Airedale Terrier – loyal, playful and alert family dog

As the “King of the Terriers”, the striking black and brown Airedale occupies a special position among his close relatives: On the one hand, he brings the typical toughness and independence of the terriers, but on the other hand, he has a high willingness to cooperate and unlimited loyalty to his owner. A dog for all situations – if you have conquered his heart!

From hunting dog and “war dog” to family dog

Around the middle of the 19th century, the Airedale Terrier originated in Yorkshire, in the north of England. The largest of all terrier breeds owes its name either to its origin on the Aire River Valley or to its first presentation at the Airedale Festival. Since this first public presentation of the breed, which has emerged from several dog breeds, the Airedale has become firmly established. In the beginning, it was mainly used as a hunting dog – be it for rats or foxes on the farm or as a companion on horseback hunts. During the Second World War, these terriers accompanied soldiers in battle. Today, the Airedale Terrier is a popular family dog.

Character of the Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is self-confident, very affectionate and playful. Courage, toughness and independence make him a serious, vigilant and hunting four-legged friend who is not afraid to defend his humans with his life if necessary. Due to his noticeable hunting instinct, living together with cats and small animals is difficult. Although he can learn to accept other four-legged roommates, it is better not to be left alone with them. This large terrier has a strong guard instinct and reliably reports when someone approaches the property. Within his family, the Airedale is an extremely loyal, lovable dog that – if well socialized – gets along very well with children. His great passion for play, which usually lasts into senior age, makes him an interesting family dog.

Profile Airedale Terrier

Education and keeping of the Airedale Terrier

The self-confident and highly intelligent Airedale Terrier needs fixed rules and consistent training. If it is missing, he is ready to take on the leadership role himself – and makes his own decisions in everyday life. It is important to direct his strong hunting and guard instinct in the right direction. Thanks to his loyalty and a good portion of “Will to please”, this terrier is not difficult to train. The physical and mental workload of this very active, active breed plays an important role. With tug and search games, you can appeal to his hunting instinct and his joy of playing as well as his fine nose. The Airedale needs enough exercise and can run along on a horse or bike for hours. So busy, this large terrier feels comfortable even in a city apartment. Even nicer, of course, is a house with land that he is allowed to guard.

Caring for the Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier has a special coat. The top coat is rather rough and wavy, while the undercoat is soft and smooth. It sheds little, but has a noticeable coat change in spring and autumn. The trim coat must be professionally treated three to four times a year. Scissors are not the right way to deal with its coat structure! In addition, you should brush your Airedale thoroughly several times a week and check its eyes, teeth and ears. With good care, the large terriers live to be about eleven to twelve years old. However, terriers also belong to the risk group for Cushing’s syndrome, a metabolic disease in which there is an increased release of the hormone cortisol.

Other terrier breeds you might also like:

• Australian Terrier: Small, robust and courageous – if you want a handy companion that participates in every fun with great enthusiasm and loves its people more than anything, the Australian Terrier is the right choice!
• Bedlington Terrier: A non-shedding terrier with curls? Yes, there is! The Bedlington Terrier is a very unusual representative of its kind. While its appearance is reminiscent of a lamb, it is quite a real terrier in character.
• Border Terrier: The Border Terrier is one of the most popular family dogs in its homeland – in the far south of Scotland. The clever and handy little terrier has a great character and little shedding fur.
• German Hunting Terrier: The German Hunting Terrier is one of the toughest, most straightforward and most hunting dog breeds in this country. Its courage and doggedness at work make it an outstanding hunting dog. For the owner, its determination and independence can become a challenge.
• Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: As an all-rounder, the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been useful on Irish farms for centuries. Herding dog, guard and hunter in one, loyal and affectionate at the same time – the wheat-blonde, robust dog offers many advantages.
• Kerry Blue Terrier: Games, fun and hunting instinct – the Kerry Blue Terrier is a charming, but also serious companion with the typical terrier toughness. His lively nature, his intelligence and the will to work make the bearded Irishman an attentive four-legged friend, but he gets bored quickly.
• Irish Terrier: The Irish Terrier is one of the largest and quietest terrier breeds. Their long-legged, elegant physique is just as appealing as their friendly, child-loving character. With good socialization and consistent training, this dog breed is the right choice for active owners.