The characteristic wiry outer coat and elegant demeanor make the Airedale Terrier unmistakable. Learn everything about the history, temperament, care, and maintenance of the Airedale in this profile. Additionally, there are surely some exciting facts that may be unknown to you.

History of the Airedale Terrier

The ancestors of the Airedale Terrier hail from the county of Yorkshire in Great Britain. In the 19th century, the English desired a versatile hunting dog that could also be used for herding and as a watchdog. Presumably, they crossed the Scottish Shepherd with the Otterhound and particularly large terriers, thus obtaining the “Waterside Terrier.” The initial representatives of the breed assisted in hunting otters, grouse, and weasels.

By the end of the century, the large terriers from the Aire River were recognized as a distinct breed. At the beginning of its “career,” the Airedale Terrier was not very popular and was described as scruffy and unattractive. It wasn’t until around 1930 that it became more popular as a show dog, and breeders began to focus on a more attractive appearance.

During the World Wars, the military employed numerous representatives of the breed as medical and messenger dogs in England, Russia, and Germany. Nowadays, while Airedales are still found in service, they are mainly kept as family pets. The international canine organization FCI classifies the Airedale Terrier in Group 3.1 “Highland Terriers.”

Nature and Characteristics

The Airedale Terrier is a lively and intelligent dog with a cheerful nature. Like a typical terrier, it is exceptionally spirited and eagerly participates in any adventure. It is very trusting towards people and has a friendly and fearless demeanor. It gets along easily with children, making it a great family pet. However, it requires a lot of stimulation as it quickly becomes bored. Generally, these dogs are not aggressive but remain vigilant and guard their territory. Despite their strong personality, the large terriers are cooperative and eager to work during training.

Acquiring an Airedale Terrier

What should I consider when buying?

The most important thing when acquiring an Airedale Terrier is that you can spend enough time with it. It is ideal for active individuals who enjoy taking long walks every day and want to engage their dog in dog sports. It’s best to get an Airedale Terrier from a reputable breeder affiliated with the Terrier Club. Here, you will get a purebred healthy dog that will accompany you for a long time.

Of course, quality comes at a price, and you can expect to pay up to $1000 per puppy. With a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, such a terrier should not be an impulsive purchase anyway. Often, dogs from overwhelmed owners end up in shelters and lead a sad existence in kennels. With some experience with dogs, you can also look here and give a poor Airedale or mixed breed a new home.

Dog Food Recommendations

Consistent Puppy Training

Training the intelligent and demanding Airedale Terrier is not a task for beginners. The most important aspect of training an Airedale puppy is to keep it mentally stimulated and occupied. This brings out the friendly and curious nature of the dog, resulting in a eager learner. Consistency and patience are key in puppy training. Even if the dog acts stubborn at times, give it some time and try gently. Don’t let the charming nature of the Airedale manipulate you; assert who is in charge without resorting to force.

Dominant behavior or aggression towards other dogs can be prevented by attending a dog school. Here, as a puppy, it will get to know other dogs and have time to play and socialize. In summary, the Airedale Terrier can be trained very well and is open to further education. With consistency and clear instructions from an early age, you’ll get a great lifelong companion.

How to Care for an Airedale Terrier?

Activities with the Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is an active and sporty dog that requires plenty of activity. Daily walks are an absolute must, and the large dog enjoys cycling or jogging with you. The agile terriers are excellent for dog sports such as agility or obedience. In addition to satisfying its need for exercise, the clever dog also requires plenty of mental stimulation. When bored, it may find its own entertainment, such as digging up the neighbor’s garden or going for a walk alone to get your attention. The Airedale is the only terrier recognized as one of the few service dog breeds. If you want to professionally engage the dog, you can train it for tracking, protection, or as a companion.

Health and Grooming

The rough-haired coat of the dog does not undergo a natural shedding process and therefore needs regular trimming. It generally sheds very little hair and is suitable for allergy sufferers. Health-wise, the Airedale Terrier is a robust breed and not very prone to illness. However, during heat, you should not exert the dog too much and preferably move its exercise to the cooler hours of the day. It’s especially important to closely monitor the terrier as it doesn’t show when it’s feeling unwell and can hide illnesses or pain well.

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Interesting and Worth Knowing

One of the most famous representatives of the breed was likely US President Harding’s First Dog, “Laddie Boy.” The male dog accompanied his influential owner from cabinet meetings to golf games, truly everywhere. The president was so fond of his dog that he had 1000 small bronze figurines made of him, which he gifted within his circle of friends. Also famous through his master was John Wayne’s terrier named Little Duke, which even earned him the nickname Big Duke.

Airedale Terrier Overview

Do you also have an Airedale Terrier or are you planning to get one? Tell me what makes your Airedale so special!