Airedale Terrier Breed information & Pictures

Airedale Terrier Breed Description

Life Expectancy
10-14 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
5 to 12

Size
Large

Weight
Dogs: 50-65 pounds
Bitches: 40-45 pounds

Height
Dogs: 22-24 inches
Bitches: 22-23 inches

Country of Origin
Great Britain in the 19th century

Groups
AKC Terriers
FCI Group III.: Terriers
TKC Terrier

Other Names
Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is known as “King of Terriers” because it represents some of the finest features of this group. The Airedale Terrier is a large terrier with long flat head, deep chest and harsh wiry coat. The well-balanced dog stands square, with a level top line and very straight front legs.

It’s unbeatable for its size and weight when trained for a watchdog. It’s initially suspicious of strangers, territorial, independent, energetic and has untiring courage. Excels in hunting, agility, eyesight and hearing. It’s a sturdy, well-boned, well-muscled dog. Because of their athletic physique the Airedale Terriers make good jogging partners.

Temperament

The Airdale Terrier dog is very intelligent and responsive. It makes a loyal family pet and good companion for older children but needs a strong and confident owner who can combine firm discipline with patience and precision.

It is not difficult to train but does not respond to harsh training methods. It needs daily exercise and proper obedience training. Responsive to training and the easiest to train of all terriers.

This breed needs to feel loved and respected. It’s naturally lively, intelligent and sensitive, spirited with a strong desire to please. Generally it gets along with household cats and other animals but sometimes may try to dominate other dogs.

Colors

The coat should be tan with black (or dark grizzle) markings on sides and upper body. A bit of red in the black and/or a small white star on the chest are permitted.

Coat

The Airedale Terrier has a non-shedding-double coat with a hard, dense and wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat.

Health Issues

They may suffer from eye problems, skin infections and hip dysplasia. If your Airedale Terrier has dry skin, they should be fed an adjusted omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in the diet. To help prevent the chance of hip dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. To minimize the risk of your Airedale Terrier developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy an Airedale Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for apartment life, it will do best in a house with a fenced yard. The Airedale Terrier may become destructive if not given sufficient amounts of exercise, and its owner should be an active leader.