The Airedale Terrier's versatility will amaze any dog owner. This dog is considered a guardian, a warrior, an athlete, and a big-game hunter. The Airedale Terrier has distinguished itself as a reliable companion, trusted hunter, and renowned athlete.
Its do-it-all attitude makes it the best breed for most sports and family activities. You can identify an Airedale Terrier with its dense, wiry coat and neatly folded ears. The dog's dark eyes, sporty beard, and mustache depict a keen, intelligent, patient, and docile breed.
Fun Facts:
- The breed’s early names include Bingley Terrier and Waterside Terrier.
- Airedales are the largest of the Terriers. Although females are smaller, males reach about 23 inches tall.
- Airedale Terriers originate from the Aire Valley in England.
- The Airedale Terrier traces its ancestry to other cousin terriers, such as the Otter Hound and English Black and Tan Terrier, which became extinct.
- The earliest Terriers were aggressive dogs, effective in hunting vermin. However, they lacked swimming and scenting abilities.
- At the height of the Industrial Revolution, hands and mill workers in the Aire Valley crossed these Terriers with Otter Hounds and bred Devil-may-care Airedales.
- Airedales have hard, wiry and broken coats.
- They live an average of 11-14 years.
- These dogs are great hunters, but they are also prone to digging, chasing, chewing and barking.
- The Airedale Terrier served U.S. Presidents such as Warren Harding and Woodrow Wilson.
- The breed also worked alongside soldiers in the British Army Forces.
I have had four of them. They are brave, sturdy, and incredibly devoted to their owner. Difficult to train because of their independent attitude, but perseverance with demanding persuasion wins the day. Once you have their respect, you’ll never have a more devoted breed.
Since they don’t shed and generally lay around, they are great house dogs. Their feisty attitude reflects their need for exercise.