Meet the Airedale Terrier

High Doggy I.Q.

High Doggy I.Q.

World-Class Watchdog

World-Class Watchdog

Best Workout Buddy

Best Workout Buddy

If you’re an energetic and experienced pup parent, I may be the breed for you! We Airedale Terriers are the largest terrier breed with that classic terrier attitude: we’re bold, smart, and brave, but we’re also big chewers who love to dig! Apartment dwellers need not apply – I need room to play outside (preferably in a fenced yard). I also have tons of energy to burn so I need humans who can give me two walks a day and other physical and mental stimulation. I can be destructive when I’m bored or lonely. I’m very alert so I’m a great watchdog, but I can also be stubborn, so train me early. I love when my humans turn training activities into fun games for us to play together! I love kids but I’m not the best with other dogs or cats. I like to be the boss and my prey drive is strong, so I’ll chase small animals if given the chance. My furbulous looks require some work: a few brushings a week and a couple of trips to the groomer a year. Even though I can be a handful, my playful personality more than makes up for it!
关于我

Personality

Playful

Independent

Smart

Group

Terrier Group

Origin

England

Life Span

11-14 Years

Breed Popularity

#62 of 195

Height Range

23-24 Inches

Weight Range

50-70 Lbs

Coat Details

Type

Short to Medium Length

Texture

Hard and Wiry with Soft Undercoat

Features

Double Coat

Colors

Black & Tan, Grizzle & Tan

Hypoallergenic

Cost to Buy

$500-$1,500

Lifetime Care Cost

$27,935

My Many Looks

My Many Looks

My Breed Characteristics

My Breed Characteristics

Training Ability:
Intelligence:
Exercise Needs:
Health Issues:
Affection Level:
Grooming Effort:
Pet-Friendly:
Shedding:
Kid-Friendly:
Barking:
Furbulous Fact

Furbulous Fact

The bravery of the Airedale Terrier is widely known, and no one is braver than Jack, an Airedale Terrier who served in the British Army in World War I. In 1918, Jack’s battalion was cut off from all reinforcements and this courageous Airedale was their only hope. Jack traveled through miles of enemy territory and was gravely injured along the way, but he never quit. He was able to deliver a message that saved his entire battalion before he died a war hero. After his death, Jack was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honor in Britain.
As I Grow Up

As I Grow Up

History of My Breed

History of My Breed

We Airedale Terriers, also known as the King of Terriers, have always been hard working dogs of the people. My ancestors were first bred in the 19th century in Aire Valley in Yorkshire, England. Most of the humans who lived there were factory workers, coal miners, and farmers who wanted to create a versatile working dog. My earliest ancestors were a cross between the Black and Tan Terrier and the Otterhound. We were originally called different names like the Waterside Terrier and the Bingley Terrier. My ancestors were skilled hunting dogs and retrievers – they were especially good ratters and otter hunters! We aren’t just great at hunting, though – we can do lots of different jobs! Our intelligence, courage, and alertness make us pawesome guard dogs, watchdogs, and police dogs. My ancestors proudly competed in Aire Valley’s first dog show in 1864 (though they were still being called the Waterside Terrier or Bingley Terrier). Around this time, our humans decided to change our name to Ai
Care Tips

Care Tips

from Dr. Jessica Greenberg, Associate Veterinarian
1

Feed them frequent, small meals to prevent bloat.

Airedales have tall, deep chests, which can predispose them to a condition called bloat. Bloat causes the stomach to fill up with air and twist, and can be immediately life threatening. The signs of bloat include distended abdomen, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, collapse, and death. Bloat can have a very fast onset and must be treated as an emergency, as without veterinary treatment it can be fatal. Feed your Airedale Terrier frequent, small meals to decrease gulping which can cause bloat, and consider having your dog’s stomach surgically tacked during a spay or neuter surgery.

2

Purchase from a responsible breeder.

While well-bred and cared for Airedales can be very healthy, this breed is susceptible to certain heritable disorders, like hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and loss of mobility. In addition to heritable joint conditions, Airedales are also predisposed to heritable thyroid issues. Avoid heartbreak and veterinary expenses by purchasing puppies from responsible breeders who only breed dogs that provide health guarantees, require OFA or PennHip certification, and eye clearance from CERF.

3

Schedule yearly veterinary visits.

Airedales are stoic in nature and may hide signs of pain or disease from you. It is recommended to have them checked once a year by a local veterinarian, not only for hidden sources of pain but also for heart disease, as the breed can be predisposed to developing heart murmurs in old age.

Training Tips

Training Tips

from Dr. Jessica Greenberg, Associate Veterinarian
1

Socialize them with other animals.

If you have other dogs or cats, the Airedale will need to be introduced to them at a young age or their hunting instincts may take over. In fact, socializing your dog with other animals throughout puppyhood is a great idea no matter what breed you have. If you don’t have other animals at home, find friends with dogs who can visit for playdates. Not only will it help socialize your Airedale, but also help them get some much needed exercise!

2

Boredom is their enemy.

Airedales, like many terriers, can display rambunctious and destructive behavior. They need a lot of physical stimulation, but even more critical is mental stimulation. These are smart dogs that can become easily bored. Make sure they’re getting plenty of challenging training and attention. This is not a breed to stick in the backyard or leave alone for hours at a time. (Unless you hate your shoes and furniture!)

3

Don’t let them become watchdogs.

Airedales can get possessive of people and things. Make sure your puppy understands that their toys, ultimately, belong to you. But also make sure that they understand you don’t need their protection! One way to assure they don’t hyper-bond to just one person is to have everyone in the family pitch in for feeding and training. If you notice the dog becoming protective of one person, have that person tune them out for a few days.

关于我
  • Personality

    Playful

    Independent

    Smart

  • Group

    Terrier Group

  • Origin

    England

  • Life Span

    11-14 Years

  • Breed Popularity

    #62 of 195

  • Height Range

    23-24 Inches

  • Weight Range

    50-70 Lbs

  • 动物皮毛

    Type

    Short to Medium Length

    Texture

    Hard and Wiry with Soft Undercoat

    Features

    Double Coat

    Colors

    Black & Tan, Grizzle & Tan

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Cost to Buy

    $500-$1,500

  • Lifetime Care Cost

    $27,935