Airdale Terrier
Description
The largest of the terriers the Airedale Terrier is between 23 and 24 in. at the withers and 45 to 70 lbs in weight. The AKC says 17 to 20 in. at the withers. He has a dense, hard, and wiry coat with a soft undercoat to keep him warm. The colors for this breed are black and tan or tan and grizzle (black and white mixed). Descendant of the extinct Black and Tan Terriers from the valley of Aire in England they were used to hunt Badgers and Water Rats. Through history they have been used in times of war as a guard dogs or messenger dogs. In Great Britain and Germany as police dogs, for hunting birds and game, and U.S. Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge owned them. This is a solid all around dog with good body structure who is beautifully put together.
Temperament
Above average intelligence, independent, with a sense of humor they love to outsmart their owners. If you cant laugh at yourself, or appreciate a dog that can outsmart you…the Airedale is not for you. They are also very stubborn requiring constant reinforcement during training or they may just ignore commands. Female Airedales don’t make the best moms abandoning their litters for humans to raise. Airedales are also very loving, loyal and fiercely protective of their human families, and enjoy being in the middle of family activities.
Grooming/Exercise
Airedales require some extensive grooming in order to keep their thick coats and skin in good condition. They should be brushed, bathed and clipped on a regular basis, and the thick undercoat needs to be stripped twice a year. The beard on the Airedale should be washed daily to keep it free from food. Airedales need daily walks, but also enjoy swimming and fetching. These guys won’t do well in a townhouse. They need more room, with lots of exercise.
Health
Possible Issues
Healthy breed potential life span 10 to 12 years.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Skin Irritations (hot spots, sores, if coat isn’t properly taken care of)
- Gastric Torsion
