General Information

Dog NameAiredale Terrier
Other NamesWaterside Terrier
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeTerrier
GroupHunting
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited Kingdom (UK)

Physical And Size

Min Life Span11
Max Life Span14
Min Ideal Weight for male20
Max Ideal Weight for male25
Min Ideal Weight for female18
Max Ideal Weight for male25

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentHard-working, Agile, Independent
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginEngland
Nicknames and Other NamesWaterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier, Airedale,
King of Terriers, Irish Red Terrier
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeTerrier
GroupTerrier
Bred ForHunting large rats
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByUKC, FCI, AKC, NZKC, KC(UK), CKC, ANKC
Life Span11-14 years
Ideal Weight50-70 pounds
Ideal Height23 inches
Fur TypeDense and Harse
Common ColorsBlack & Tan, Grizzle & Tan
MarkingsBlack
AvailabilityYes
AchievementsVersatility Award
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarYes
Most Similar ToWelsh Terrier

The Airedale Terrier dog breed is the largest breed among the terrier breeds of dogs that originated in the valley of the River Aire, in the west riding of Yorkshire, England.

The Airedale Terrier breed is also called Bingley Terrier and Waterside Terrier and traditionally, it is named as the “King of Terriers” as it is the largest of the breeds.

Origin of Airedale Terrier Breed Dog

The breed of Airedale Terrier is believed to be originated in the Aire river valley of England in the 19th century.

According to Hk Airedales, these dogs were used by the working class Yorkshiremen of England for hunting down the large rats that occupied the banks of the Aire River and streams.

The Terriers swam from side to side when necessary and
searched the stream banks for rat holes under the intense direction of their owners (Edwards 1982, Dutcher and Framke 1990). 

Airedale Terrier dog playing with a ball.
Image Source: Wag!

The dogs selected “active” holes upon which a ferret was inserted to drive out the unhappy rodents causing trouble in irrigation. Once taken out, the rat typically bolted into the water with the dogs in quick pursuit.

The dog that selected the burrow was given two points while the dog that killed the rat gained one point (Cummins 1994).  These competitions continued until the 1950s using Airedales. 

Are the dog’s child-friendly?

The Airedale Terrier breed dog is very good with children and can also be reliable babysitters.

However, it is not a wise choice to leave the children and the airedale dog unsupervised. If the dog is not used to the children, he can be a threat to child’s condition.

Behavior; Temperament and Personality of Airedale Terrier

The Airedale is a hard-working breed and is prone to behaviors that come naturally to terrier breeds like digging, chasing and barking. Owners unfamiliar with the Airedale personality can find this breed frustrating.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuP51FchyG_/
Two Airedale Terrier dogs playing with each other.

Airedale Terriers are hard-working as well as hard-playing dogs with a limitless amount of energy. They are vigilant and protective, which makes them excellent watchdogs, though they are friendly to family and friends.

The Airedale is a true family dog and loves attention from all people, it will enjoy running and playing with children at day, and curling up for a belly rub at night by its owners.

So far this breed has a very bold, aggressive and strong temperament.

Trainability of Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier breed dogs are intelligent dogs that learn things quickly but also are independent and hence don’t like being told what to do.

Training an Airedale Terrier dog.

It is better if the training sessions of Airedale Terrier are very short and quick. They are bold and aggressive breed and are difficult to train.

Facts about Airedale Terrier

Here are some facts about the Airedale Terrier breed that every dog owner should know.

  1. Airedale Terriers were originally created to hunt rats and rodents.
  2. They were originated from merry old England.
  3. These Terriers are the largest of the Terriers breed.
  4. They were one of the first breeds of dogs that served in the Police as well as Military
  5. Airedale Terriers are incredibly adaptable.
  6. They are smart.
  7. They do not shed.
  8. They are called the “King of Terriers”
  9. They are an athletic dog
  10. They possess a wonderful playful streak.

Health of Airedale Terrier

GeneralHealthHealthy
Common HealthIssuesHip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy,
Gastric Torsion,
Hypothyroidism,
Von Willebrand’s Hernias
HypoallergenicYes
VaccinationRequiredRabies, Canine Coronavirus,
Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
SheddingMinimal Shedding
DroolingLow
GroomingEasy and often required
Weight GainPotentialAverage to High
SeparationAnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets andSupplementsDHA for puppies
Omega-6 fatty acid for adults

The average lifespan of Airedale Terrier is 10 to 13 years old and during their lifetime, they face a lot of health issues.

Sometimes they suffer from the colonic disease. Other serious health issues that this breed is very prone to are canine hip dysplasia (CHD), gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism.

Color of Airedale Terrier breed dogs

It is very usual that almost every Airedale terrier dogs are black and tan in color.They have furs with dark grizzle saddle ( black mixed with gray and white) colors.

Price of Airedale Terrier Dog’s Puppies

The price of the puppies of Airedale Terrier depends and varies on how well the breed is. A well breed puppy of Airedale costs around $700-$800 USD approximately.

An Airedale Terrier puppy. Image Source: Snappygoat

Which dogs are they similar to?

The Airedale Terrier dogs have many similar breeds. Some of them are listed below:

  • Welsh Terrier
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Iris Terrier
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Wire Fox Terrier

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