Dog class - Terrier
Average height - 18 to 30 inches
Average weight - 48 to 66 pounds
Average life span - 10 to 13 years

Often referred to as the "King of Terriers," the Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds. This medium to large dog has a hard and wiry coat, with bushy eyebrows and a beard. Although black and tan are the most common color combinations, your dog might be marked with a white blaze on its chest. In addition, this is one of the most versatile terrier breeds, used for such activities as hunting, retrieving, pit fighting, ratting, herding, police work, guide dog work, and as a messenger dog and sentry during the first world war.

This breed was developed in the English river valley of Aire, in West Riding, Yorkshire. It is thought that the Airedale first appeared in the middle of the nineteenth century. The breed was developed out of a cross between black-and-tan terriers and the shaggy Otter Hound to serve as a police dog, military messenger, and a hunter of otters, badgers, and river rats.

Airedale Terriers love to dig, romp and play. A fenced in area where they can scrounge and claw is ideal. These dogs prefer to be with their families, but also love to romp and play. Numerous, daily walks are great ways for you to stay fit and to keep your Airedale Terrier a happy member of your family. Airedales are also good jogging dogs.

An excellent way to keep your Airedale fit and burn up some of his abundant energy is to take him bicycling with you. Be sure you have a springer or other device to keep your Airedale attached to your bike. Airedales are strong and love to chase squirrels, so if you are just holding an Airedale on a leash while biking, he will easily pull you over when he runs off to chase something. The springer prevents him from running off, pulling you over, or getting himself tangled in the bike. Airedales also love to swim, but be careful if you are in the water with them. These affectionate clowns will try to climb on top of you.

These dogs are very loyal, and much more sensible than most terriers. These are very active dogs, and love tons of exercise. They make a great companion for a fit owner or couple. They can be good family dogs if raised with children, and are very playful and clownish.

The Airedale Terrier is a rather healthy dog, suffering only occasionally from such disorders as hip dysplasia and "itchy skin" caused by thyroid or dietary problems.

This breed is best for experienced owners only because of its strong, sturdy, stubborn nature. Two dogs of the same sex should not be kept together, as this breed tends to be dog aggressive. These animals requires a lot of exercise, four walks a day at twenty-minutes each is recommended. In addition, they need constant obedience (re) training to maintain your mutually beneficial relationship, and are often difficult to train at first.

Airedales, like all terriers, were bred to be very successful vermin killers. They're quick, agile and determined; with their big size, they're among the best known for dispatching small animals like cats. If your Airedale has not been raised with cats, do not trust him with cats. He has a very strong prey instinct, and can kill a cat faster than you can stop him. Not all Airedales will do this, but be aware that it's a strong possibility.

Further Airedale Terrier Dog Resources