General Description: (Airedale, King of the Terriers, Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier) Airedale Terriers are the largest breed of terrier. They have a well-balanced body with straight front legs, a level topline, and a deep chest. The Airedale Terrier has a long, flat head with ears that hang forward and slightly to the side. Their large teeth close in a scissors bite and their noses are black. Typically, the Airedale Terrier’s erect, curly tail is docked. The breed has a thick coat of wiry, bristled hair that is lined with a soft, fluffy undercoat. Predominately tan in color, an Airedale Terrier’s coat also has black markings and, in some cases, bits of red.
Character: Airedale Terriers are valiant and protective. They have a sociable, kind demeanor and they often aim to please. The breed can get distracted by small animals, other dogs, or food. In order for an Airedale Terrier to be happy, he needs to feel loved and appreciated. Also extremely intelligent, Airedale Terriers can be obedience trained at a very high echelon. As puppies, Airedale Terriers are carefree, fun-loving, and playful. For the most part, the breed is accepting of strangers, but they can become nervous if they feel threatened. Airedale Terriers frequently play too rough and rowdily for small children, but if they are raised and trained properly, they make excellent family pets. Without proper training, Airedales may become domineering or disobedient.
Size: 21-24 inches
Weight: General Health: Some lines of Airedale Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia or eye problems. In the case that an Airedale Terrier has dry skin, he should be fed a certain ratio of omega fatty acids to prevent the onset of skin infection. Airedale Terriers have an average life span of 10 to 12 years and they average 9 puppies per litter. Airedale Terriers need plenty of exercise so they don’t become bored and mischievous.
History: About 150 years ago, the Airedale Terrier was created by the working-class people of England by crossing the Otterhound with an older breed of English terrier. They originate from a valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire. The breed was officially recognized in 1886. Their initial purpose was to hunt small animals, but they were later used to deliver mail and carry messages to troops behind enemy lines in WWI. Airedale Terriers have frequently been utilized as police dogs, and they have a number of talents including guarding, tracking, and competitive obedience. They also make good watchdogs. Today, Airedale Terriers are predominately used for companionship, but there are still some lines of working dogs in contemporary society.
Maintenance: The thick, wiry, harsh double coat of an Airedale Terrier should be plucked twice a year. Airedale Terriers will also shed excessively if their coats are not stripped regularly. Airedale Terriers’ beards should be washed daily because of their tendency to pick up bits of food and burrs. Frequent trimming and brushing can help prevent matted fur.
Ideal Environment: Airedale Terriers are very active and need plenty of room to run around and play. They love to fetch, swim, and run. Airedale Terriers are downright hyper during their first couple years of life, and it can be very difficult to manage them. But after two years, Airedale Terriers calm down substantially and don’t need quite as much exercise.
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Airedale Terrier information.