Airedale Terrier

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Thinking of raising an Airedale Terrier? These versatile dogs are a lot of fun! Find out if they're a good match for you.
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:

11 to 14 years

Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Temperament:

IntelligentSpiritedLoving

Coat Color:

Black And TanGrizzle And Tan
Blue Ribbon

Best For

The Airedale Terrier is an agile and intelligent breed, originally bred as a hunting dog in England. Known for their athleticism, bravery, and distinct black-and-tan coat, the "King of Terriers" makes a loyal companion and family dog.

Airedale Terrier Traits

Airedale Terrier Temperament

Airedale Terriers are the largest terrier breed, so you might assume they have an extra-high dose of the terrier spirit—feisty, independent, athletic and talkative. But even though they are high energy, they’re actually less “terrier-ish” than some of the smaller terriers.

Airedales are super intelligent, and thanks to this, they excel in whatever they put their mind to. Most Airedales love family life and accept children when properly introduced and socialized, although their patience levels may not be as saint-like as, say, a Golden Retriever. They tend to be good around dogs they know but are sometimes wary around dogs they don’t know. And with the Airedale Terrier breed’s innate hunting instincts, having a cat in the household is tricky.

“But wait!” adds the Airedale, “Tell them how talented I am!” Airedales have an impressive work resume as military and police dogs. It’s been said they can do anything, and that includes agility, dock diving, hunting, flyball, tracking, scent work, search and rescue, obedience and therapy work. (Whew!)

How to Care for a Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier dogs have low-maintenance coats and moderate grooming needs, but you’ll need to factor in plenty of time for exercise, training and playtime—they’re intelligent, high-energy dogs. Some pups may tend to be selective about meals, but on the whole, Airedales are happy, healthy dogs with lots of enthusiasm for life.

Airedale Terrier Health

In many cases, your Airedale Terrier will be a happy, healthy dog! You can expect their lifespan to be about 11 to 14 years. However, there are a few health issues you should be aware of to help your pup live the happiest and longest life possible.

      • Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is the abnormal growth and development of a dog’s hips that results in loosening of the joint, wear and tear to the cartilage and bone, and ultimately can cause arthritis and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, so it can run in family lines. However, environmental factors such as exercise, growth rate, hormones, and diet also influence this genetic disease. While genetic screening is not readily available, responsible breeders shouldn’t continue to breed lines known to have hip dysplasia. If you have concerns about your pup’s hips, examination with your veterinarian and likely specialized x-rays are the best way to diagnose hip dysplasia and determine the best treatment plan. Options include weight management, joint supplements, physical therapy and surgery, depending on the case’s severity.
      • Hypothyroidism: Some larger dogs, including the Airedale Terrier, are susceptible to issues with their thyroid glands. This can result in your dog appearing tired, losing hair, and gaining weight. Luckily, treatment may be fairly simple, involving a combination of diet and medication.
      • Bloating: At up to 70 pounds, Airedales are prone to developing gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or bloat. Bloat can be genetic and run in certain lines, but environmental factors such as exercising immediately after eating, ingesting large amounts of water and food too quickly, or conformationally having a very deep chest can all contribute. Common signs of bloat include dry heaving, non-productive retching, distended abdomen, and collapse. GDV is a life-threatening medical emergency, so if you have any concerns about your dog experiencing bloat, see the vet or emergency vet immediately.
      • Heart Disease: Airedales can have several different types of heart disease, so if your veterinarian detects a heart murmur, they will likely also recommend a consultation with a veterinary cardiologist for further evaluation, including an echocardiogram (echo) to determine what is going on. One of the most common types of heart disease in Airedales includes dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which occurs when the heart becomes enlarged, causing the heart muscles to weaken due to thinning as they stretch out. Your vet can treat DCM with medications.

Airedale Terrier History

Once upon a time in northern England, residents of the Aire Valley decided to develop a brave and versatile hunting dog. The origin of the Airedale Terrier began in the 1800s. The “King of Terriers” was developed using several terrier breeds and the Otterhound breed. Over time, breeders may have introduced additional breeds to establish further the desired characteristics you see in Airedale today. The Airedale Terrier was sometimes called the Bingley Terrier in the early days.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Airedale by 1888, and the Airedale Terrier Club of America was established in 1900. Airedale Terriers have been popular with a few United States presidents, including Calvin Coolidge. Airedales have been beloved hunting dogs throughout their history but have also excelled as police and military dogs, serving in World War I. Today, the Airedale Terrier ranks No. 62 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds.

So, where’s the best place to find an Airedale Terrier puppy? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. What’s the average Airedale Terrier price? Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for a puppy. But for that, you usually get a dog screened for health and temperament issues, and they might even come with pedigree papers. You can also contact Airedale Terrier rescue organizations to adopt an Airedale, watch for the breed at your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

Do Airedale Terriers shed?

Airedales don’t shed much. Compared to other dog breeds, they shed minimally and may be a good option for pet parents whose allergies are triggered by heavy shedding dogs.

How big do Airedale Terriers get?

Airedale Terriers get about 23 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Terriers range in height from 9 inches (Yorkshire Terrier) to 22 inches, which you’ll see in the Norfolk Terrier and Bull Terrier, the tallest terriers after the Airedale. This is one reason why the Airedale is considered the “King of Terriers.”

Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Airedales can be good family dogs when they’re properly socialized. Airedales love family life.

Are Airedale Terriers good guard dogs?

Airedales are known to be good guard dogs. They’re brave and courageous, and while they don’t go looking for trouble, they are protective, and they do like to bark.

What are the most common Airedale Terriers mixes?

The most common Airedale Terrier mixes are:

Note: These are not purebred dogs but mixed breeds.

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Top Takeaways

Is the Airedale Terrier the most intelligent dog breed in the world? We’ll leave it to you to make the final judgment, but it’s safe to say that Airedales certainly ranks among the top. These active dogs love work, play and their families (not necessarily in that order). They have an independent streak and may try to employ their ideas, but often, these Airedale Terrier traits can be directed how you want them to go with proper training. The bottom line is that they can make an ideal canine companion for you to enjoy for years.

Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Hannah Kleinman, DVM, and certified dog trainer Steven Tallas, CDTK, of Venture Dog Training.

Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.

The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.

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Top Airedale Terrier Names

These are the top Airedale Terrier names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents!

Female Names

  • Lucy
  • Ruby
  • Bella
  • Hazel
  • Rosie
  • Willow
  • Penny
  • Ellie
  • Molly
  • Sadie

Male Names

  • Murphy
  • Teddy
  • Archie
  • Duke
  • Winston
  • Max
  • Scout
  • Oliver
  • Arlo
  • Leo