AIREDALE TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Airedale Terrier is a large and very lively terrier. The Airedale has a long flat head and a very wiry and hard coat. The outer coat is dense and wiry, and the undercoat is short and soft. Coloring is typically in various shades of tan, with darker markings on the saddle and upper parts of the dog; white markings on the chest are also occasionally seen. The height of the Airedale Terrier is around 22-24 inches, and the weight is around 45-70 pounds.
PERSONALITY
The Airedale Terrier is very loyal, and can be a joy to own, but can be difficult at times. Dominance issues can arise if proper training is not started at and early age. The Airedale Terrier makes a loyal family pet when he feel loved and respected. The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for the average family, this independent, strong-minded and intelligent dog he can be a joy to own, eager to please he learns easily, but he can be difficult at times.
TRAINING
This dog is very lively and requires an experienced handler. Firm but gentle training is required. Positive, consistent training is key with this breed as well as keeping them challenged both physically and mentally. They are not always easy to train often going through a period in the “teen years” of being very headstrong and willful. This is a dog that may me best for those with experience in obedience training.
EXERCISE
The Airedale Terrier is very agile and energetic, and it is important to keep him occupied and dedicate plenty of time to play and exercise. This dog loves to swim, jog, run, and play so this breed does require extensive exercise. Airedale Terriers typically enjoy games such as fetch, tag and even tug of war. Care needs to be taken to avoid engaging the dominant or independent Airedale Terrier in games of strength such as tug of war as this may reinforce the dog’s dominance.
SOCIALIZATION
This breed is fine for families with children, but can be a little rough in terms of play and therefore may not be the best choice for families with smaller children. This dog loves to chase small animals, but can do exceptionally well with cats and other dogs, given the dog has had proper socialization. This breed can be aggressive with other dogs, but will usually be either friendly or simply polite with strangers.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Airedale Terrier should have at least an average sized yard available. Not recommended for apartment life as they are very active indoors and can become a tyrant if not sufficiently exercised.
GROOMING
Despite the short, wiry wavy and dense outer coat and the thick, wooly undercoat shedding can be minimized with the Airedale Terrier with regular stripping. Grooming the Airedale Terrier usually requires a grooming rake or pin bristle brush followed by a stiff bristle brush. It is important to brush the undercoat, not just the wiry overcoat. You should make sure that his beard is combed on a daily basis to keep it clean and hygienic, and his bottom will need to be kept trimmed. Bathing is only required when necessary.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Airedale Terrier is around 10-14 years. The Airedale Terrier is a very healthy breed with few inherited diseases. Some things to watch out for include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion and hypothyroidism.
HISTORY
The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in Airedale in Yorkshire, England from crosses between the now extinct English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter hound. In the nineteenth century this breed was used for a number of purposes, such as military work, killing vermin, and hunting. This terrier was first registered with the AKC in 1888.
