Airedale Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

18 - 29 kg

Height

56-61 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Airedale Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The “King of Terriers”, so dubbed because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, has had some hallowed company. Both John Wayne and Geri Halliwell adopted Airedales. And who can forget the famous Paddy the Wanderer of Wellington, New Zealand?

You also may have seen Kitty the Airdale boarding the Titanic or Kipper rescuing puppies in the 101 Dalmatians. Still, they truly shine in The Ballad of Hector the Stowaway Dog.

What is the history & origin of the Airedale Terrier?

In his introduction to The Complete Story Of The Airedale Terrier, Arthur Bothwell Proctor refers to Bingley in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire as “the cradle of the breed”.

The author of The Complete Story, Ferguson Marshall Jowett, was an expert terrier breeder and judge born in Airedale. He observed his father breeding English wire-haired black and tan terriers with Otter Hounds to develop the majestic Airedale terrier of today.

Jowett and Proctor further state that Champion Cholmondeley Briar is the patriarch of the Bingley or Waterside terriers, as this breed is also called. The first published illustration of this lively breed dates back to 1879.

The Kennel Club of England first recognised this terrier breed in 1886, and Airedale terriers made their appearance in Australia in the 1890s.

Back in 1949, the Airedale Terrier was the 20th most popular breed in America, according to the American Kennel Club. However, their popularity has since decreased as German Shepards began to fill their former roles as working dogs.

This very hardy breed is tenacious. Many Airedale terriers risked their lives during armed conflicts worldwide, first serving as messengers during the World Wars of the 20th century.

What is an Airedale Terrier Breed?

Cholmondeley Briar and his progeny began life as working, hunting, and sporting dogs that were also treated as members of their human families.

As Jowett explains, the dogs would remain at home with wives and children for protection, and when the men returned to the hearth, they’d go hunting and sporting with the hounds.

An Airedale terrier is an intelligent dog able to work independently as a guard dog, in search and rescue exercises, or while herding cattle.

Who Are Airedale Terriers Best For?

These purebred dogs are friendly, energetic, and intelligent. These jacks-of-all-trades will fit into your family very well, especially if you have children.

These little guard dogs are a territorial breed, as they are incredibly loving and protective of their family.

You should maybe consider taking your dog to a puppy daycare centre for early socialisation and extra mental stimulation if you work away from home and cannot stay with your little Bingley terrier, as they tend to be quite needy.

Puppy classes are also a great way to stimulate and train these high energy dogs.

Airedale Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Airedale Terriers have a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat, requiring regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding. Brush them at least once a week with a slicker brush to prevent matting and remove loose hair.

Bathing should be done every 2 to 3 months, using a mild dog shampoo to maintain skin health. Trim their nails monthly to prevent discomfort, and check their ears weekly to avoid infections. Additionally, brush their teeth a few times a week for good dental hygiene. Starting a positive grooming routine early will make the process easier and strengthen your bond with your Airedale.

Do Airedale Terriers bark a lot?

When this active dog has completed obedience training and puppy classes, you can expect a friendly dog that barks for specific reasons. They’ll bark to alert you and the rest of the family to danger or threats in the immediate area.

These dogs are not nuisance barkers, as they are one of the more intelligent and observant dog breeds.

Many were trained as underground messengers, guards or police dogs, and an inability to control their barking urges would not have made for such a successful working breed.

What is the average weight & height of an Airedale Terrier dog?

Standard male Airedale terriers are between 58 and 61 cm at the shoulders. In contrast, female Airedale terriers are between 56 and 59 cm tall.

Females are generally known to weigh around 18kgs, whereas males can weigh up to 29kgs.

Are Airedale Terriers easy to train?

Airedale Terriers are known to be incredibly intelligent dogs, which means that training will likely not be too much of a hassle for most owners. However, if you are interested in receiving some help along the way, it may be a good idea to take your dog to some obedience classes.

The earlier, the better so that you and your puppy develop proper handling habits and healthy social behaviour.

Stimulating toys that increase in complexity is ideal for this family dog. If your Tan Terrier is left to their own devices for too long without vigorous exercise, it may misbehave and engage in destructive behaviour.

How do Airedale Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Airedale Terrier is a sporting dog that has evolved into a beloved companion, known for its lovely disposition. These dogs are alert, friendly, confident, courageous, fearless, and intelligent. Breeders specifically selected dogs exhibiting these traits to develop the proud breed we see today. Their combination of loyalty and playfulness makes them exceptional family pets, while their intelligence allows them to excel in various activities, including obedience and agility training.

Does the Airedale Terrier have any common health issues?

Airedale Terriers are mostly healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems. Here are a few common issues to watch for:

Hip Dysplasia: This inherited condition means the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly in the hip socket, which can lead to arthritis as they age.
Allergies: Like many dogs, Airedales can have allergies that cause skin issues or digestive problems.
Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid gland doesn’t work properly, potentially leading to skin problems and weight gain.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This condition affects the eyes and can lead to vision loss over time.
Umbilical Hernias: A common issue where part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall, usually correctable by surgery.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder that affects blood clotting.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: A serious condition causing vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.
Cancer: Airedales can be at risk for various types of cancer, so regular check-ups are important.

To help keep your Airedale healthy, ensure they have regular vet visits and a balanced lifestyle!

What is the lifespan of an Airedale Terrier?

Most healthy, well-cared-for Airedale Terriers have a lifespan of about 10-12 years.

How much does an Airedale Terrier need to be fed?

This medium-sized dog should be fed around 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry dog food per day. This should also be split into two meals to discourage your dog from overeating.

Speak to a trusted veterinarian and a canine nutritionist to establish a meal plan that meets your dog’s specific needs.

How much can you expect to pay for an Airedale Terrier in Australia?

If you decide to adopt your Airedale Terrier from a rescue, you can expect to spend between $50 and $500.

If you decide to purchase an Airedale Terrier puppy from a breeder, you should make sure that they are registered with a national breed club. This will normally cost you between $800 and $2,000.

Airedale Terrier FAQs

Do Airedale Terriers get along with cats?

Airedale terriers can get along with cats and other pets if you expose and socialise them during puppyhood.

Airedales have powerful hunting instincts; however, introducing them to your other dogs or cats while they are still young could help them get along better.

Can Airedale Terriers be left alone?

Like many working dogs, your Airedale Terrier should not be left alone for too long, as they are highly social dogs.

Leaving them home alone for too long can cause them to develop separation anxiety, which can lead to bad behaviour like digging and barking.

Is an Airedale Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

If you have the time, energy, and patience to deal with this boisterous breed, an Airedale terrier could be a good choice for a first-time owner.

Are Airedale Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Yes, Airdele Terrier is a hypoallergenic dog. The Airedale Terrier’s wiry coat causes them to produce less dander than many other dogs, which means that those who suffer from allergies will do well with an Airedale.