Family-friendly:4/5Exercise needs:5/5Easy to train:4/5Tolerates being alone:2/5Likes other pets:4/5Energy level:5/5Grooming needs:3/5Shedding:2/5

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers are the largest of the terrier breed group. Their muscular bodies are covered with a hard, wiry coat that’s hard to miss. They’re intelligent and confident dogs that are easy to love, but their intense nature might be challenging for first-time dog owners.

Airedale terrier lying down on the floor.

Airedale Terrier on the beach with person.

Lifespan

10-12 years

Weight

25-28kg for males and 21-23kg for females

Height

Adult males measure 58 to 61cm to the top of shoulder, and females 56 to 59cm

Colours

Black/grizzle (on the saddle) and tan

Size

Large

Kennel Club group

Terrier

The need-to-know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Enjoys one to two hours of walking a day

Large dog
Some drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks, alerts and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors

Might not like other dogs
May need additional training to live with other pets
Great family dog
Needs a large garden
Can live in semi-rural areas

Can be left occasionally with training

Generally healthy breed

The Airedale dog is generally a hardy breed. As with many breeds, they can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia.

Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme

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Personality

In common with most terrier dog breeds, the Airedale is confident, bold and outgoing. They are loyal, friendly, curious, energetic dogs who are fun loving, eager and tireless. They are devoted to their family and will protect them if they feel it is necessary. Airedale Terriers can sometimes be reserved with strangers and may not be entirely friendly to unknown dogs. While mostly kind and docile, they are the kind of plucky, fearless dogs that while they might not start a fight, will always finish one. A typical terrier, they may not be reliable with small furry animals and cats.

Vet Rating

Family-friendly:	4/5
Exercise needs:	5/5
Easy to train:	4/5
Tolerates being alone:	2/5
Likes other pets:	4/5
Energy level:	5/5
Grooming needs:	3/5
Shedding:	2/5

History and Origins

Known as the ‘king of the terriers’ the hardy Airedale Terrier was created in the 19th century in the Aire, Wharfe and Calder river valleys of Yorkshire by hunters who wanted a terrier to help protect the fishermen’s catches from otters. They were developed from crosses from the now extinct Black and Tan Terrier to give them the rough coat, the Otterhound to give them the nose, and the Bull Terrier to give them tenacity. While they were primarily developed as otter hunters, they quickly found other jobs including as a duck-catcher, a ratter, a gun dog, a guard dog, an army messenger dog and even a transport police patrol dog.

Ideal Owner

The ideal Airedale owner likes long walks, is a calm and patient person who enjoys dog training, and can sensitively temper the Airedale’s occasionally spicy terrier nature. A family with older children, or a child free family, who enjoy a dog who is fun and interesting to train and are perhaps involved in some type of dog sports would be perfect.

Exercise Needs

An active dog, the Airedale breed needs a moderate amount of dog exercise (1 to 2 hours daily), including dog games and training, to prevent boredom and to keep them fit and healthy.

Space Requirements

The Airedale Terrier is a large dog who enjoys space and so needs a large-ish house and garden - plus space to exercise so they are best in a rural environment.

Nutrition and Feeding

Airedale Terriers need to have a balanced diet including the main nutrient groups and a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. The Airedale dog breed is prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

Grooming Airedale Terrier Dogs

The waterproof, double Airedale coat consists of a hard, wiry top coat and a shorter, softer undercoat. When it comes to dog grooming, Airedale Terriers require daily brushing, together with stripping when the coat begins to shed (twice a year).

Training Airedale Terriers

The Airedale is a joy to train and they love working with their owners although they do need to be kept motivated with reward-based dog training and plenty of variety. They can excel at dog sports such as agility and can become experts at scent work and love to have a job to do. They do need early and ongoing socialisation to ensure they stay reliable around other dogs and should be taught a strong recall.

Suitability for Family Life

Airedales are generally gentle with children although may be too big for younger ones. They are best suited to active families with older children.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

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Did you know?

Airedales have been extremely popular with US Presidents - and in fact three presidents in a row all had Airedales called Davie, Laddie Boy and Paul Pry respectively.