a boxy head. The back is very straight and level, parallel to the floor. The Airedale has v-shaped ears which fold forward on each side of the head. The head and muzzle are wide and flat like a three-dimensional rectangle.

The Airedale nose is black and the eyes are dark. The docked tail of the Airedale Terrier is carried high. If the tail is not docked, the dog carries it gaily but not curled over the back. Males have a mustache.

The Airedale Terrier is a very sturdy-looking dog, strong and muscular with a very alert expression.

Coat Color

The Airedale Terrier coat is tan with black markings. Some Airedale Terriers have some red or a small white star or patch which is on the chest. Legs, chest, underside, head and ears are tan. The back (basically a saddle), brows, and beard are black or mottled black and tan.

Coat Type

The Airedale Terrier has a harsh wiry coat all over his body. Its hair is bristly and resistant to dampness. The wiry coat has a soft undercoat. This coat is not shed so needs to be ‘stripped’ by a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks.

Height

Males: 22-24 inches
Females: 22-23 inches

Weight

Males: 50 - 65 lbs
Females: 40 – 55 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Bred for a variety of uses, Airedale Terrier can hunt, swim and serve as an excellent watchdog. Although the Airedale is courageous and protective, he can be friendly with strangers he meets on the street. He is intelligent and loyal.

Its mind is ever active and needs stimulation early as a puppy to keep it constructively directed. They are fun-loving and very playful. The Airedale Terrier is a lively and loving companion and can be a “puppy” for at least the first two years if not longer.

They can show dominance with other pets so should be introduced early but are seldom aggressive.

This breed is good with older children and makes a great companion especially if obedience or agility is introduced. They often are too rambunctious for small children or older adults.

Their owner should be one that enjoys the training process and the rewards it brings to them both. It is important for the owner(s) to establish the Alpha dog relationship and keep it established with the Airedale as he will challenge that role every chance he gets.
Airedale Terriers need to feel loved and respected.

Chipmunks and rabbits are more important to an Airedale Terrier than obedience commands, playing, or even a steak. This attitude not only leads to disobedience but to stubbornness.

Airedales can be trained to a very high level, but they get bored easily in the process. The training must be mixed with fun and games so that the handler does not get refusals.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The Airedale Terrier can live indoors as long as he gets plenty of outdoor play and work time. He could also live outdoors as long as the weather is not too hot or too cold and he gets plenty of time with his family.

Airedale Terriers are not recommended for apartment living as they are very active indoors and do not settle down as they age.

At least an average-sized, securely fenced yard is necessary for the Airedale.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Airedales are not recommended for homes with small children or older adults; however, they do fine with older children or with singles or married-without-children couples.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

This breed was developed to be active. The Airedale Terrier is a lively and loving companion and can be a “puppy” for at least the first two years if not longer. Its mind is ever active and needs stimulation early as a puppy to keep it constructively directed.

Swimming, jogging and possibly biking will make your Airedale happy and healthy. This is one of the highest energy dogs.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Puppies, up to two years old or a bit older, often are too rambunctious for small children or older adults. After two years, he settles down a bit but is still very active even in the house. He needs both mental and physical stimulation.

Do not take your Airedale running or jogging until he is at least one year old so that his bones and muscles are fully developed.

They love competition such as obedience or agility – and training for it.

Grooming

Frequent brushing is needed to keep mats from forming. Watch for burrs and debris. Bathing and brushing can be done at home on a regular basis but a complete grooming should be done professionally 4-6 times a year to keep the coat in proper shape.

wners can keep hair around eyes plucked so as to eliminate irritation or invite infection. Regular (daily) washing of the beard is advised to keep bacteria from food reduced that can promote gum disease and tooth loss. Trim hair on the feet between the pads.

Use a monthly flea and tick preventive.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

A variety of eye problems plague the Airedale. Because of their size, hip and elbow dysplasia are always concerns.

A very breed-specific issue is dry skin and many skin allergies. If this affects your Airedale, try an adjusted omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in the diet.

Litter Size: Average of 9 puppies

Life Span: 10 – 12 years

National Breed Clubs

British – National Airedale Terrier Association
US – The Airedale Terrier Club of America, Inc. - www.Airedale.org

Other Recognition: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, CKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: www.airedalerescue.net or www.airedalerescuegroup.com