Airedale Terrier Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names:

Common Misspellings:  Airedaleterriers, Aredale Terriers, Airedale-Terriers, Airdale Terriers, Airedale Terriors, Airedale Teriers, Airdaleterriers, Airdaleterriors

Learn all about Airedale Terrier Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Airedale Terrier dog breed. You'll find solid information about Airedale Terrier dog history, Airedale Terrier life expectancy Airedale Terrier dog appearance, Airedale Terrier temperament and personality, Airedale Terrier health problems, Airedale Terrier puppy care, training Airedale Terrier puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Airedale Terrier dog breeder.

Known as "the King of all Terriers", the Airedale Terrier was originally bred to be used as an "all purpose dog" that could not only hunt water vermin, but upland game, and also be a fearless guard dog, loyal family companion and trusted friend.

The largest of the terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier stands 23" tall at the shoulder and weighs from 55 to 68 pounds. The Airedale Terrier is the dog of all dogs; whatever you are able to teach them, they will do for you. Loving, clownish, happy and gregarious with a true zest for life, these dogs make extraordinary companions, and are particularly fond of children.

The Airedale Terrier has a coat requires a certain amount of care; hand-stripping and regular visits to the groomers are needed to keep the sleek and elegant appearance. These wonderful dogs excel in obedience training and are relatively easy to house-break. They require plenty of daily exercise and liberal amounts of love, care and attention in order to thrive. A fenced yard is a must.

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Airedale Terrier Facts

The Airedale Terrier Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Airedale Terrier Height: Average height of 23 inches at the shoulder

Airedale Terrier Weight: 45-100 pounds, depending on what strain they are

Airedale Terrier Color Variations: Black and Tan Airedales
Red Airedales
Black Airedales

Airedale Terrier Size Variations: Standard size only

Airedale Terrier Exercise Needs: Demanding

Airedale Terrier Grooming Demands: Moderate

Airedale Terrier Trainability: Moderate

Airedale Terrier Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Average Airedale Terrier Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Usually

Breed Group: Terrier

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Airedale Terrier Dog History

Like so many other breeds, the origins of the Airedale Terrier are enshrouded in mystery and obscured by the hands of time. Due to the fact that ancient art pieces depict dogs of similar type, and the similarity between the Airedale and Old English Terrier, or Broken-haired Terrier, it is generally considered that this marvelous dog first appeared in the European countries, particularly England. Even amongst those who might argue differently, it is a known fact that this unique breed was most certainly refined and strengthened in that part of the world.

It is believed that the now-extinct black and tan Old English Terrier was the foundation for the Fox, Irish, Welsh and the Airedale Terrier. Ranging in size from 17-30 pounds, these variants of terrier were used for hunting a wide variety of game, ranging from weasel to fox and even otter. Courageous and quick, they made excellent hunting dogs, as well as loyal companions.

It was the desire to improve the scenting ability of the breed that led to the introduction of the keen-nosed Otter Hound to the Airedale's bloodlines. Additionally, the crossing of this rough-coated breed is believed to have had some bearing on the Airedale's distinctive wiry brown and tan coat, while his patience and loyalty is suspected to come from an infusion of hound blood somewhere in his distant past. The resulting line would come to be known as the Bingley, Working or Waterside Terrier and, in time, would develop into today's Airedale Terrier.

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Airedale Terrier Dog Appearance

The Airedale is best summed up by a single word - balance. Known for their beautiful form, they are tall without seeming gangly, deep-chested without seeming too broad, and possess a well-muscled and athletic body, strong in muscling and in bone. With males standing an average of 23 inches at the shoulder and bitches slightly smaller, they are a substantial dog and a very capable working breed.

Airedale Terriers mainly come in one color - the traditional black and tan of their ancestors. However, there are slight variations and no one dare ever say that these magnificent dogs all look alike - some Airedales possess a mingling of red hairs with their black, while others can even sport proud markings of white on their chest. Despite similar markings, no two dogs are ever alike!

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Airedale Terrier Grooming

While not as prone to matting as the finer-coated breeds, there is still some work involved in keeping your Airedale looking his best. For many, the easiest route to take is the occasional trip to the groomer's, with weekly comb-throughs in-between. This will help to keep your Airedale free from mats, as well as helping you to take note of anything unusual about your pet. If nothing else, your weekly grooming session provides you with the perfect opportunity to have some quality time with your four-footed friend and he's sure to enjoy the attention.

In addition to the obvious brushing and combing of your Airedale Terrier, you should also pay special attention to his ears. Being a fold-ear dog, the Airedale is prone to ear infections and can get sick if his ears are not cleaned regularly. To do so, take a cotton swab and gently clean around the outer edges of your dog's ear. Never, however, stick the swab down into the ear canal - doing so can cause great pain to your dog or even cause him to lose his hearing!

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Airedale Terrier Exercise Needs

The Airedale is a very enthusiastic and energetic dog that delights in his place as a working breed. Not as prone to obesity as other breeds, they are naturally busy and tend to find ways of exercising, even when they can't get out for a good brisk walk. Unfortunately, when kept pent up for too long, this alternate form of exercise can sometimes manifest in destructive behavior, so it's best to ensure your Airedale puppy doesn't get bored.

For most Airedales, a couple of walks a day will do wonders, provided they are offered at a pace that will let him jog a bit and work out the kinks. Dog parks or fenced yards are excellent opportunities for the Airedale Terrier to get out and stretch his legs as well, and this breed often does very well in obstacle courses and agility matches.

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Airedale Terrier Temperament

The Airedale Terrier breed has a very unique temperament and, in fact, the dog's personality plays an important part in making the ideal Airedale. While gamey and courageous enough to qualify as a terrier breed, the Airedale is recognized for his patience and unconditional loyalty - in fact, the Airedale is one of the most popular dogs to have stayed in the White House. Even John Wayne owned one of these magnificent dogs!

It was the combination of the Airedale's unflinching desire to defend his master, combined with a wary aloofness from strangers that made him a highly desirable police dog in Europe and the United States. Additionally, his determination and uncanny ability to ignore injuries made him popular during times of war, where he helped with guarding and patrol, as well as delivering messages. From nose to tail, the Airedale is a very noble and brave breed, capable of great courage and yet gentle enough to be a loving companion and family pet.

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Airedale Terrier Training

The Airedale Terrier is a very intelligent and enthusiastic pupil who delights in learning new tricks and receiving praise for whatever he retains. They particularly excel in agility matches, where their natural athletic ability combines with their keen intelligence to make for a strong competitor. Additionally, they are also skilled hunting dogs who do well in field trials or obedience courses.

When training your Airedale, one of the most important things to do is to keep it upbeat, fun and positive. The Airedale Terrier loves praise and responds well to treats and shows of love and kindness. A strong hand or stern voice can often be met with stubbornness, typical of other intelligent breeds.

Airedale Terrier Health

The Airedale Terrier is an uncommonly healthy breed of dog, known for their rugged constitutions and their ability to ignore great pain in order to fulfill their duty to their masters. Consequently, the most common ailments that seem to trouble the Airedale are hip dysplasia or "itchy skin," meaning they often have sensitivities to food or shampoos. Additionally, itchy skin can be a result of excitement or psychological problems. If your dog should chew at himself or scratch excessively, it's generally a good idea to have any abnormal behavior checked by your local veterinarian.

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Is the Airedale Terrier Right For You?

The Airedale Terrier is a very wonderful and loyal breed of dog, dedicated to his owners and adaptable to his surroundings. A popular pet, they are known for their giving natures, their determination and their love of pleasing their masters. Few who have had the honor of knowing an Airedale have anything to say about them, aside from their being an incredible breed.

However, knowing an Airedale is smart and loyal isn't always enough - it's important to also note that the Airedale is a very energetic dog as well as being very family-oriented. If left alone for too long or ignored, he may turn to destructive behavior in an attempts to gain attention. While a good pet, they are not for someone who has a busy or hectic life, nor are they the ideal companion for the couch potato.

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Airedale Terrier Prices

Average Airedale Terrier Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Airedale Terrier dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Airedale Terrier puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Airedale Terrier dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Airedale Terrier puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Airedale Terrier breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Airedale Terrier prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Airedale Terrier puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Airedale Terrier Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Airedale Terrier puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Airedale Terrier Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Airedale Terrier breeders. We actively screen Airedale Terrier breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Airedale Terrier breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Airedale Terrier puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Airedale Terrier puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Airedale Terrier dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Airedale Terrier Resources:

• Airedale Terrier Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Airedale Terrier Breed Profile
• Airedale Terrier Pictures
• Airedale Terrier Videos

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