Airedale Terrier Information
Airedale Terrier History
The Airedale Terrier originates from Great Britain, and was once known as the Waterside or the Bingley Terrier. In the mid-19th Century, working class people created the Airedale Terrier by crossing the old English rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier (now known as the Welsh Terrier) with the Otterhound. In the nineteenth century this breed was used for a number of purposes, such as military work, killing vermin, and hunting. In 1886, the Kennel Club of England formally recognized the Airedale Terrier breed. This terrier was first registered with the AKC in 1888.
Airedale Terrier Temperment
The Airedale Terrier, like most Terriers, has been bred to hunt independently. As a result, the dog is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can be stubborn. Since these dogs can be strong willed, they must be well trained in obedience to be a good member of the family. Airedales have a high prey drive so a household with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs is not recommended. As with any terriers, they have a tendancy to dig. They are also very atheletic dogs and can make excellent agility prospects.
Airedale Terrier Appearance
Airedales are a two coated dog, which means that they have a hard, wiry overcoat and a soft undercoat. They are a sturdy, medium sized breed and weigh between 50 to 70 pounds and stand at about 23 inches at the withers. The breed standard states that they have a cropped tail and dark coloured eyes.
Airedale Terrier Grooming
Since Airedales have the typical terrier coat, they need to be hand stripped or clipped. If you are not willing to do this, the dog must be taken to the groomers. They do not shed often and their coats are easily cleaned of dirt. Airedales also have a beard around their mouth. It must be cleaned daily or it will get smelly.
Airedale Terrier Life Expectency and Health Problems
The typical lifespan of an Airedale Terrier is 12 to 14 years. Typical health problems are Hip Displasia, Dermatitisis & gastric bloat.
Airedale Terrier Pros and Cons
This simplified list might help you decide if an Airedale Terrier will be a good fit for your lifestyle
Do You Want?
- a dog that is energetic and athletic?
- an independent dog?
- a dog that is intelligent and easy to train?
- a dog that doesn't shed a lot?
Do You NOT Want
- a dog that needs a lot of exercise?
- a dog that is strong-willed?
- a dog that likes to dig?
Useful Airedale Terrier Links
The Airedale Terrier Club of America
Planet Airedale - Providing advice, support and friendship to Airedale owners since 2003