Airedale Terrier The intelligent Dog

Breed Facts

• Country of Origin: England
• Height: Males 23–24 in (58–61 cm)/females 22–23 in (56–59 cm)
• Weight: Males 50–65 lb (22.5–29.5 kg)/females 40–45 lb (18–20.5 kg) [est.]
• Coat: Double coat with wiry, hard, dense outercoat and soft, downy undercoat; coat lies straight and close to body; especially hard coats crinkling or slightly waved
• Colors: Body saddle—tan with black or dark grizzle on sides and upper body
• Other Names: Bingley Terrier; Waterside Terrier
• Registries (With Group): AKC (Terrier); ANKC (Terriers); CKC (Terriers); FCI (Terriers); KC (Terrier); UKC (Terrier)

History and Personality

A relatively “young” breed, the Airedale Terrier was developed in the Aire Valley in West Riding, Yorkshire, in the mid-19th century.

Working-class citizens, who wanted a hunting and companion dog, crossed the extinct Old English Rough-Coated Black-and-Tan Terrier with the Otterhound to create the Airedale, a large, tenacious terrier who can also work in water.

The breed was used to hunt foxes, weasels, otters, badgers, water rats, and small game in the valleys of the rivers Colne, Calder, Warfe, and Aire.

The intelligent, energetic, and curious Airedale has become today’s “King of Terriers,” the largest of all the terrier breeds—a proficient hunter, watchdog, athlete, and companion.

Exercise, Training, Grooming, and Health

• The Airedale Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise, including several brisk walks a day and a securely fenced-in area where he can run off lead. This breed can become destructive if it doesn’t receive adequate exercise.
• When it comes to training, the smart, quick-thinking Airedale becomes bored with repeated requests given in a monotone; the trick is to have reasonable expectations and make training interesting.
• If being shown in a conformation event, the Airedale’s coat must be stripped, something that’s often best left to a professional groomer. If not being shown, the coat can be clipped instead. He needs to be brushed daily or his coat will become shaggy and unkempt.
• Average life span is 10 to 13 years. Breed health concerns may include cancer; hip dysplasia; hypothyroidism; skin problems; and urologic problems.