Airedale Terrier: Your Complete Guide
The Airedale terrier, also known as the King of Terriers, is the largest terrier breed and was bred for hunting and farming purposes. Historically, this breed has also been used as a war dog in Britain due to its intelligence, courage, and versatility.
These dogs are capable of performing various tasks, from hunting game to serving as messenger dogs during wartime.
In this article, we are going to explore the history and personality traits of the Airedale terrier.
Quick Look at the Airedale Terrier
Below is a quick glance at the Airedale terrier in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 35-50 pounds and 22-24 inches |
| Coat Type | Tough, wiry outer coat and soft undercoat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Alert, loyal, dedicated, stubborn, independent |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
What Is the History of Airedale Terriers?
The term “Airedale” in the breed’s name originates from the Airedale Valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, which was itself named after the River Aire in Yorkshire. The breed originated in this area. Working-class people in the region crossed the old English rough-coated black and tan terrier with the otterhound, along with some other breeds, to create the Airedale terrier.
Formally recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1886, the Airedale Terrier gained official status within the canine community. Bruce, the first very Airedale terrier to arrive in North America, was imported to the country sometime in the 1880s.
During World War 1, they were used to deliver messages and mail to soldiers, making sure communication lines remained open. These brave dogs also assisted the Red Cross by locating wounded soldiers, offering comfort and aid to people during the war.
These dogs are fiercely loyal and committed to their duty. One Airedale terrier named Jack was tasked with delivering a very important message during World War 1 and carried the message through enemy territory despite sustaining severe injuries along the way.
Airedale terriers were also one of the first breeds to be used by police departments in Britain because of their high intelligence, making them easy to train for law enforcement duties. Their quick learning abilities and keen instincts made them ideal for tasks such as tracking, search and rescue, and apprehension.
By the time World War I had ended, these dogs had become incredibly popular. Their popularity remains to this day, and many are interested in adding the Airedale terrier to their family or life.
What Do Airedale Terriers Look Like?
The Airedale terrier is considered the largest British terrier-type dog. It has a hard and wiry topcoat, which is sometimes referred to as a “broken” coat due to its rough texture.
Beneath this outer layer, some Airedales also have a softer undercoat, which is groomed by a technique known as “hand stripping.” This method involves plucking out dead hairs from the undercoat.
The classic black and tan coloration is the most recognized and characteristic of the Airedale Terrier breed. Some Airedale terriers may have what’s known as a grizzle saddle. It’s a coat pattern where you’ll see a blend of black and gray or silver hairs on their back, giving them a speckled appearance. Some also have white markings on the chest.
The black and tan combination is the most common coat color.
What Size Is an Airedale Terrier?
Purebred Airedale terriers are medium to large-sized dogs. Male Airedales usually weigh in at around 40-50 pounds and stand 23-24 inches tall, while females are a bit lighter, weighing about 35-40 pounds and standing 22-23 inches tall.
In North America, there are many Airedale terriers that weigh up to 121 pounds (55 kg). These larger Airedales are known as ‘Oorangs,’ named after the Oorang Kennels in Ohio, where they were first bred in the early 1900s.
What Is an Airedale Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?
Airedale Terriers have a double coat with a tough, wiry outer layer and a softer undercoat. The outer coat can be slightly wavy or crinkly, but it shouldn’t be curly or soft.
Their coat is medium-length and needs regular grooming to stay in good shape. As mentioned above, hand stripping is often used to maintain the coat’s texture.
What Is an Airedale Terrier’s Temperament?
Airedale terriers have herding instincts because of their past as working and hunting dogs. They were originally bred for hunting and farming work, which included herding livestock., They have a tendency to chase small animals because of this, and it’s important to properly socialize them from a very early age to minimize this behavior.
The Airedale is very intelligent and loves to work independently, as it was bred to hunt independently. Being highly intelligent means it can be a bit stubborn sometimes, but with a little bit of training, they can learn quickly and perform tons of different tasks.
They’re loyal, strong-willed, and very dedicated to their families. They love participating in activities that challenge both their mind and body.
Despite their independent nature, they are generally sociable dogs who also love spending time with their families.
Are Airedale Terriers Good With Kids?
Yes, Airedale terriers are generally great with kids, but you have to be a bit careful when they’re around toddlers because they’re often unaware of just how large they are. They’re very gentle dogs, but accidents can happen if they get too excited around your kids.
If you introduce your Airedale to your kids at an early age, they can easily form a very strong bond and learn to coexist peacefully.
Are Airedale Terriers Good With Other Animals?
Airedale terriers are great with other animals as well, especially if they have grown up alongside them. They learn to share space and develop strong bonds with other animals, such as cats and other dogs.
They do have a habit of chasing small animals because of their herding instincts, but early socialization training can help with that. They’re also very intelligent dogs, which means if they see you interacting with other animals in a positive manner, they’re likely to follow suit and develop friendly relations with them.
Are Airedale Terriers Aggressive?
Airedales are generally not aggressive. If something or someone bothers them, they’ll usually just try to avoid them instead of escalating the situation. However, there’s always a possibility that if another dog snaps at them, they’ll try to fight back to defend themselves.
Do Airedale Terriers Bark?
Yes, Airedale terriers can be quite vocal if an unfamiliar person tries to enter their space, and their bark can be quite loud. They also tend to bark if they get too excited or nervous, but this sort of behavior can be managed with proper training and socialization.
Some Airedales bark to communicate their needs, such as indicating when they want to go outside or when they’re feeling hungry.
Are Airedale Terriers Affectionate?
Yes, most Airedales are very affectionate dogs. They love getting attention from their owners and will often sit next to you to get some pets and scratches.
Unfortunately, most Airedales don’t like cuddling. They prefer to show their affection in other ways, such as playing games or going for walks. However, they are loyal companions who enjoy spending time with their families and will always be by your side when you need them.
If you have an Airedale who loves to snuggle up to you, then consider yourself lucky. They do require a lot of attention, though, so they may not be the right choice for first-time dog owners or people with busy schedules that keep them away from home for long periods.
Are Airedale Terriers Intelligent?
Yes, Airedale terriers are intelligent dogs. They require a lot of mental stimulation, which means a lot of work for you, especially when they’re young. However, it’s generally easy to train them because they learn tricks and commands quickly due to their high intelligence.
In fact, their high intelligence is one of the reasons why they were historically used for so many different roles like hunting, guarding, and military work.
Are Airedale Terriers Energetic?
Airedale terriers are full of energy. They love staying active and need about 1-2 hours of exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy. You could take them hiking for hours, and they’d still be up for a game of fetch when you get back.
This is why you should only get an Airedale if you have an active lifestyle and plenty of time to devote to their exercise and mental stimulation needs.
This breed gets excited very easily, so you have to train them to handle themselves without losing control. Exposing them to different environments and people or animals from an early age can help them become more adaptable and well-rounded dogs.
Are Airedale Terriers Easy to Train?
Yes, Airedales are generally easy to train for people who have owned dogs before, but you have to be very patient, especially with puppies, because they have a tendency to bite and chew. It’s possible to train them yourself without the help of a professional trainer, but make sure you use positive reinforcement techniques to discourage bad habits.
Keep in mind that they can be a bit stubborn at times because of how intelligent they are. If they become bored, they may lose interest in training sessions, especially if they find them repetitive. If you notice this happening, try changing up the training routine to keep it engaging and stimulating.
Are Airedale Terriers Good Watchdogs?
Yes, being a watchdog is one of the things this breed was created for, and they are very alert and protective of their territory and family. They won’t hesitate to protect their owner if they feel like they’re being attacked or threatened.
Plus, their large size and intimidating appearance can prevent potential intruders from entering your home. They won’t typically attack without reason, though, so you shouldn’t expect them to physically harm an intruder unless they or their family are in immediate danger.
Airedale terriers are more likely to use their bark and size to intimidate intruders and alert their owners to potential threats.
Are Airedale Terriers Good Service Dogs?
Airedale terriers make great emotional service animals (ESAs), but they may be too stubborn to be service animals in some cases. They are intelligent, however, and they pick up on tasks quickly. With the right training, these dogs can learn all of the service tasks their owner needs help with, and they can be taught to perform them consistently. Proper training and socialization can help counteract the stubborn streak some of these dogs have, turning them into valuable service dog companions.
These dogs are very loyal, and they can also be great support companions if you do not wish to train them, but you benefit from their support. Emotional support animal registration is totally possible for this breed.
How to Care for an Airedale Terrier?
Airedales need daily brushing, especially if they have a soft undercoat. This helps prevent mats and tangles and keeps their coat looking tidy. Having an undercoat also means that they’ll require hand stripping.
If you don’t know how that works, then we recommend finding a professional groomer who does. Without hand stripping, the Airedale’s coat will become dull and overgrown, which will be very uncomfortable for the dog.
Only give them a bath when they’re dirty. Frequent bathing can potentially soften the coat, which can cause skin problems. Make sure you clean their teeth regularly to avoid dental issues.
In addition to all their regular grooming, you also have to make sure they get enough exercise every day. While they love being independent, they also thrive on human companionship, so try to spend as much time with them as you can.
Do You Need to Groom an Airedale Terrier?
Yes, Airedales need to be hand-stripped, which can be quite labor-intensive and difficult for dog owners who have never done it before. It’s essential for keeping the Airedale’s coat healthy and looking its best. It’s not a regular thing, so you won’t have to do it every day. That’s why it’s much easier to just take your dog to the groomer.
Once the undercoat is pulled out, it becomes easier to brush through the outer coat because it lies closer to the body.
Depending on your Airedale, you could also use a wire brush to help remove loose hair and prevent matting between grooming sessions.
Do Airedale Terriers Shed?
Airedales aren’t heavy shedders. Airedales are widely recognized as hypoallergenic dogs, meaning they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to pet dander.
However, they love spending time outdoors and may bring in some dirt or debris from their adventures, which could potentially trigger allergies in some people.
What Health Problems Do Airedale Terriers Have?
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in Airedale terriers. There are multiple types of cancer that can affect these dogs, including nasal cancer, bone cancer, and lymphoma. There are a few other health issues that are common in Airedales, including the following:
- Hip Dysplasia: This condition is common in many dogs, and unfortunately, the Airedale is one of them. It’s a genetic disorder which affects the way the hip joint is formed. It makes it difficult for the dog to walk, often resulting in pain and mobility issues.
- Gastric Torsion: More commonly known as bloat, this condition can cause the dog’s stomach to twist and become blocked. It requires immediate veterinary attention, and if it is left untreated, it can be fatal.
- Cerebellar Ataxia: Cerebellar ataxia is another genetic condition that affects coordination and balance due to dysfunction in the part of the brain that controls movement. Symptoms usually appear between six and twelve weeks old and can include unsteady gait and difficulty walking.
How Long Do Airedale Terriers Live?
Purebred Airedale Terriers have an average lifespan of between 10 and 12 years, while crossbreeds typically live around 12 years. Your dog may live longer or shorter than this estimate, depending on their specific care and health conditions.
What Should an Airedale Terrier Eat?
The best diet for an Airedale terrier would be a balanced one that includes high-quality dog food formulated for their specific needs. Look for a diet that includes a good balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable diet for your individual dog.
Is an Airedale Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
The Airedale terrier is an excellent dog for people who have an active lifestyle and love spending most of their time outdoors. These dogs are very energetic, active, playful, and loyal. They were bred as working dogs, and they have retained their herding instincts, which translate into excellent watchdog abilities. They’re vigilant and quick to alert their owners to any potential threats by barking at unfamiliar persons or animals approaching the house.
Airedale terriers are highly intelligent but also stubborn from time to time, so training them can be a bit of a challenge for first-time owners. However, patience, dedication, and lots of consistency with training can help you and your dog thrive.