Airedale Terrier Dog Breed Facts & Information

The Airedale Terrier is known as the “King of Terriers” due to their size and huge personalities. Originating in the Valley of Aire in England, these dogs were initially bred to be hunting companions. Their adventurous spirit, intelligence, and loyalty make them beloved family pets. 

Linda Schnell, the treasurer of the Mid Jersey Airedale Terrier Club, describes Airedales as highly intelligent dogs, whose personalities are filled with adventure and fun.

Below, we’ll explore the typical traits of Airedale Terriers, and see if they’re a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

Airedale Terrier Appearance

The Airedale Terrier is known for their distinctive, square-built body. They have a very strong, muscular build, an elegant stance, and they’re very athletic, which reflects their long history as working dogs. Schnell describes the breed as, “a hearty dog that quickly earned the title ‘Jack of All Trades’.” 

As the largest of the Terrier breeds, the Airedale typically stands between 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder, with males often reaching the upper end of this range. Their weight generally falls between 40 to 65 pounds, with males again being slightly larger and heavier than females.

With a distinctive, dense double coat—wiry on the outside and soft underneath—Airedales have a rugged appearance that’s well-suited for outdoor life. Their coats aren’t just for show, either. It helps protect them from harsh weather and rough terrain, making them a great choice for active, outdoor-oriented families. 

Airedale Terrier Origin & History

Airedale Terriers have a rich history that dates back to around the mid-19th century in England, where they were initially bred as all-around working dogs. Schnell says they’re a cross between the Otterhound, the Old English Terrier, and others.

Airedales became quite popular in their early years due to their versatility, which has made them valuable hunting and working dogs. They were introduced to the United States in the late 19th century. Today, Airedales remain a popular breed and are widely bred in the U.S. and Europe. 

These early Airedales were similar in appearance to modern ones, though today’s breeding practices have refined their look, giving them a more uniform square build and an even more distinct tan-and-black coat. Their popularity surged during World War I, when they served alongside soldiers as messengers and supply carriers. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Airedale Terrier in 1888, and the breed remains a well-regarded member of the Terrier Group today.

Airedale Terrier Personality & Lifestyle

Airedales are known for their lively spirit and sharp intelligence. Often described as “the clowns” of the Terrier world, these dogs have a playful personality and a deep curiosity. They make great companions for active, involved pet parents and families.

Their playful nature makes them a perfect dog for families. Cory Gaston, an Airedale Terrier breeder and member of the ATCA Breeders’ Referral List says these dogs are caring, loving, and protective. They’re friendly and loyal, getting along with just about everyone.

They can also do well with other dogs but they’ll need plenty of early socialization and training to help them develop positive behaviors around other dogs.

Lastly, these dogs have a high prey drive, so patience and supervision are necessary for them to learn how to get along with smaller animals like cats. Dedicated training and gradual introductions can help them thrive in multi-pet households. 

Airedale Terrier Ideal Environment

Patricia Gregg, the Chairperson of the Breeder Referral Committee for ATCA says Airedale Terriers do best in active and engaged households, where they can get plenty of attention from their pet parents.

Exercise is very important for this breed, as they have a lot of energy. If you have an active lifestyle and enjoy hiking, working with your dog, and training them, this might be the breed for you!

However, Airedale Terriers are not the best for first-time dog parents, though. “They need strong yet kind leadership,” Gregg explains. This breed is incredibly smart and eager to please, but can get in trouble without guidance.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a quieter apartment dogs, Airedales might not be the right fit. “Without good training, [they] can be barkers,” Gregg says. They may alert their family to visitors, deliveries, or other animals. 

Airedale Terrier Training

While dog training is important for all breeds, it’s especially important for Airedale Terriers, who are known for their intelligence and independence. Schnell says most Airedales are teenagers until they reach 2, sometimes 3 years old, so their puppy phase can be longer than average. 

It’s important to begin training as soon as you bring your Airedale home, as puppy socialization is important for this breed. 

Luckily, Airedales are highly trainable thanks to their intelligence, but they can be stubborn and independent, so consistency is key. Basic obedience training is necessary, but many Airedales go on to master more advanced commands too. 

If traditional training isn’t cutting it, enrichment activities like nosework, agility, and advanced obedience can also help channel their energy and natural problem-solving abilities. Lastly, Airedales can be trained to be hunting and working dogs. 

Airedale Terrier Grooming

Airedale Terriers have a wiry, dense double coat that sheds very little, making them a popular choice for those looking for minimal shedding at home. However, their unique fur requires regular grooming to maintain its texture and prevent matting. 

Schnell says Airedales typically need to be groomed at least 3 or 4 times a year by either hand stripping or clipping. 

Additionally, daily brushing is recommended as Airedales have two coats that need regular attention and grooming.

Airedale Terrier Health

Airedale Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but, like all dogs, they can have health problems. These conditions can sometimes be genetic, so it’s important to work with a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for health issues. 

Here are some of the health issues these dogs are prone to:

• Kidney disease: Airedales are susceptible to developing a type of kidney disease where the kidney’s filtering system is damaged. It’s thought Airedales inherit this disease. 
• Skin problems: Tumors are seen in Airedales and often occur on their legs.
• Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism, a common condition in Airedales, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, and coat issues.

Airedales are generally pretty healthy dogs despite these health concerns but it’s always a good idea to consider getting pet insurance to cover any routine vet visits.

Alternative Dog Breeds to Consider

Airedale Terriers can be great companion dogs for active families and more experienced dog parents. However, they might not be the best fit for first-time dog parents or families living in apartments.

If you’re considering an Airedale but aren’t sure if they’re the right fit for you, here are a few similar breeds:

• Irish Terrier: Like Airedales, Irish Terriers are intelligent, and loyal, making them great family pets.
• Border Terrier: Smaller in size but with a similar playful and affectionate temperament, they’re a good choice for active homes.
• Lakeland Terrier: These dogs are a bit more manageable in size but share the Airedale’s active personality. 
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: With a similar coat and friendly nature, they have a more laid-back nature compared to the Airedale. 

Getting an Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers are available through breeders and rescues. However, they can be harder to find at rescues due to their rarity. 

Some Airedales do end up in breed-specific rescues. This is a good option if you’re looking to adopt an older dog. Breeders are the primary source for purchasing a puppy. This is especially true if you are looking for specific characteristics or are interested in show-quality dogs.

When searching for an Airedale Terrier breeder, Gregg recommends asking these questions: 

• Why is the breeder breeding?
• Are they breeding to get performance dogs, conformation show dogs, or both? 
• Do they do any genetic testing? 
• Do they belong to any clubs such as The Airedale Terrier Club of America, a local kennel club, or a breed-specific club?

Schnell recommends only buying from a reputable breeder who stands behind their line of dogs and will take back the dog if there is a situation like a death in the family, etc.

Airedale Terrier Cost

Gregg says Airedale Terriers typically cost between $1,500 to $3,000. However, the exact price will depend on their location in the U.S. If you’re looking to adopt from a breed-specific rescue, the adoption fees can range from $450 to $800. 

Airedale Terriers might just be the breed for you if you’re drawn to playful and independent dogs. But if you’re a first-time dog parent who hasn’t had a dog before, this breed might not be the best fit.