Airedale Terrier Dogs

Quick Stats for Airedale Terrier Dogs

Height (at the shoulder): 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm)
Weight: Dogs 50 – 65 pounds (23 – 29 kg) ; Bitches 40 – 45 pounds (18 – 20 kg)
Life Expectancy: about 10 – 12 years
AKC Group: Terrier Group – recognized in 1888
Shedding: light shedder – providing the coat is kept trimmed and groomed
Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; very active indoors; best with an average sized yard – at least

Personality of Airedale Terriers

An Airedale terrier is adventurous, bold, and playful. They are highly intelligent and a bit stubborn at times. Training may take some time, but with the right training, these dogs make an obedient and loyal companion. They can also be excellent watchdogs.

As long as they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation they can make great house pets.

Airedales have a sweet personality. However, if they are challenged, they will stand up for themselves. They are courageous and protective, but they are generally friendly towards strangers. Intelligence and loyalty are also traits of the Airedale Terrier.

They are generally great with children, especially if they are well socialized early on. However, Airedales can be a bit rough for smaller children.

History of Airedale Terrier Dogs

The Airedale is fondly referred to as the “King of Terriers”. They are the tallest among the various terrier breeds.

Among its early ancestors are the Black and Tan, as well as old English Terriers. These dogs were medium sized and were greatly admired for pursuing all types of prey including small rabbits and foxes.

Besides being really good hunters, they were also great bird retrievers.

Sometime during the mid 1800s, these terriers were bred with Otter hounds. The intended goal was to create a breed of dog that had great skills in the water, but also had a strong sense for tracking. The result was a dog that became excellent otter hunters.

These otter hunters eventually became what we now know today as the Airedale Terrier breed. At first, they were called “Waterside Terriers”. However, this was changed to Airedale Terrier in 1878.

They were officially recognized by the AKC in 1888.

Airedale Terriers Care and Grooming

The Airedale Terrier requires plenty of exercise. Without enough exercise, they tend to get bored. This can easily lead to destructive behaviors. Long walks and games with lots of activity should provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation to reduce any destructive tendencies.

Airedales are able to live outdoors during cold climates, however, it is always best to have them sleep inside with their families.

Because of its hard, short-hair, double coat, they require some extra grooming. For household pets, the hair should be plucked about twice yearly. If the dog is a show dog, then more intensive grooming will be required.

Comb the coat properly 2 – 3 times weekly. The beard should be washed daily to remove any food particles.

Airedales will shed little to no hair, providing you strip the coat. If you do not strip the coat, then they can be heavy shedders.

Learn more about the proper dog grooming tools.

Health Problems of Airedale Terrier Dogs

The average life expectancy of Airedale Terriers is between ten to twelve years.

They are a very hardy breed with CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) being the only major health issue. Minor health concerns include gastric torsion and hypothyroidism. Some dogs may suffer from eye problems and skin infections.

Best,

Omar Reyes

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