Airedale Terrier: a proud dog with a gentle and brave temperament.
Airedale Terrier: a proud dog with a gentle and brave temperament.
Written by Silvia Capelli
November 10, 2023
The Airedale Terrier, affectionately known as the "King of Terriers," is a fascinating and versatile dog breed that deserves to be thoroughly understood.
Not only is it the largest of the Terriers, but it is also an imposing and brave dog, with a thick coat and a bold and decisive character.
This blog post will guide you through the wonderful world of the Airedale Terrier, revealing its distinctive traits, its captivating history, and the reasons why it is loved by so many dog enthusiasts. If you are looking for an intelligent, brave, and affectionate four-legged companion, look no further. The Airedale Terrier might be the perfect choice for you. Let's discover it together!
History of the Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a dog that has made its way into the spotlight thanks to its heroism in wartime.
This terrier, the largest of its family, originates from Yorkshire, England, and was created through the crossing of various terriers with the Otterhound, a hound with a rough, tousled coat.
This crossbreeding contributed to the Airedale's size and robustness, but also to its extraordinary tracking abilities thanks to an incredible sense of smell and its love for water.
The Airedale was a versatile working dog, ideal for farmers who could not afford to keep multiple dogs.
It was a ruthless and lethal hunter, capable of eliminating small pests, hunting larger prey, guarding farms, retrieving small animals, and even occasionally managing flocks and livestock.
Despite its size, it had the same spirit and intelligence as its smaller terrier cousins.
These qualities made the Airedale very popular among poachers, who used it to hunt game in the vast Victorian estates.
The Airedale was also an excellent rat hunter in riverbanks, organized by workers from local factories.
Initially, it was known by names such as "Broken-Haired Terrier," "Waterside Terrier," or "Working Terrier."
The name Airedale Terrier was then chosen in honor of the River Aire, which flows through the valley where this breed originated.
The Airedale's true fame came during World War I, when it was used as a military dog in various roles, including sentry, messenger, explosive detector, and rescuer of wounded soldiers.
The breed was not immediately recognized in Great Britain, but it became one of the most appreciated military breeds in Germany, alongside other breeds like the Dobermann Pinscher, the German Shepherd, and the Rottweiler.
Back in Great Britain, the Airedale attracted public attention, and its popularity began to grow.
And not only did it earn the nickname "King of Terriers" and was associated with famous figures like Mrs. John Jacob Astor, who had an Airedale named Kitty aboard the Titanic.
Four Presidents of the United States have also owned an Airedale Terrier.
Today, the Airedale Terrier is valued for its rich history, its versatility, and its courage. It is a loyal, intelligent, and protective dog, ideal for those seeking a faithful companion.
Its legacy of wartime heroism continues to shine, making the Airedale an extraordinary breed in the history of dogs.
Character of the Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is an extremely intelligent, brave, and loyal dog. It is known for its resourcefulness and determination, which can sometimes make it appear stubborn.
It is also known for its cheerful character and lively personality. These dogs are self-confident and affectionate with their owners, but they can be a bit reserved with strangers.
The Airedale Terrier is generally a friendly and affectionate dog with children, but it requires early socialization to get used to interacting with them.
Due to its size and enthusiasm, it is important to supervise interactions between the Airedale and smaller children.
As mentioned, the Airedale Terrier can be wary of strangers, a trait that makes it a good watchdog.
However, proper socialization from puppyhood can help make it more open and friendly towards unfamiliar people.
The Airedale Terrier may have a strong predatory instinct and might view other animals as prey, especially if they have not been properly introduced from a young age.
Of course, this can be mitigated, and the Airedale can be taught to coexist with other pets, but it might be better to avoid putting it in contact with small companion animals like hamsters or birds.
The Airedale Terrier is a very active breed and needs plenty of physical and mental exercise to be happy.
These dogs are known to be playful and have a high energy level, thus requiring frequent play sessions and long walks.
Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier is extremely intelligent but can be stubborn and somewhat rebellious, so it requires a firm hand in training.
However, it responds well to training based on positivity and consistency. Airedales can excel in various training activities, such as agility and obedience.
Like many hunting dogs, the Airedale Terrier can have a tendency to roam, so it is important to ensure that its environment is secure and fenced.
It is not a naturally biting dog and is not known to be aggressive towards people, but it can be territorial and protective.
Physical Characteristics of the Airedale Terrier
NB: These are the standards set by FCI and ENCI and are therefore valid for Europe. Size, color, or coat standards admitted by AKC or other federations, for example, the Canadian one, may differ. For more information, check the standards of the country you are interested in.
The photos on this site may represent both FCI standards and those of AKC or other federations.
ENCI F.C.I Classification
Group 3 Terriers
Section 1 Large and medium-sized Terriers
Working trial optional.
You can find more information on the official ENCI Airedale Terrier breed sheet.
Size
There is only one size:
Height at the withers male 58-61 cm, weight 23-29 kg
Height at the withers female 56-59 cm, weight 18-23 kg
Type of coat and fur
Hard, dense, and rough, but not shaggy. Straight and close-fitting, it is well distributed over the entire body and limbs. The topcoat is hard, bristly, and rough, the undercoat is shorter and softer. The harder hairs are crisp or slightly wavy; curly and soft hair is considered a fault.
Colors
On the body, a black or grizzle saddle in all shades like the upper part of the neck, and the upper part of the tail. All other parts must be tan. The ears are often a darker tan, and a shadow may be present around the neck and sides of the head. Some white hair between the front limbs is accepted. These are the only colors approved by FCI and AKC, white and black or other colors that are erroneously believed to be part of the standard Airedale Terrier genealogy are not accepted.
Head
Strong and well-balanced, with no visible difference in length between the skull and the muzzle, which has no wrinkles. The jaw closes in a scissor bite, the eyes are small and dark, and the ears are V-shaped and set to the side.
Body
Short, strong, straight, and horizontal, muscular with well-sprung ribs.
Tail
Set high, rather large. Often, in countries where it is allowed, it is docked.
How long does the Airedale Terrier live?
The Airedale Terrier has a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
Airedale Terrier Diseases
The most frequently occurring diseases in Airedale Terriers are as follows:
Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, causing pain and reduced mobility. It is the most prevalent disease in this breed, as indicated by this UPEI study.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (ataxia): A neurological disease that affects the cerebellum and can cause movement difficulties, tremors, and lack of coordination.
Corneal Dystrophy: A condition where the cornea of the eye deteriorates, affecting vision.
Hypothyroidism: A deficiency in the production of thyroid hormones that can affect various aspects of health.
Pulmonary Stenosis: A congenital disease that causes obstruction of blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
Von Willebrand's Disease: An inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelids turn inward, causing irritation to the eyes.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Retinal Dysplasia: A developmental anomaly of the retina that can affect vision.
How to Feed an Airedale Terrier?
The Airedale Terrier is a medium to large-sized dog, not particularly prone to weight gain as it is very active, but feeding it correctly is important to avoid diseases related to poor nutrition.
Puppy Feeding
Weaning of the Airedale Terrier puppy begins around 4 weeks of age. From the first month of life, you can start to introduce specific puppy food or finely ground meat, starting with one meal a day in combination with mother's milk.
Between the first and second month, meals based on solid food should be given about 3/4 times a day, and three times a day from the second month of life.
Adult Airedale Terrier Feeding
Regardless of size, it is advisable to administer two meals a day to avoid the dog having an empty stomach for too long.
Meals must be balanced and contain the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
Dry Food (Dog Kibble)
The most natural choice is to opt for good quality dry food, adhering to the recommended doses for weight and age.
And choose one that is ideal for the size, age, health status, and, when possible, with the right characteristics for the breed.
Homemade Dog Diet
If instead, you do not want to administer industrial food and want to cook for your dog, the most suitable choice for preparing homemade food falls on primary products to be mainly boiled.
Meals must contain carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables in the right balance, and be administered in the correct dose based on weight and energy expenditure.
To learn more about how to feed your Airedale Terrier in the healthiest and tastiest way, read our guides:
How to Change Your Dog's Diet Without Drama and in a Few Days
Homemade Diet for Dogs, for Natural and Personalized Nutrition
How Much Should a Dog Eat? And How Many Times a Day?
Other Tips for Keeping Your Airedale Terrier in Shape
It's important to remember to periodically deworm both puppies and adult dogs, especially if adopted from shelters, kennels, or private owners.
With its coarse and rustic coat, the Patterdale Terrier is easily attacked by insects and parasites. Make sure to carry out prophylaxis for heartworm, leishmaniasis, fleas, and ticks.
Even if the dog goes out infrequently, its nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid injury when running. Read here to learn how to do it.
The Airedale Terrier is prone to ear canal infections and deafness. Ear cleaning is absolutely necessary to avoid unpleasant odors or conditions that can also affect the dog's health.
Remember to periodically check the state of the anal glands to avoid discomfort for the dog and bad odor. For this operation, consult a veterinarian.
It is advisable to perform daily dental cleaning, or at least every two days, to avoid oral problems and premature tooth loss. If you can't manage it, opt for professional scaling under sedation when necessary.
Who is the Airedale Terrier Breed Suitable For?
The Airedale Terrier is a very versatile breed and is suitable for various situations and types of families, but it is important to consider some particular characteristics of these dogs which, let's not forget, are primarily hunting dogs.
The Airedale Terrier is indeed an energetic dog that requires a good level of daily physical activity.
It is suitable for active families who can dedicate time to long walks, games, and outdoor activities.
This breed is intelligent but can be stubborn. It is suitable for owners who have experience in dog training and who can establish consistent leadership.
The Airedale Terrier is generally well-disposed towards children, but can be too energetic for infants or very small children.
It is more suitable for families with older children who can interact appropriately with the dog.
Despite its sporty nature, this breed is suitable for both houses with gardens and apartments, as long as its need for daily exercise is met.
The Airedale Terrier can be territorial and may show aggression towards other dogs of the same sex.
Proper socialization from puppyhood is essential to prevent aggressive behavior towards other dogs, but if adopting an adult specimen, it's better to test it first with any four-legged family members already present, or it might be better to adopt it as the only dog.
And obviously, they might not be the best choice for families with small companion animals, such as rabbits or birds.
Who is the Airedale Terrier Not Suitable For?
The Airedale Terrier is not suitable for sedentary people, and those who cannot handle a dog with a strong personality but very independent and somewhat stubborn.
It's better to avoid if you live in an open property, as it tends to go out and roam. It's better to use a GPS locator when taking it for walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Articles You Might Be Interested In
Dog Training: Complete Guide for Beginners
Best Indoor Dog Kennels – The Perfect Buying Guide
Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.
Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on education or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.
If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about dog care, well-being, and education, we will be happy to help you. Find here lots of useful information to better understand your furry friend.
Disclaimer
The information on our site is of a general nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to the veterinarian.
Just so you know, we may collect a small commission or other compensation from the links on this page and on the site in general, at no additional cost to you. Click on the red link to discover our favorite products!"
