Mary Allen
Just like the poodle, the Airedale Terrier is suitable for people who have an animal hair allergy. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, education, and care of the Airedale Terrier dog breed in the profile.
The origin of the breed has not been handed down in detail, but there are indications: the name probably refers to the River Aire in the English county of Yorkshire in Great Britain. Farmers there are said to have bred the versatile dog from the Otterhound, Gordon Setter, German Shepherds, and medium-sized English Terriers. In 1875 the first of these dogs were exhibited. The first entries in the studbook can be found in 1882, and in 1886 the English Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
General Appearance
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the English terrier breeds. He is muscular and compact, you can see his stamina at first glance. Airedale Terriers have a dense and weatherproof coat that needs trimming. The colors of the head, ears, and legs are tan (red-brown), and the back and flanks are black (the so-called saddle).
Behavior and temperament
The Airedale Terrier is considered to be very intelligent and willing to learn, as well as being courageous, alert, and fearless, although it must not be aggressive. As a rule, the animals are often characterized by their particular liveliness and openness. All this and the Airedale’s friendly nature make him a perfect companion, also for families as he is very child-friendly. If the active dog is busy, he has a very balanced personality. As the only terrier, he is one of the protection dog breeds.
Need for employment and physical activity
There is nothing worse for an Airedale Terrier than boredom. Sports and games must be part of the program every day and in sufficient quantity, otherwise, this dog will look for a task himself – and design your garden or go for a walk without you. If you buy an Airedale, you have to spend a lot of time with him, and actively. He is an excellent companion for sporty people, but will also enthusiastically complete dog sports or training. It is often said that this breed is quite stubborn. That’s actually not true. As long as you give this dog enough attention, he will make the perfect partner. However, when under-challenged, he tends to “stubbornly” and grab your attention by doing exactly what you absolutely do not want him to do.
Upbringing
As a real terrier, he always tries to assert his stubbornness. He proves more endurance and shows more charm than other breeds. It is not easy to resist this feisty and lovable animal – but one should learn it, otherwise, there will be ranking problems. If its owner is calm and consistent, the dog is very cooperative.
Maintenance
The Airedale is very easy to care for, at least when it comes to grooming: His coat does not have to be groomed every day but should be groomed regularly, about every three months for trimming. It is important to observe this dog closely: it is not at all self-pitying and does not show any signs of illness or pain for a long time. It’s up to the owner to spot the little signs and act quickly.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
The Airedale Terrier has a very hardy nature. However, despite the relatively light coat, it does not tolerate heat very well. But skipping the sports program is out of the question, otherwise, he will be dissatisfied. So it’s better to postpone it until the cool hours. Hypothyroidism and skin tumors can occur in this breed.
Did you know?
Just like the poodle, the Airedale Terrier is suitable for people who have an animal hair allergy: it does not shed any hair. He can also be the right four-legged friend for particularly sensitive noses: If he is combed and trimmed regularly, unlike other breeds, he does not develop the typical dog smell even in midsummer or when wet.