One lying Black brown Airedale Terrier dog isolated on white

Airedale Terrier

Breed Characteristics

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.

Is the Airedale Terrier allowed as a pet in a Singapore HDB flat?

No

Origin

Yorkshire, England (river valley of Aire), 1800; The Welsh Terrier, Otter hound and Border Collie possibly in the bloodline of the Airedale Terrier.

Original Purpose

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)

Behaviour and Temperament

Courageous and protective, good-natured, loyal, independent, brave, people-oriented.

What are some Physical Features of the Airedale Terrier?

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.

Coat Type and Recommended Grooming

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.

Life Expectancy of the Airedale Terrier

10 to 14 years.

Have a Airedale Terrier?

Health Concerns

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.

Exercise Needs

Moderate to high. Sufficient leash walking is enough, but if not given enough exercise becomes extremely restless.

Housing

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.

Sociability

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.

Trainability

Average; needs consistent strong training.

Recommended Activities

Hunting, obedience (perhaps the very best in the whole Terrier Group), agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, guard dog, tracking, herding.