Aptly nicknamed the King of Terriers, the Airedale Terrier expresses this by being a remarkably adaptable, talented and confident breed. Known for its ability to solve problems independently, its intelligence and its hardworking nature, the Airedale nevertheless finds time to have fun, even to get into mischief. The breed is known for both its dedication to work and to its family. This breed works best with active families who have plenty of time, energy and patience. The Airedale was among the top 10 most popular breeds in America in the early 20th century and came in at number 65 in the 2022 AKC popularity rankings.
Airedale Terrier Size
It’s the biggest terrier, weighing about 55 pounds or so. Males weigh around 55 to 60 pounds, with female Airedale Terriers being a bit smaller. Larger Airedales are sometimes called Oorangs, the name of an Ohio kennel in the early 1900s that developed this variation.
Temperament of the Airedale Terrier
A pragmatic home guard, Airedales is typically vigilant, but not overly reactive. If company is welcomed by family, most Airedales also accept guests. When it comes to canine companionship, Airedales are generally not enthusiastic about visitors. They may be distant and watchful or simply bored and hostile towards new dogs. Although exposure to many animals and obedience training helps Airedales learn good manners, even a well-socialized Airedale will usually turn up its nose at animals. dog park environment.
Since the Airedale has a strong hunting instinct, owners should supervise it around cats. And with Airedale’s Terrier trends (code to hunt rodents!), it is not the best choice for rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs in the family.
The Airedales have a deep sense of family responsibility. Although certainly friendly with children, Airedale puppies can be a little rambunctious, chaotic and rambunctious around very young children. They show their affection by playing wildly, jumping or play biting. And they don’t ripen very quickly either. Although still energetic, an Airedale calms down and begins to show reserve by perhaps 3 years of age.
Although well-exercised Airedales can possibly live in apartments, this action-oriented breed preferably has a fenced yard. Owners with limited time to exercise an Airedale might consider another breed: a dog raised to Does everything he probably won’t sit still all day. Bred to work and work hard, Airedales possess both the physical strength and mental versatility for almost any canine sport: tracking, barn hunts, obedience, protective sports, agility and rally – just to name a few.
Although quick to learn, Airedales are independent in nature. After all, they were taught to work under their own direction rather than alongside humans, waiting for every order. Due to their independence, many of them cannot be trusted without a leash: their desire to hunt is too pronounced. The Airedale’s curiosity, perseverance, and determination lead to success, but sometimes misdeeds.
Although they can excel at obedience, Airedales can also be stubborn and inconsistent during routine exercises. Handlers must be creative, exciting and maintain their own sense of humor when the Airedale goes off into the weeds after prey. Many Airedales view their owner’s obedience commands as demands. Some days they will agree, and other days they will disagree.
Airedale Terrier Shedding and Grooming
The Airedale is a light-shedding breed. No breed is truly “hypoallergenic,” but low-shedding breeds may be better suited for families with allergies. Double layerThe adult Airedale has a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that requires regular brushing and either trimming or hand-stripping regularly.
Airedale puppies are born almost black with small beige markings. Over time, the tan areas enlarge until the black coat looks more like a saddle, only on the side of the dog. sides, upper back, upper neck, etc.
The texture of the puppy’s coat also changes. The Airedale puppy’s coat will change from a soft, fluffy coat to the trademark wiry coat. Grooming an adult Airedale includes brushing several times a week to remove dead hair and trimming or stripping about four times a year. Most owners choose a professional groomer for clipping or for the even more delicate task of hand stripping (removing individual hairs). Families planning to show their Airedale will likely have a professional groomer remove the dog’s coat. Stripping the coat better preserves the natural texture and colors.
Owners interested in grooming their Airedales at home need special tools and, ideally, grooming instructions from professionals. The home groomer’s equipment would include blades, clippers, disinfectants, scissors, combs, paint brushes and a stripping knife.
Airedale Terrier Health
This breed can live 11 to 13 years. Be on the lookout for hip dysplasia. Also note that the Airedale has a stoic side, illnesses can go unnoticed until they get worse. Its high pain threshold can make it difficult to quickly recognize an injury after an accident.
History of the Airedale Terrier
Originating from the Aire Valley of England, Airedales appear to be crosses of Broken Coated Olde English Black and Tan Terriers, Otterhounds and possibly other breeds. The Otterhound’s scent skills, water-resistant coat, and ability to swim complement the Terrier’s genes for fearlessness, agility, and tenacity.
The early Airedales were exceptionally versatile and versatile workers: they guarded houses, hunted small game, herded livestock, and killed water rats and otters. Hunters (as well as occasional poachers) used Airedales to help find and recover birds. Unlike some sporting breeds developed for hunting with English nobility, Airedales were developed by commoners for their own use. Ordinary people did not have the resources for multiple dogs; they could not afford a small Terrier for raking and a powerful dog for hunting larger predators such as martens, foxes, badgers and otters.
So, the Airedale was developed to “do it all”. And he did it! The breed combines the required adaptability, endurance, courage and hardiness. Yet despite its harshness, early Airedales were expected to demonstrate an even temperament with the family, including children. After all, they were also a companion dog for the home.
Previous names for the Airedale Terrier were Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier and Broken-Haired Terrier.
Airedale Terriers in the Army
The Airedale was one of the first British dogs trained for police and military work. At the beginning of the 20th century, Lt. Col. Edwin Richardson trained the Airedales in military tasks, such as searching for the wounded and carrying messages in tin cans. Lieutenant Colonel Richardson established the first British War Dogs Training School at Shoeburyness, Essex. World War I was the first war in which Britain made distinct use of dogs: Airedales (and other breeds) served as sentinels guarding trenches and as messengers. They also carried first aid and equipment for soldiers at the front.
During the First and Second World Wars, the versatile and resilient Airedale was celebrated for its reliability and dedicated work. The Airedales were determined to accomplish a task; Few would leave a job half done. When they were given a task, they accomplished it, even when injured.
AKC Airedale Terrier Group
Historically, terrier breeds were developed to hunt and kill vermin, badgers, foxes and other land animals. They are celebrated for their drive, their courage, their independence and a lot of courage. The Airedale Terrier remains today classified in the American Kennel Club Terrier Group. If you look through the AKC groups, you will find that some of the breeds with terrier in their name are not part of the Terrier group. For example, the Yorkshire Terrier is in the toy group, the Boston Terrier is in the non-sporting group, and the Black Russian Terrier is in the working group. But the king of terriers, the Airedale, remains a terrier both by its classification and perhaps even more by its personality.