Known as "the King of all Terriers", the Airedale Terrier was originally bred to be used as an "all purpose dog" that could not only hunt water vermin, but upland game, and also be a fearless guard dog, loyal family companion and trusted friend.
The largest of the terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier stands 23" tall at the shoulder and weighs from 55 to 68 pounds. The Airedale Terrier is the dog of all dogs; whatever you are able to teach them, they will do for you. Loving, clownish, happy and gregarious with a true zest for life, these dogs make extraordinary companions, and are particularly fond of children.
The Airedale Terrier has a coat requires a certain amount of care; hand-stripping and regular visits to the groomers are needed to keep the sleek and elegant appearance. These wonderful dogs excel in obedience training and are relatively easy to house-break. They require plenty of daily exercise and liberal amounts of love, care and attention in order to thrive. A fenced yard is a must.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Airedale Terrier Size
Variations: Standard size only
Airedale Terrier
Colors:
Black and Tan Airedales
Red Airedales
Black Airedales
Airedale Terrier Height: Average height of 23 inches at the shoulder
Airedale Terrier Weight:
45-100 pounds, depending on what strain they are
Airedale Terrier
Exercise Needs: Demanding
Airedale Terrier
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Airedale Terrier Life Expectancy (Lifespan):
12-14 years
Are Airedale Terriers Child-Friendly? Yes
Airedale Terrier Training:
Moderate
Breed Group:
Terrier
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
The Airedale Terrier dog breed originated in United States of
America. Like so many other breeds, the origins of the Airedale Terrier are enshrouded in mystery and obscured by the hands of time. Due to the fact that ancient art pieces depict dogs of similar type, and the similarity between the Airedale and Old English Terrier, or Broken-haired Terrier, it is generally considered that this marvelous dog first appeared in the European countries, particularly England. Even amongst those who might argue differently, it is a known fact that this unique breed was most certainly refined and strengthened in that part of the world.
It is believed that the now-extinct black and tan Old English Terrier was the foundation for the Fox, Irish, Welsh and the Airedale Terrier. Ranging in size from 17-30 pounds, these variants of terrier were used for hunting a wide variety of game, ranging from weasel to fox and even otter. Courageous and quick, they made excellent hunting dogs, as well as loyal companions.
It was the desire to improve the scenting ability of the breed that led to the introduction of the keen-nosed Otter Hound to the Airedale's bloodlines. Additionally, the crossing of this rough-coated breed is believed to have had some bearing on the Airedale's distinctive wiry brown and tan coat, while his patience and loyalty is suspected to come from an infusion of hound blood somewhere in his distant past. The resulting line would come to be known as the Bingley, Working or Waterside Terrier and, in time, would develop into today's Airedale Terrier.
The Airedale is best summed up by a single word - balance. Known for their beautiful form, they are tall without seeming gangly, deep-chested without seeming too broad, and possess a well-muscled and athletic body, strong in muscling and in bone. With males standing an average of 23 inches at the shoulder and bitches slightly smaller, they are a substantial dog and a very capable working breed.
Airedale Terriers mainly come in one color - the traditional black and tan of their ancestors. However, there are slight variations and no one dare ever say that these magnificent dogs all look alike - some Airedales possess a mingling of red hairs with their black, while others can even sport proud markings of white on their chest. Despite similar markings, no two dogs are ever alike!
The Airedale Terrier breed has a very unique temperament and, in fact, the dog's personality plays an important part in making the ideal Airedale. While gamey and courageous enough to qualify as a terrier breed, the Airedale is recognized for his patience and unconditional loyalty - in fact, the Airedale is one of the most popular dogs to have stayed in the White House. Even John Wayne owned one of these magnificent dogs!
It was the combination of the Airedale's unflinching desire to defend his master, combined with a wary aloofness from strangers that made him a highly desirable police dog in Europe and the United States. Additionally, his determination and uncanny ability to ignore injuries made him popular during times of war, where he helped with guarding and patrol, as well as delivering messages. From nose to tail, the Airedale is a very noble and brave breed, capable of great courage and yet gentle enough to be a loving companion and family pet.
The Airedale is a very enthusiastic and energetic dog that delights in his place as a working breed. Not as prone to obesity as other breeds, they are naturally busy and tend to find ways of exercising, even when they can't get out for a good brisk walk. Unfortunately, when kept pent up for too long, this alternate form of exercise can sometimes manifest in destructive behavior, so it's best to ensure your Airedale puppy doesn't get bored.
For most Airedales, a couple of walks a day will do wonders, provided they are offered at a pace that will let him jog a bit and work out the kinks. Dog parks or fenced yards are excellent opportunities for the Airedale Terrier to get out and stretch his legs as well, and this breed often does very well in obstacle courses and agility matches.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
While not as prone to matting as the finer-coated breeds, there is still some work involved in keeping your Airedale looking his best. For many, the easiest route to take is the occasional trip to the groomer's, with weekly comb-throughs in-between. This will help to keep your Airedale free from mats, as well as helping you to take note of anything unusual about your pet. If nothing else, your weekly grooming session provides you with the perfect opportunity to have some quality time with your four-footed friend and he's sure to enjoy the attention.
In addition to the obvious brushing and combing of your Airedale Terrier, you should also pay special attention to his ears. Being a fold-ear dog, the Airedale is prone to ear infections and can get sick if his ears are not cleaned regularly. To do so, take a cotton swab and gently clean around the outer edges of your dog's ear. Never, however, stick the swab down into the ear canal - doing so can cause great pain to your dog or even cause him to lose his hearing!
The Airedale Terrier is a very intelligent and enthusiastic pupil who delights in learning new tricks and receiving praise for whatever he retains. They particularly excel in agility matches, where their natural athletic ability combines with their keen intelligence to make for a strong competitor. Additionally, they are also skilled hunting dogs who do well in field trials or obedience courses.
When training your Airedale, one of the most important things to do is to keep it upbeat, fun and positive. The Airedale Terrier loves praise and responds well to treats and shows of love and kindness. A strong hand or stern voice can often be met with stubbornness, typical of other intelligent breeds.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
The Airedale Terrier is an uncommonly healthy breed of dog, known for their rugged constitutions and their ability to ignore great pain in order to fulfill their duty to their masters. Consequently, the most common ailments that seem to trouble the Airedale are hip dysplasia or "itchy skin," meaning they often have sensitivities to food or shampoos. Additionally, itchy skin can be a result of excitement or psychological problems. If your dog should chew at himself or scratch excessively, it's generally a good idea to have any abnormal behavior checked by your local veterinarian.
The Airedale Terrier is a very wonderful and loyal breed of dog, dedicated to his owners and adaptable to his surroundings. A popular pet, they are known for their giving natures, their determination and their love of pleasing their masters. Few who have had the honor of knowing an Airedale have anything to say about them, aside from their being an incredible breed.
However, knowing an Airedale is smart and loyal isn't always enough - it's important to also note that the Airedale is a very energetic dog as well as being very family-oriented. If left alone for too long or ignored, he may turn to destructive behavior in an attempts to gain attention. While a good pet, they are not for someone who has a busy or hectic life, nor are they the ideal companion for the couch potato.
Now that you have decided that the Airedale Terrier is the right breed
for you, it's time to start the process of finding a responsible
Airedale Terrier breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized
puppy. Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders - and bad
breeders. Don't be in a hurry to buy the first Airedale Terrier puppy
you find at the cheapest price available! To buy a puppy from a
responsible Airedale Terrier breeder, you may need to pay more and wait
longer. The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it.
Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or "backyard
breeder", and you'll likely also purchase a great deal of additional
expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love
with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely
need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication -
or even euthanasia. But do your homework and find a responsible,
caring Airedale Terrier breeder who home-raises their puppies with
love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a
health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the
Airedale Terrier breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather
than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a
healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that
will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter
and companionship.
Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...
Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These
sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders
listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised Airedale Terrier puppies to carefully screened buyers. There are many, many
sites now online that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for
puppy mills and backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear
of these resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the
breeders whom they allow to advertise.
We Highly Recommend:
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Choosing a name for your Airedale Terrier puppy can be a daunting
task! There are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot
of thought and research to find just the right name for your
Airedale Terrier. Usually, it's best to get to know your puppy for a
few days or weeks. Often your puppy's personality will help you
decide on just the right name to choose. Does he have a sense of
humor? A serious side? A goofy way of cocking his head to one side?
A strange love of cantaloupe? By observing your new Airedale Terrier
puppy over the first days or weeks, you should at least have a clue
about what type of name you want to give. There are a ton of dog
names and pet names web sites on the internet. Some are wonderful
information resources, while others, unfortunately, are just
"garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose of cashing in on
visitor hits for this popular subject.
We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name
for your new Airedale Terrier puppy. These sites offer inventive,
unique, original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped
thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for
their new baby!
Airedale Terrier Dog Names
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Airedale Terriers are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at
Airedale Terrier pictures, you can usually gain more insight into
what these dogs and puppies are like as a breed, and this can help
you decide if you really want to become an Airedale Terrier owner.
The following sites below offer pictures of Airedale Terrier dogs,
Airedale Terrier puppy photos, funny Airedale Terrier photos and
more. Enjoy!
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn
more about the Airedale Terrier dog breed. We've compiled a list of
Airedale Terrier information sites to assist you in quickly locating
quality information about the Airedale Terrier dog breed, while
avoiding the "garbage" sites that are nothing more than poor
attempts to capitalize on the popularity of dog breeds in general.
If you know of an Airedale Terrier information site that offers
unique, quality information and photos of the Airedale Terrier
breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief description so
that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our list below.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Airedale Terrier clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn
even more about the Airedale Terrier dog breed, help you locate a
responsible Airedale Terrier breeder, or help you find an Airedale Terrier dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving,
forever home. We've compiled the following list of Airedale Terrier
clubs and Airedale Terrier rescues web sites for your convenience:
Airedale Terrier Clubs -
Airedale Terrier Rescues
