| The Airedale’s coat color is usually a black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black with gray and white). He has a fluffy tail that is naturally long. His eyes are dark in color, small, and not prominent, and show terrier expression, keenness and intelligence. |
| Height: |
Male: 23-24 inches: Female: slightly smaller |
| Weight: |
Male: 45-70 pounds; Female: slightly lighter |
| Color(s): |
Black and tan |
| Coat: |
Medium length, with a harsh topcoat (hard, dense, and wiry) and a soft undercoat |
| Description: |
The Airedale Terrier has been called the Waterside Terrier because it was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire, which runs through Airedale, England. His nickname, “King of Terriers” was given when he was the largest of the terrier breeds, prior to the creation of the Black Russian Terrier by the KGB in Russia. The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the British terriers, and has been used a a police dog in England. The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunter. |
| Temperament: |
The Airedale Terrier is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can be stubborn. They are also very loving, always in the middle of the family activities, and are a reliable and protective family pet. The Airedale is a dog with a great sense of humor. Airedale Terriers are an alert and energetic breed. They are not aggressive, but they are fearless. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics, and have a propensity to chase animals. Strong-willed, with the tenacity commonly seen in terriers, the Airedale is a formidable opponent. |
| Training: |
Airedales can often be difficult to train. Airedales benefit from consistent reinforcement. Although, being intelligent, Airedales learn quickly, they get bored with repetition, and may attempt to terminate a training session when being presented with skills they have already attained. Varying the training, and taking play breaks, will help to alleviate this behavior. As with most dogs, Airedales require socialization with other dogs early. A working Airedale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy livestock |
| Care & Grooming: |
The Airedale Terrier is a very energetic breed, and needs plenty of exercise. Airedales are often groomed by stripping (a small serrated edged knife is used to pull out loose hair from the dog’s coat). Hand stripping can assist with some forms of skin irritations, as it removes the dead hair follicles and stimulates new growth. Clipping the coat cuts the dead hair, leaving dead roots within the hair follicles, and it is these dead roots which can cause skin irritations. |
| Shedding: |
Light |
| Health: |
The Airedale is stoic, able to withstand pain and injury and, consequently, the Airedale’s hurts and illnesses often go unnoticed until they become severe and require veterinary attention. Airedales can be affected by hip dysplasia. Some Airedales suffer from eye diseases, such as congenital retina condition. Airedales, like most terriers, have a propensity towards dermatitis, which may go unnoticed because of their hard, dense, wiry coats. Intense licking or chewing of an area may indicate a skin disorder. The main causes for skin conditions are allergies, dietary imbalances, and under- or over-productive thyroid glands. Airedales may be affected by gastric torsion, or bloat, which causes a buildup of gas, which can be fatal by leading to cardiovascular collapse. Signs of bloat are gastric distress, or stomach pain, futile attempts at vomiting, and increased salivation. Bloat usually occurs when the dog is exercised too soon after eating. |
| Lifespan: |
Median 11½ years |
| Litter Size: |
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