The Airedale Terrier, largest of the terrier dogs, is sometimes called
the "king of terriers." The breed was developed during the nineteenth
century in Great Britain and named for the Aire River in Yorkshire. Various
terriers were crossed with the Otter Hound to create a dog that was large
enough to hunt fox, weasel, otter, badger and other game. These dogs are
swift, agile and powerful swimmers. They are also sometimes used in police
work and have been used in war for carrying dispatches and finding wounded
soldiers.
An excellent housedog, they are sweet of disposition, devoted to their owners
but aloof with strangers. They make excellent companions and are good with
children. Considered to be very intelligent and easy to train, they are
a determined dog so early obedience training will help make them an excellent
family pet. They are very energetic and should be exercised daily.
This breed is of medium size, weighing between 45 and 55 pounds and standing
approximately 22 to 24 inches tall. The skull is long and flat but not too
broad with little definition of change between the skull and muzzle. The
bite should be level or may be a scissors bite. The eyes should be dark
and small but not prominent. They should have a look of keenness and intelligence.
The ears are half-drop and set on the side of the head with the top of the
folded ear coming slightly above the top of the skull. The tail is docked
and carried straight up. The coat is tan in color with black markings along
the back and sides and may be also along both sides of the head. Their coat
is hard, wiry and curly. It needs regular grooming, including brushing at
least three times per week.
Name withheld by request of San Diego, CA writes:
A dog the whole family fights over.
I wanted my thirteen-year-old son to have a real fun-loving dog as a
child growing up as I did. I grew up with Wirehaired Fox Terriers that were
terrific. My son wanted a larger dog. The Airedale seemed to fit the bill.
Ours has deeply touched our entire family. She frolics, she loves, she plays,
she protects, all with an intensity I have never seen in a dog before. We
all wanted her to sleep in our rooms at night, so we rotate her sleeping
arrangements to prevent fights. This is agreeable to her as she is extremely
flexible and loves each one of us. She loves to be outside, listening for
the lizards, rabbits and whatever other vermin lurk beyond our fence. If
I could have ten of her I would!
smiller@ccp.com of St. Joseph, MO writes:
Greatest personality ever.
My Airedale has the best personality of any dog I have ever owned. She
is a true friend and very loyal. She does not know a stranger and loves
people. Children are her favorite people because of her playful attitude.
She is a very vocal dog and likes to get things going in the neighborhood.
It is nothing for her to start barking just to see who else is around.
She does not shed, but has had severe allergy problems throughout her life,
which caused her to develop an unpleasant odor. She requires a lot of bathing
to keep this under control. Another problem she has lived with her entire
life is hip dysplasia, but her sheer enthusiasm for life helped her to cope
with this problem.
I recommend the Airedale as a very friendly, companionable dog, but recommend
buying from a reputable dealer to avoid health problems.
baddenoch1@aol.com of Evergreen, CO writes:
Gallant.
I'm on my second and third Airedales now. But my first was Prince of
the Airedales, King of the Terriers. When my son was an infant we had a
250-pound black bear come onto the porch. As I went to get a gun (I DID
NOT end up shooting the bear), I told him, "This is it boy, this is
what you are about, stay here, don't let him pass." I will always remember
the focused, intent way he stood his ground, that stubby tail just wagging
a bit. It all said, "Bring it, bear." Once a bull elk stood across
our fence line shaking his antlers at him. He stood steady. Cougars used
to come around and he'd face them off. It wasn't that he could really lick
'em. But he sure believed he could. I have his ashes now in a chest, with
a reclining Airedale figure on top. I was honored to know him. If you are
considering an Airedale I assure you s/he will tirelessly and faultlessly
defend your children and property.
mirirodrig@aol.com of Denver, CO writes:
Once you own one (or they own you) you will never want another breed.
There is a reason why people develop almost a missionary zeal over these
dogs! They are also the best-kept secret in dogdom p; loyal, kind, gentle,
protective, love children, patient, geniuses (human-like qualities) p;
I have owned many breeds, but have never loved or been loved as I was by
my Airedale female (who by the way, died at the age of thirteen). Trained
in the show ring, she also had excellent hunting ability p; yet having
caught my neighbor's pet rabbit in a chase, remarkably put her down when
commanded to, and the rabbit, aside from being scared, didn't have a scratch
on it. And this from a trained hunting dog! I will miss her forever, and
still have a framed picture of her winning her AKC championship. Can't recommend
this breed enough.
zennamo@aol.com of New York writes:
Airedales are a special breed.
This is my first pedigreed Airedale. He is a two-year-old dominant male.
We have worked hard at training him, the time has been well worth it. He
is protective and loving. He is intelligent and stubborn at times as all
Terrier owners will tell you. I have no question in my mind that he would
fight to death to keep any of his family from harm. I would strongly recommend
researching the breed and being around Airedales before deciding if they
are right for your family. Too many are in rescue for all the same reasons.
If you make an educated decision you will be rewarded by a magnificant animal
whose eyes can tell a story. It has been a joy to get to know our guy and
this beautiful breed.
Name withheld by request of New Zealand writes:
Gentle and lovely family dog.
Slightly determined, but faithful and loves his owners. The Airedale
fits in beautifully with the family routine. All he asks is to be kept warm.
He doesn't mind being clipped, but please don't do it when the weather is
about to turn cold! One thing he is determined about is NOT to wear a "pet
shop" coat. He really likes to be picked up by the stronger members
of the family and will sit on a lap and put his two front paws on his owner's
shoulders when asked for a "cuddle." A little picky about food.
Very well-mannered and doesn't like to eat in front of people. Waits until
you go inside before tackling his meal. A social fellow! Loves to play with
other dogs and is just lovely with children. Next to a walk or a play in
the dog park, his best loved pastime is to stretch out in the sun for a
sleep. Likes riding in the car, but will split your eardrums if he spots
a cat from the car window.
woebers@msn.com of Pueblo, CO writes:
Great dog.
My female Airedale is eight months old, and the usual puppy problems
(being too rough in play, jumping on people, chewing things up, digging
holes) are being ironed out, slowly but surely! House-training was amazingly
fast.p; three or four weeks of scolding for "going" in the
house, and praise for "going" outside and one day, she just was
totally housebroken, at less than five months of age. That was just one
sign of her obvious intelligence, which enables her to learn tricks, and
sit, stay, etc., very easily. But like many reviews/accounts of this breed
make clear, she often makes her own decisions, which might occasionally
be contrary to what you want her to do or not to do!
Having had smaller Terriers, I wanted a larger Terrier breed that could
offer a bit more guard/protection qualities than say, a Scottie (which are
fabulous watchdogs, but you can only do so much if you weigh twenty pounds!).
After much research, the choice was obvious. And they are all they are "cracked
up" to be: bright, fast, strong, protective without being overly-aggressive,
tolerant and loving with her family, including small kids, overall a beautiful,
impressive dog.
One last note, re. size, I wanted a dog around 45 to 50 pounds, and in looking
at Airedales, I was dismayed to find a trend towards people breeding "large
size" Airedales, often WAY over the breed standard. So if looking at
this breed, look at the parents if possible, or you could end up with one
up to 90 + pounds (male) or 75 + (female). Breed standard is, I think, 45
to 65 pounds. Unless it will be an outdoor dog, on a farm or something,
a dog much over the 50-pound range is a little much, in my opinion, I was
able to find a bitch who is about 50 pounds.
