Airedale Terrier

Coat & Grooming: The broken coat of the Airedale Terrier can be a handful for a novice owner. Airedales require “hand stripping” three or four times per year to remove hair from the undercoat. It’s a challenge for home groomers, so don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A good dog groomer will help you maintain a beautiful coat on your Airedale, and your companion will appreciate the special attention.

The American Kennel Club recognizes two standard colors for Airedales: black & tan or grizzle & tan. There are no standard markings contained in the AKC breed standard.

Shedding: Shedding isn’t a major issue with Airedale Terriers. Weekly grooming can help, but the breed can be challenging to brush without causing damage to their broken hair coat. Invest in the proper tools, take them to the groomer regularly, and don’t wait too long before their coat gets out of hand.

Training: As a large and muscular working breed, your Airedale Terrier needs solid instruction and socialization to build a winning personality. Training is important, and it requires a commitment from their human companions to stick to the plan. Regular exercise, games, and goofing around are all key ingredients to keep your Airedale happy and healthy. Keep your training sessions short (10 minutes or less) for younger Airedales, and don’t be shy with the positive reinforcement. Airedales are keen to learn and impress their owners, but they are curious and get bored quickly.

Barking: Excessing barking is rare, but your Airedale may feel the need to express himself every now and again. They don't like being left alone outside for too long – being with their family is what they love best.

Understanding the history of the British terrier breed helps to shed some insight on their manners and behaviors. A proper training regime and early socialization are key to develop good habits in your Airedale. It’s crucial to provide ample opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, and playtime for your dog.

Temperament & Behavior: A typical working dog like the Airedale Terrier is usually assertive and curious. A life of farm work alongside large cattle is a great match for their bravery and strong work ethic. Proper training is key, and regular daily exercise is a must with Airedales. They can be stubborn with prey animals and digging projects, so it’s always good to supervise them in a safe and contained area when off-leash. Airedales are excellent family companions, getting along well with cats and other small pets.

Personality: Brimming with confidence and self-esteem, the Airedale is a proud companion of many farmers. They are very intelligent and affectionate with their family and friends, but also alert at all times to danger and anything to chase. Airedales can make a great family dog, but always supervise children and strangers with your dog.

Behavior with Kids: The Airedale Terrier is a great family dog with the proper early socialization and training for obedience. They are loving and loyal companions, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on any small children or strangers around your dog.

Protection: Farming breeds, such as the Airedale Terrier, are protective when it comes to their home turf. Their love of digging and chasing can cause problems, but they are stubborn and loyal protectors.

Life Span: On average, Airedale Terriers live to be about 11-14 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Health conditions can occur in Airedale Terriers, as with any breed. Some of these conditions occur at an increased frequency in the breed, and others have a genetic link. Responsible breeders can have genetic testing performed on their breeding dogs in an attempt to decrease the frequencies of some of these conditions.

Common conditions among Airedales include: follicular dysplasia, Hemophilia B, cauda equina, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, nasal cavity tumors, pyometra, and flank alopecia.

Preventive Care: Maintaining routine visits to your veterinarian is the best way to keep your Airedale Terrier in the best condition possible. Airedales can experience some skin conditions associated with hair loss or skin tumors. Veterinarians are extensively trained to pick up on very subtle details that may aid in earlier diagnosis and subsequent treatment of some conditions. At home, regularly evaluate your dog’s skin and coat for any changes, and seek veterinary attention if anything abnormal is noted.

Female Airedale Terriers are more prone to developing a pyometra, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine infection. Fortunately, this hormone-driven condition can be entirely prevented by spaying your female dog to remove her ovaries and uterus.

Nutrition: Airedales are generally active dogs, but with overfeeding or under-exercising, they can easily become overweight. Measuring portion-controlled meals of a high quality, balanced dog food is the best way to keep your Airedale Terrier in prime condition. Limit people foods and treats, since these can quickly pack on the pounds.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Airedale is 2.5 - 3.5 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Airedale Terriers have some strange habits, but they only add to the charm and lovability of this wonderful breed. They love to dig and bury their toys, which includes pretty much anything they can get their teeth into. Socks and underwear are particular favorites of the Airedale. Chewing is another common issue with Airedales, so it pays to invest in robust and chew-safe toys for your new companion.

Climate: As a sturdy working breed, the Airedale Terrier does well in cold weather. A sunny day is no problem either. It’s important to keep an eye on your canine companion in extreme conditions (either hot or cold) for signs of distress, but your Airedale is perfectly happy to spend plenty of time outside.