The largest of all terrier breeds is the Airedale Terrier, also referred to as the “King of Terriers”. Because they are loving and loyal friends, Airedales make excellent family pets. They are extremely trainable and athletic, which enables them to succeed in a range of dog sports, such as tracking, agility, and obedience.
In Yorkshire, England’s Aire Valley, Airedales were first domesticated in the middle of the 1800s. Although they were first developed as hunting dogs for otters and other small game, they soon gained popularity as show dogs and working dogs. During both World Wars, Airedales were used as ambulances, guard, and messenger dogs.
In search of a devoted, perceptive, and adaptable canine companion, the Airedale Terrier might be the ideal breed for you. For families with active members who want a dog to go on adventures with, they are an excellent option. But, if you are thinking about acquiring an Airedale Terrier puppy, make sure you investigate the breed and locate a respectable puppy breeder. Although they are a wonderful breed, airedales need a lot of love and care. Airedales can be amazing companions for many years to come with the right care.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Yorkshire, England’s Aire Valley
- Size: 45–65 pounds, 22–24 inches at the shoulder
- Category of Breed: Terrier
- Age range: 10–13 years
- Coat: Available in black, tan, or brindle, this wirey, harsh material has two layers.
- Temperament: Fearless, witty, devoted, and intelligent
- Exercise requirements: High
- Training: Stability and firmness
- Grooming: Hand-stripped once a month and brushed two to three times a week
- Health: Generally good, though susceptible to certain conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia
- Airedales were considered war heroes for their roles as search and rescue and messenger dogs during World War II..
- Numerous well-known people, including Woodrow Wilson, Olivia De Havilland, James Earl Jones, Theodore Roosevelt, and John Wayne, were won over to the Airedale breed.
- A supporting role is played by an Airedale Terrier named Kipper in Disney’s live-action “101 Dalmations” adaptation.”
Airedale Terrier Overview
An adventurous Airedale Terrier named Jack showed incredible bravery on the battlefield during World War I. Jack bravely carried out a vital message to British headquarters in spite of the dangerous circumstances and serious injuries he had sustained. Sadly, not long after finishing his mission, he passed away. His battalion was saved by the message he carried, and he was posthumously granted the Victoria Cross in remembrance of his valour.
The courage and tenacity that Jack exhibited remain a characteristic that sets modern Airedales apart. Airedale Terriers are exceptional athletes and work dogs because they were bred to be versatile canines with terrier agility, swimming prowess, and the capacity to track prey. They enjoy activities that use their limitless energy and sharp minds, such as agility, obedience, and hunt tests, in the modern era.
Whether it is keeping children entertained, with whom they get along well (though supervision is necessary), or going for walks with their owners, Airedales thrive when they have a purpose. But because of their independence and propensity to disregard their owners’ orders, they are better suited for those who like a challenge.
Because of their intense prey drive, Airedales can be aggressive towards other animals and will not put up with rough treatment. They need a safely fenced yard as well as consistent, positive obedience training. Airedales make great watchdogs because they will ferociously defend their families from outsiders while still being amiable with guests who have been invited.
Above and beyond their protective exterior, Airedales have a humorous and playful side. They enjoy being with their family, getting into mischief, playing with toys, and being playful as puppies even as they get older.
A captivating breed, the Airedale Terrier combines bravery, athleticism, style, and a sense of humour. Having one Airedale is a joy, as many owners attest, but having two is even better.
Highlights of Airedale Terriers
Like all Terriers, Airedales have an innate tendency to chase small animals, bark, and dig—often right in the middle of a lovely flower garden.
An odd habit of the Airedale Terrier is to gather artefacts related to people. Their prized collection includes everything from children’s toys to socks and pants.
The Airedale Terrier is a high-energy working dog that needs daily exercise to stay active and energetic throughout its life. They do not do well in apartments and do best in a house with a sizable fenced yard.
Another activity that Airedales enjoy is chewing, and they have been known to chew on anything that is within reach. When leaving them unattended, it is imperative to provide a sturdy toy set in a secure kennel or crate.
Despite their independence, Airedales prefer living in families and are happiest when they are inside with their owners as opposed to being abandoned as a backyard dog.
Because of their exceptional ability with kids, Airedale Terriers are frequently referred to as dependable babysitters. But it is imperative that you never leave dogs or children unattended.
Airedales require regular grooming; you may need to hire a professional groomer or develop your own grooming skills.
The Airedale must receive the right training and socialisation in order to develop good canine manners. They may get grumpy if they do not interact with people or other dogs.
History of Airedale Terriers
The largest Terrier breed is the Airedale Terrier, which it proudly claims. Its origins date back to 1853, when an Otterhound and a Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier were crossed in an effort to produce a versatile sporting dog that could hunt both land-based rats and otters in rivers. A dog with the agility of a terrier, swimming prowess, and an acute sense of smell was the result of this crossbreeding.
After being bred for the first time, they were dubbed Waterside or Bingley Terriers, but after only 12 years of crossbreeding, they became well-known and were shown in the Broken-Haired Terriers class at the first Aire Valley dog show in 1864. After praising the dog at a show, author Hugh Dalziel encouraged further interest in the Bingley Terrier. After disagreements over the breed’s origins and name, a group of enthusiasts decided to rename them the Airedale Terrier, which the Kennel Club of England officially recognised in 1886.
Since the founding of the Airedale Terrier Club of America in 1900, these dogs have shown bravery and devotion in roles including guard dogs, ambulance dogs, ratters, messengers, sentries, ambulances, sled dogs and Red Cross casualty dogs during World War I. Due to their valiant actions during the war, the breed gained more notoriety and attracted prominent people like Presidents Calvin Coolidge, Warren Harding, and Theodore Roosevelt.
The American Kennel Club ranked the Airedale Terrier as the 20th most popular dog in 1949, but since then, their popularity has decreased, in part because German Shepherds are now more frequently used to fill Airedale-traditional roles. Nevertheless, people who respect this extraordinary breed continue to honour their long history of bravery and adaptability.
Airedale Terrier Size
Male Airedales usually weigh between fifty and sixty pounds and stand twenty-three inches tall at the shoulder. In contrast, females weigh between 40 and 55 pounds and are marginally shorter.
Airedale Terrier Characteristics
The Airedale is a canine with great drive, energy, and endurance that is athletic, independent, and hardworking. He might display traits like digging, chasing, and barking, like many other terrier breeds, which can be difficult for people not familiar with the Airedale temperament. You should evaluate your ability to handle these potentially unwanted behaviours and accept the difficulties that come with an independent Airedale before thinking about bringing one into your home.
You will be thrilled by an Airedale’s energetic, joyful, and sometimes humorous attitude if you choose to bring one into your home and give them the care and attention they require. Since this breed is an active one, it is important to keep them occupied when left alone for long periods of time to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behaviour.
To keep an Airedale motivated during training, you will need to provide them with treats and other forms of positive reinforcement. Drill-and-jerk training should be avoided with this breed as it might not produce the desired results.
The Airedale is a devoted family guardian who takes great pride in keeping their loved ones safe. With their family and friends, though, they get along well most of the time.
Temperament in Airedales is influenced by various factors, including heredity, training, and socialisation. It is best to select a puppy that has a pleasant disposition, curiosity, and playfulness. Future behaviour of the puppy can be predicted by meeting at least one of the parents and by watching siblings or other family members.
In order to develop into well-rounded dogs, Airedales must be socialised from an early age. Early exposure to a variety of situations, people, sights, and sounds aids in the development of social skills in young children. Participating in a puppy kindergarten class, extending invitations to guests on a frequent basis, and bringing them to bustling locations can enhance their general growth and welfare.
Health of Airedale Terriers
Although airedales are generally healthy, they might be susceptible to certain illnesses like any other breed. Even though not every Airedale will get these illnesses, it is important to know about them if you are thinking about adopting one. Make sure the breeder you purchase from is reputable and able to certify the health of the puppy’s parents. These certifications attest to the dogs’ testing and successful recovery from particular ailments.
Common health issues
- Hip Dysplasia: An inherited condition where the thighbone does not fit properly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness. Diagnostic X-ray screening is the most dependable technique.
- Allergies: Food, contact, and inhalant allergies can cause a variety of symptoms in Airedales and necessitate specialised care.
- Hypothyroidism: A disorder of the thyroid gland that can result in a range of issues, including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, and skin conditions. Medication and dietary changes are part of the treatment.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A collection of conditions affecting the eyes that gradually weaken the retina, resulting in night blindness and eventually loss of vision during the day..
- Umbilical hernia: A condition in which internal organs or fat from the abdomen protrude close to the umbilicus. While larger hernias may need surgery, smaller ones may heal on their own.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood condition that interferes with the clotting process and causes nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and protracted bleeding as symptoms.
- Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: An illness that causes bloody diarrhoea and vomiting and that needs to be treated right away to avoid dehydration and other complications. .
- Cancer: Just like people, dogs can get different kinds of cancer, and the best course of action will depend on the particulars of each case.
You can give your Airedale the best care and lead a long, happy life with them if you are aware of these possible health issues and work with a reputable breeder who screens and tests their dogs. A healthy diet and routine veterinary exams are also critical for maintaining your Airedale’s general health.
Care for Airedale Terriers
An energetic and resilient working dog, the Airedale Terrier is full of spirit. For this breed, regular exercise is essential; two walks a day are ideal, but one walk is sufficient. In addition, the Airedale enjoys playing, retrieving, swimming, and having a good romp around the backyard. They may even outlive their owners in terms of physical activity and make excellent running companions.
Airedales need to be socialised and trained, and it is best to begin puppy classes early. Include socialisation in your training by taking your Airedale to various settings, like pet supply stores, outdoor gatherings, and crowded parks. In order to make sure they grow up to be well-mannered and amiable adults, it is imperative that you expose them to people of all ages, including young ones.
Crate training is highly recommended for the Airedale Terrier. In addition to helping with housetraining, the crate offers them a cosy and secure haven in which to unwind and settle. Remember that Airedales have independent minds when it comes to training. Even though they usually adapt well to most forms of training, they could have preferences of their own, such as wanting to sit in the shade on a hot summer day rather than in direct sunlight.
Teaching an Airedale is best done with positive reinforcement. For this free-spirited breed to be successfully trained, patience, flexibility, and a positive, fun attitude are essential. You can have an energetic and well-trained Airedale Terrier as a devoted friend if you take the appropriate training and care.