Good guard dog. Some individuals can be dominant. Requires a lot of owner interaction. Great swimmers and good trackers, possibly due to an early infusion of Otter hound. The Airedale Terrier is not for a timid owner.
Yorkshire, England (river valley of Aire), 1800; The Welsh Terrier, Otter hound and Border Collie possibly in the bloodline of the Airedale Terrier.
Badger, fox, and otter hunting. The breed was used as a police dog and a wartime guard in World War II. (The Airedale Terrier served both the British and the Germans)
Courageous and protective, good-natured, loyal, independent, brave, people-oriented.
56 to 61 cm; 19.5 to 27 kg; rather square in appearance. The tallest and newest of the terrier breeds, he is often entitled the “King of Terriers.” Colours are black-and-tan or reddish tan with a black or grizzle saddle. Ears often a darker tan.
Thick, hard, wiry double coat. Moderate to high maintenance. Professional grooming is necessary (recommended every 6 weeks), especially for a show coat. Most pet owners just clip the coat. Slight shedding. Estimated grooming charges in Singapore: Full, S$70 – S$90, Basic, S$60 – S$70.
Airedale Terriers are prone to skin allergies (like many terriers), hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease and other bleeding disorders, gastritis, retinal dysplasia, and low thyroid function.
Moderate to high. Sufficient leash walking is enough, but if not given enough exercise becomes extremely restless.
Apartment life is not ideal, but he is adaptable if given sufficient exercise. Expect the Airedale Terrier to be very active indoors. He does best with at least an average-sized yard.
Airedale Terriers are good family dogs. Tolerant with kids but needs to be supervised with small children because of his enthusiasm. Fairly friendly with strangers. Will try to dominate other pets; however, with timely exposure and socialisation, he can learn to get along.
Average; needs consistent strong training.
Hunting, obedience (perhaps the very best in the whole Terrier Group), agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, guard dog, tracking, herding.