Airedale Terrier
Group 2: Terriers
Height:
Male: 58-61 cm
Female: 56-59 cm
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Original Function: Hunting
Lifespan: 14+ yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families.
About This Breed
Originally known as Waterside Terriers, the Airedale is the largest of the terriers, It was developed in Yorkshire to hunt otters, badgers and wolves becoming very popular in the Aire Valley. It has since been used extensively in police and military work.
The Airedale is a friendly, adaptable and courageous dog showing all the terrier characteristics. They need firm handling as they are naturally dominant and can be stubborn, but normally are obedient. They are not overly aggressive towards other dogs but will stand their ground if challenged.
They are lively and good with people. They make excellent family pets, are devoted companions and particularly good with children. Naturally protective they make good guard dogs.
General Characteristics
General Appearance: Largest of the terriers, a muscular, active, fairly cobby dog, without legginess or too much body length.
Temperament: Outgoing, confident, friendly, courageous and intelligent. Alert at all times, not aggressive but fearless.
Colour: Body-saddle black or grizzle as is top of the neck and top surface of tail. All other parts tan. Ears often a darker tan, and shading may occur round neck and side of skull. A few white hairs between forelegs acceptable.
Coat: Hard, dense and wiry, not so long as to appear ragged. Lying straight and close, covering body and legs; outer coat hard, wiry and stiff, undercoat shorter and softer. Hardest coats are crinkling or just slightly waved; curly or soft coat highly undesirable.
Characteristics: Alert expression, quick moving. Character denoted and shown by expression of eyes, and carriage of ears and erect tail.
Grooming: They should have a daily brush and comb to keep him looking smart. Regular grooming will also lessen the occurrence of skin irritations. The coat is shed twice yearly and professional stripping is advised at this time.
As part of the daily routine his feet should be checked for lumps of mud or matted hair and his ears, eyes and teeth checked. It may be necessary to occasionally trim hair from in and around the ears and teeth will benefit from regular cleaning.
Exercise: An active dog who needs to exercise daily, preferably activities which require him to use his considerable intelligence. An agile swimmer and enjoys this as an activity.
Health: A healthy breed, but can suffer from Hip Dysplasia, eye and skin problems.