Mary Allen
The Airedale Terrier is a droll little fellow with its long legs and curly coat. One thing sets him apart from other dogs.
Friends and fans of the Airedale Terrier like to call the dog “king of terriers”. And rightly so: on the one hand, he is the largest representation among the terriers. On the other hand, he impresses with an intelligent, balanced, and dignified demeanor that can definitely do justice to a king.
The former hunting dog enjoys great popularity as a family dog in Germany and other countries. That is why we have put together all the important information about the Airedale Terrier in our breed portrait and profile. Here you can find out where the dog comes from, what optimal care, training, and housing look like, and what puppies cost on average.
What does an Airedale Terrier look like?
Distinctive features of the Airedale Terrier are its distinctive face shape and coat. The dogs have a muscular and sturdily built body with a straight back and deep chest. The tail is rather short and stands up.
The muzzle of the dog is long and hardly tapers towards the nose. The dogs have a rather elongated head shape. The forehead is barely perceptible. This is a real distinctive feature among dog breeds that makes the Airedale Terrier almost unique. In the dog world, a similar head shape can only be found in dogs such as the Welsh Terrier, the Irish Terrier, or the Fox Terrier.
The fur on the face is usually a little longer and particularly fluffy on the chin, around the muzzle, and on the bridge of the nose.
The coat of fur is dense and wiry, with slight waves or curls. Curls are considered a fault and are not welcomed. This is also because the coat of the Airedale Terrier should always be kept short.
The color combination is pretty much the same for all dogs: face, ears, paws, and legs are tan. The back, neck, and flanks are colored black to dark gray with smooth transitions.
The fur of the terrier was probably a lot shaggy and “wild” in the past. However, this was perceived as ugly in high society circles. Towards the end of the 19th century, breeders, therefore, concentrated more on the shorter and more “elegant” coat that characterizes today’s large terrier and makes coat care much easier.
How big is an Airedale Terrier?
The royal dogs belong to medium-sized dogs. Males reach an average height at the withers of between 58 cm and 61 cm. Bitches grow between 56 cm and 59 cm.
How heavy is an Airedale Terrier?
The terrier’s body is compact and muscular, which is also reflected in its weight. Depending on their size, the dogs should weigh between 22 kg and 30 kg on average. Bitches are usually slightly lighter than males.
How old does an Airedale Terrier get?
The dogs reach an average age of twelve years. This makes the breed one of the more long-lived among the large dog breeds. With good health and nutrition, some dogs can even live up to 14 years and older.
What character or nature does the Airedale Terrier have?
Like most members of the large terrier family, the character of the Airedale Terrier is characterized by liveliness, cheerfulness, and curiosity. The big dogs are considered to be very intelligent, eager to learn, close to people, and friendly with a healthy portion of independence. The dog is mostly patient, dignified, and adaptable in everyday situations. That’s why he was awarded the royal title by lovers.
The dog has a very close bond with its reference persons and the family and needs this too. He wants to be with you everywhere and because of his pleasant, calm nature, he is also a relaxed companion that you can take with you to the office or restaurant without any worries. The playful dog gets along great with children and other animals. Unreasonable aggression is completely alien to him if he has been socialized and brought up appropriately. But this is true for all dogs.
As a former hunting dog, the fluffy Waltz needs sporting and mental challenges every day. The strong dog is an ideal partner for sporting activities such as running, swimming, or cycling and is also ideal for dog sports such as agility. At the same time, mental capacity is also very important. When the intelligent dog is bored, it looks for adventures of its own… and people usually don’t like them as much.
Where does the Airedale Terrier come from?
As with most dog breeds, the origins of the Airedale Terrier can no longer be clearly proven. It is certain that the dogs come from the central English county of Yorkshire, where they were used as working and hunting dogs from around the middle of the 19th century at the latest. Like most representatives of the terrier family, the dogs helped hunt small game. In particular, they hunted otters, weasels, badgers, grouse, and pheasants.
The breed is believed to have originated from crossing medium-sized terriers with the Otterhound, Scottish Shepherd, and Gordon Setter. The then still very wiry, dense, and shaggy hair coat protected the Airedales from the cold and stormy winters in central England. Their hardworking character made them popular working dogs among farmers. Towards the end of the 19th century, the breed also became increasingly popular as a show dog. Around 1880, the dogs finally got their current name. They are named after the River Aire in Yorkshire.
In addition to its use as a family and show dog, the breed is now considered a popular working dog breed for the police and military. Because of its intelligence and its very fine nose, the dog is used here, for example, in customs or as a medical service dog.
Airedale Terrier: Proper Keeping and Training
The somewhat stubborn and stubborn character of the terrier requires a consistent but loving upbringing. Ideally, you should already have some experience of owning a dog before you decide to own such a dog. Set clear rules and boundaries, and teach the dog, patiently and non-violently, that while he is loved very much, he cannot do what he wants.
It is best to register your puppy at the dog school so that the dog can be appropriately socialized as early as possible and get used to other dogs and people. As a very people-oriented four-legged friend, the Airedale Terrier needs a lot of attention and time for appropriate training. It is therefore not suitable for busy people.
The breed does not require a lot of space when used to capacity and can also be kept in a flat. However, it is absolutely essential to have free running areas nearby that can be reached with every walk.
Like all dog breeds originally bred to be hunting dogs, the former otter hunter requires daily physical and mental challenges. Take the dog with you to your sports activities and let him participate in agility and obedience lessons. Dogs love games and activities such as tracking or fetching anyway.
What Grooming Does the Airedale Terrier Need?
The dog’s beautiful coat rarely sheds, so it needs regular brushing and trimming to keep it well groomed. Make sure the dog gets a short haircut, especially during the hot summer months, as he doesn’t tolerate heat well. Regular checking of the skin for parasites and inflammation is also important. So fleas and ticks have little chance of staying permanently on your four-legged friend.
What are the typical diseases of the Airedale Terrier?
Fortunately, breed-specific diseases have become rare in purebred Airedales due to high breeding standards, careful control, and good care. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Compared to other dog breeds, Airedales are more likely to be affected by what is known as juvenile nephropathy. This is a sudden illness that can lead to kidney failure and the death of the dog.
How much does an Airedale Terrier cost?
Purebred puppies from a recognized breeder cost around €1,400 to €1,900 in Germany. Most German breeders are big Terriers e. V. merged. If you would like to take a puppy into your family, it is best to visit the website of the association or the German Kennel Club (VDH). There you will find all the important information about the right breeder.
Despite the high prices and sometimes long waiting times, you should only look for a puppy from recognized breeders. Only there are the puppies reliably and carefully examined for hereditary diseases. You also have an insight into the health and temperament of the parent animals. Last but not least, you will receive a lot of valuable information and tips about your new family member from the breeders.