Airedale Terrier Dog Breed

History

In the 19th century, the Airedale Terrier was initially bred in the Aire River Valley, Yorkshire. During this time, mill workers crossed Old English Black and Tan Terriers with English Bull Terriers and Otterhounds. They wanted to create a dog breed that had enough stamina to handle a full day of hunting with horses and a tough and brave terrier that could kill otters and large rats. Ferrets would be sent into burrows to flush out prey, then the Airedale Terrier would chase them into the river for capture. These dogs also regularly competed in rat hunting contests which gained a lot of fame over the years.

By the late 1800s, the Airedale Terrier quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom. The breed was introduced into America in the early 1900s when it became incredibly popular with numerous influential figures including Theodore Roosevelt and William Harding. They also served as field messengers in both World Wars. In fact, it’s estimated that over 3,000 AiredaleTerriers lost their lives in the trenches

Due to the large size, it took several years for people to acknowledge the Airedale Terrier as an official terrier breed. Even to this day, Airedale Terrier’s size follows a strict breed standard. In in1886, the Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.

Appearance

As the largest of the terrier group, Airedale Terriers have a very unique and distinct appearance. They are muscular and powerful dogs. Their long, flat heads are held proudly, which adds to their overall distinguished appeal.

Their small eyes are dark with a keen and intelligent look. These dogs have a distinct V-shape in the fold of the ears, set neatly on the sides of the head. The Airedale’s upper and lower jaws are muscular and strong-looking with a scissor bite. However, a vice-like bite is also accepted under the breed standard.

Airedale Terriers have muscular, moderate-length necks that widen gradually down to the shoulders. Their long front legs are straight with the elbows perpendicular to the body. Their round feet are compact and neat. Airedale Terriers boast a short, compact back that is level over a well-sprung ribcage, with a deep, well-proportioned, but not broad chest.

These dogs have powerful hindquarters and a well-muscled second thigh that goes right down to their paws. They also have well-cushioned, somewhat arched pads. Their tails are set high and carried gaily.

The Airedale Terrier’s outer coat is wiry and dense with a little kink in it. It also lies close to the body. The undercoat is much shorter and softer. These dogs have a stunning black and tan colour with a black or grizzle-colored “saddle” on their back. The rest of the body is tan in colour. Their ears are a little darker and they may have a bit of shading around their necks and on the side of the head. Occasionally, this dog breed may have white hairs between the front legs, which is accepted under the breed standard.

Personality

These extremely intelligent dogs are also high energy. While they are quick learners, they can be pretty independent and stubborn at times. Therefore, the Airedale Terrier may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners because they need to be trained and handled by someone who understands their unique personalities and requirements.

Airedale puppies really benefit from being taken to puppy classes so they can become well-socialised early on. This helps them grow up to be well-rounded, confident dogs. The active Airedale Terrier must be introduced to many new situations, people, and other animals as young as possible. These dogs also respond very well to praise, rewards, and positive reinforcement training to ensure they understand what is expected of them.

Because the Airedale Terrier was initially bred to be a working and hunting dog, they have a very strong prey drive. So, they can be independent-minded and often mischievous. However, they form strong bonds with their human companions, and they have an instinctual protective streak when needed.

Airedale Terriers have a very playful side, so they love to entertain their families. Bear in mind that Airedale Terriers love to test their limits and boundaries, which is why training is so important.

If you plan to bring home an Airedale Terrier, it is best to have a secure back garden so they can safely roam around. Also, make sure not to leave them alone for long periods of time as this can cause unwanted behaviours.

Trainability

Because of their high intelligence, Airedale Terriers need the right people to handle and train them correctly. These dogs learn quickly, which makes them relatively easy to train. Training should start early with these dogs because of their high prey drive. Make sure that you include a strong “recall” command from the beginning.

Airedale Terriers respond very well to positive reinforcement such as rewards and praise. However, they need to be handled fairly and firmly so they understand who the leader in the house is. Saying that it’s important to never punish your dog as this can make the situation worse. Respect training and patience are essential to successfully training an Airedale Terrier.

Coat & Care

Airedale Terriers shed several times a year. However, they generally shed very little and they don’t drool as much as other dog breeds so, they are considered to be suitable for allergy sufferers. Bear in mind though, that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic because all dogs release a certain amount of dander, saliva, and hair.

To keep their coat in good condition, brush them 2-3 times a week. Sporadic bathing may also be needed. However, over-bathing is not advised as this will soften their coarse coat. AiredaleTerriers are prone to skin issues so make sure you only use a vet-approved gentle shampoo and ensure they are fully rinsed.

Furthermore, most dog owners have their Airedale Terriers go to a professional groomer a couple of times a year to ensure their coat remains in tip-top condition. If not, their coat may become too thick, unruly, and curly.

Brush their teeth at least twice a week to get rid of bacteria and tartar buildup. However, daily dental hygiene is still best for preventing tooth and gum disease and even bad breath. Use vet-approved products to cleanse their teeth, tongue, gums, and mouth efficiently.

Like many other dogs, Airedale Terriers don’t generally wear their nails down naturally. So, you may need to check and trim their nails once or twice a month to keep them in good physical shape. Very long nails can be very painful as they can cause tearing, splitting, and other health problems. You can consult with your vet or a professional groomer for advice on how to cut their nails and not harm them.

For their ears, wipe out dirt, debris, or wax buildup weekly with a moistened cotton ball and a cleanser suggested by your vet. Never push cotton swabs into the ear canal as this may lead to injury.

While grooming your dog, assess their body for rashes, sores, and other signs of infections such as tenderness, swelling, or redness. Your dog’s eyes must be clear without any redness or discharge.

Health

Airedale Terriers can live for 10-13 years when appropriately exercised, cared for, and fed on a high-quality diet. But they can be susceptible to developing certain health issues that may affect their quality of life. When purchasing a new puppy, always ensure you only deal with professional and licensed breeders to make sure your puppy is healthy. They will also perform DNA tests to check for any underlying health conditions.

Some of the health issues Airedale Terriers are prone to include:

HIP Dysplasia – A genetic condition in which the thighbone does not fit neatly into the hip joint. Some Airedale Terriers show pain and lameness on one or both back legs, but not always.
Allergies –This is a common ailment in dogs. There are three main types of allergies: contact allergies, food allergies, and inhalant allergies. Treatment differs depending on the cause and may consist of dietary medications, restrictions, and environmental changes. Airedale Terriers are particularly prone to skin issues and allergies.
Hypothyroidism –A condition of the thyroid gland. It is believed to be accountable for conditions such as hyperpigmentation, alopecia, epilepsy, obesity, pyoderma, lethargy, and other skin conditions. It is treated with dietary changes and medication.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A family of eye disorders that causes the slow deterioration of the retina.
Umbilical Hernia – This is usually present from birth. It is a condition in which abdominal fat or internal organs swell against the abdominal wall near the umbilicus. Small hernias may not cause a problem for your dog, however, larger ones may require treatment.
Von Willebrand's Disease – A blood disorder that alters the clotting process. An affected canine will have symptoms such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping, prolonged bleeding from surgery, and sporadic blood in the stool.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis – A condition that causes heaving and diarrhea with either fresh or digested blood. This health condition comes on very swiftly, and the cause is unknown.
Cancer – Similar to humans, dogs can develop cancer. There are various types of cancers, and the positive result of treatment varies for each individual case. For some types of cancer, tumors are surgically removed, while others are treated both surgically and medically, and some are treated with chemotherapy.

Children & Other Pets

These fun-loving dogs are known to be great family pets. They may even act as protectors for kids at home. However, due to their large size and high energy, Airedale Terriers may be too intense for very young children. It is recommended to oversee any interaction between a child and an Airedale Terrier to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Airedale Terriers get along well with other pets in the household as long as they are correctly trained and socialized. It is worth noting that sometimes, Airedale Terriers can be wary of other strange dogs so keep your dog on a lead until fully trained. Furthermore, because of their high prey drive, these dogs are likely to run after small animals such as gerbils, rabbits, hamsters, and even cats. That’s why we emphasize the importance of early familiarisation to curb this “terrier” trait.