Main Page Top Include

Airedale Terrier

Thinking about purchasing an Airedale Terrier? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Airedale Terrier breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis.

Fundamental requirements for a being a good Airedale Terrier owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Airedale Terrier and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Airedale Terrier Breeder:

When were your Airedale Terriers born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Airedale Terrier, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Airedale Terrier and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

Other Breed Profiles
Puppy Care & Training
Breeder Listings

Airedale Terrier Breed Profile

The Airedale Terrier is known as the "king of terriers." They excel in agility, eyesight, hearing and have untiring courage. They have a sweet disposition, but may be aloof with strangers. Airedale Terriers have excelled in being a hunter for foxes, badgers, weasels, otters, water rats and ducks. The Airedale Terrier makes a good jogging partner because of their athletic physique. They are all tan except for their black saddle, black tail and sometimes black ears. Their fur is wiry and hard, as it appears. The ears are dropped down and they have a long muzzle with a beard at the end. Owners should be strong and confident who can combine firm discipline with patience and precision. They are good with older children and they make a loyal family pet. Not an ideal apartment dog, they should have a fenced yard. The Airedale Terrier is an intelligent breed, with responsive and loyal abilities. They make great playmates as well as excellent companions and hunters.

Other Names: Working Terrier, Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier

Type: Terrier

Height: 22 - 23 inches.
Weight: 44 - 50 lbs.

Colors: They have a black saddle on a tan body, with top of the neck and the top surface of the tail black or grizzle, and all other parts tan.
Coat: Hard, dense and wiry with a soft undercoat.

Temperament: Airedale Terriers are intelligent, responsive, and loyal. They have a playfulness about them that makes them ideal playmates for older children. They have a "dignified aloofness" towards all. It has been said about them that they "can do anything any other dog can do--and then lick the other dog."
With Children: Yes, the Airedale Terrier will play if the children are mature enough. They are excellent playmates.
With Pets: Yes, they do well with other pets.

Watch-dog: High.
Guard-dog: High.

Airedale Terrier Care and Training: Brush with a stiff bristle brush to remove dead hair three times a week. Minimal trimming is needed. Bathe only when necessary. Their fur should be hand-stripped twice a year. Airedale Terriers need daily exercise. They are responsive to training and the easiest to train of all the terriers.
Learning Rate: High. They have great intelligence. Obedience - High. Problem Solving - High.

Activity: High. These dogs are very active.
Special Needs: Exercise, grooming, socialization, training.
Living Environment: House them with a fenced yard. They do better in a rural or suburban home with an active family. They require daily exercise and attention. The best owner for this breed would be an active owner with time for the breed living in a rural or suburban area.

Airedale Terrier Health Issues: Airedale Terriers may suffer from eye problems, hip dysplasia, skin infections, and bloat (also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach). Bloat is a common health issue to dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer. Deep-chested dogs are more susceptible to it.

Life Span: 12 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 5 - 12 puppies.

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Airedale Terrier History: The Airedale Terrier was originally known as the Waterside Terrier and sometimes the Bingley Terrier. Named after the Valley of Aire in Yorkshire, England, where they derived from crossing the old English black and tan terrier with the Otterhound in the mid-1800s. They hunted otter, fox, weasel, badger and water rat in England. The breeders of the Airedale wanted a breed that would be a large terrier willing to go to water if needed. The Airedale was used in the 19th century for big game hunting, vermin killing and police and military work. They were used in Africa, India and North America for hunting. When they were shown in classes in the Airedale Agricultural Show in 1879, their name was born: Airedale Terrier, due to the immense amount of Waterside Terriers shown. The dogs were previously known as Waterside, Bingley, or Working Terriers, depending on where they lived. The agricultural show unified the breed. The son of Ch. Master Briar was exported to the U.S. in the early 20th century. They aided in World War II, and today are a popular breed still.

First Registered by the AKC: 1888
AKC Group: Terrier
Class: Terrier
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC,(GB), UKC

Airedale Terriers

Home Page

Rate Chart
Directory of Breed Profiles.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008