Dog Breeds > Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is also known as the largest Terrier. This lively and protective dog would surely delight your day. Friendly and sensitive, this dog is usually used in police works, hunting and tracking.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Airedale Terrier was once known as the Bingley Terriers and Waterside. It was assumed to have descended from the extinct type of black and tan terriers. In order to develop this breed into a better swimmer, it was crossed to Otterhound.

Physical Appearance

The height and weight of the Airedale Terrier is 22 – 24 inches and 50 – 65 pounds respectively. The Airedale has square-ish appearance. Its head is long and flat while the nose is black in color. The eyes are small and colored black as well. The V-shaped ears are standing on both sides. In addition, the ears fold slightly leaning to the front.

The perfectly straight legs are powerful; the tail is short and set high. The coat is double-layered – the outer coat is hard and wiry while the under coat is soft and short. The coat colors of the Airedale Terrier include black and tan and grizzle and tan. Usually, the head and ears, thigh, legs and chest are covered in tan-colored coat. Because of the length of the hair, you will see that this dog have beard.

Grooming

This dog has hard, wiry and double-layered coat. In order to bring out its top condition, demanding grooming is needed. There are owners that trim the excessive hair of the Airedale all over the body to address the serious issue of falling hair. Regularly check for burrs and ticks. Bathe only of necessary.

Mood

The Airedale Terrier is noted for its being protective and courageous. This dog does not get angry when it meets strangers. This dog is also, intelligent, loyal and pleasant. Naturally, active and happy-going, the owner/trainer/handler must use firm and gentle leadership in order to make it a desirable pet.

There are times that the Airedale Terrier becomes aggressive especially if they see moving objects along their way particularly hedgehogs, rats or any small animals. This dog is a natural hunter but do not tolerate its instinct especially if it chases away your other pets. In addition, do not over pamper this dog because it might develop some serious behavior issues like being over protective, barking excessively and biting furniture.

With Children

Normally, the Airedale Terrier is not good with children. However, if the dog was trained to socialize with children since its puppyhood, it will do fine with them. Make sure that you supervise the children while playing with the Airedale Terrier because it might snap at them if it was engaged in rough plays/activities.

Training & Exercise

Exercise is vital to Airedale Terrier’s well being. In order to fulfill its instinct to walk, you should allow it to have at least 2 -3 hours of daily exercise. Let it run for sometime in a safe open space.

The Airedale Terrier is a responsive and intelligent type of dog. Training would be easy for this dog breed as long as the trainer/handler/owner use firm but gentle training methods. In order to engage this dog easily, you can use food-reward challenges.

Health & Life Expectancy

The normal lifespan of the Airedale Terrier is about 10 – 12 years. Normally, this breed lives healthy for the rest of its natural life. However, there are times that it develops some health problems like hip dysplasia, eye problems and skin infections.

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