Description

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds, giving it the nickname “King of Terriers”. They have long flat skulls, with a long muzzle, and floppy V-shaped ears. The neck is fairly long, leading down to sloping shoulders and a deep chest. The Airedale Terrier’s legs are straight and strong, and the feet are round and compact.

Origin: England

Look

The Airedale Terrier has a medium-length black and tan coat. The fur is dense and wiry. Some Airedales have crinkly coats, but generally the hair is straight. Under the harsh topcoat there is a softer undercoat. The Airedale Terrier does not shed, so they need frequent grooming. They usually need clipping or stripping every six to eight week. On the plus side, they are a hypoallergenic breed and are suitable for people with certain allergies.

Health

The Airedale Terrier is generally a healthy breed; however they are prone to a few health conditions:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Umbilical Hernia
• Cancer
• Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

At Newdoggy.com, we recommend that you buy your dog from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines.

Learning

Rowdy but clever, the Airedale Terrier can be tricky to train. They were originally bred to hunt animals such as badgers, and as such are tenacious, curious, and fearless dogs. Proper exercise and socialization will definitely make training easier, but you may want to enroll in puppy classes or get help from a trainer for this strong-willed breed. You will need to be firm and consistent; although you should never lose your temper, do not let your Airedale get away with bad behavior. If your Airedale sees that they can get away with something, they will continue to challenge you. The good news is that they tend to calm down once they grow up, but proper training as a puppy is key to developing a good relationship with your dog and turning them into a good canine citizen.

Temperament

The Airedale Terrier is a very clever breed, curious about the world around. Although they were originally bred as working animals, they are very loving and make good pets. They get on well with children, and with proper socialisation they also get on well with other dogs and pets. The Airedale Terrier is beloved because of its wonderfully charming, playful, and funny personality. If you can handle their energy and curiosity, you will be delighted with their clownish character and sweet nature.

Living with

The Airedale Terrier is very clever, very curious, and very energetic. Your Airedale puppy is sure to keep you on your toes! Originally bred as a working dog, the Airedale can be used for herding and hunting, but they also make wonderful family pets. They are very loyal and loving, and also make good watchdogs (although you may have to deal with unwanted barking). With proper socialisation as a puppy, they can even get along with cats and other small animals. Proper socialisation is also important to prevent your Airedale from becoming overly protective.
Keep in mind that if you choose to get an Airedale Terrier, you will need to exercise them a lot. They are lively and need an outlet for all their energy. If left alone, an Airedale Terrier can easily become bored and destructive. They like to dig and chase, and if bored may decide to go for a wander.