Airedale Terrier Dog Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Information

In comparison to other terriers, the Airedale Terrier is the largest. Airedales are classified as medium-sized canines originating from the Valley of Aire in England, where they were bred to hunt rats. Sometimes called ‘King of the Terriers,’ their distinctive wiry coat makes them easily recognizable. 

The breed’s hardworking nature and great intelligence made Airedale Terriers ideal canines for Great Britain and Germany’s police services, and they served as messengers in World War I. Airedales have plenty of personality and make great family pets who love a good romp and backyard play session. The Airedale Terrier Dogs react aggressively to unfamiliar dogs, suspiciously toward strangers, and have a strong prey drive. 

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Airedale Terriers?

All terriers dig, bark, and chase; the Airedale is no different. Airedales love to run, so they make excellent jogging partners. His favorite activities include daily walks and yard play. The Airedale Terrier is an active human memorabilia collector. He will grab just about anything (socks, underwear, children’s toys) to add to his secret stash of treasures.

This breed makes excellent playmates and is gentle with children when well-socialized. You get a robust and healthy breed when you adopt an Airedale. These dogs are family-oriented and enjoy being active. They need plenty of exercise in a safe environment.

Their adaptability is impressive. A cheerful, friendly dog, he will not back down if challenged, but he usually does not cause trouble, and he will get along with other dogs well. Airedale Terriers are imposing but ragged looking, intelligent, territorial, protective, patient, and fiercely loyal. Airedale Terrier’s breed traits and characteristics are listed below.

What are the Physical Traits of the Airedale Terrier?

The Airedale is an intelligent, medium-sized dog with a fast, graceful gait and an athlete’s build. With an alert, enthusiastic expression, he holds his long head high. Around his mouth, his fur grows longer than the rest of his face, which gives him a charming goatee. 

The male has a definitely masculine appearance and the female has a feminine appearance without being fine-boned or looking the least bit fragile. Airedale Terriers are prone to stubbornness, but they make good companion dogs with proper training. 

Airedales are agile and excellent running partners who will run by your side for five miles and more at a speed of approximately 6 mph. The King of Terriers has the stamina to join dog dads on long hikes. However, their strong prey drive will make them chase after any critter crossing the trail, often making the hike a test for the owner’s perseverance.

What is the Airedale Terrier Breed’s Temperament?

The Airedale is an energetic dog who loves to work hard and play hard. True to his breed, this terrier is feisty, energetic, and fun-loving. Because they dig, chase, and bark, this dog breed can be difficult for new dog owners. The Airedale terrier breed requires patient and consistent training, which must be constantly changed to avoid boredom. With endless energy, the King of Terriers makes a perfect companion for an active family and they set themselves high protective standards.

Airedale Terriers are high-energy dogs and are very intelligent. They can be rather independent which can result in them being stubborn at times. They are not recommended for first-time owners as they need thorough training as puppies to ensure they are well-behaved when they grow up. Airedales have a very playful side to their character and are eager to be entertained and entertain their owners with their terrier cheekiness. 

What are the Social Traits of Airedale Terriers?

Airedale Terriers have a softness contributed by the hound genes that went into their breeding. However, it takes nothing away from the Airedale’s toughness. Airedales are tough but typically non-confrontational. They need socializing from an early age to ensure the Airedales can interact with their family members of all ages and family pets. 

They generally get along well with children, though they can be somewhat rambunctious with small children. Airedale Terriers are highly intelligent and able to think for themselves, and therefore they often appear stubborn and independent. Airedales are known diggers, barkers, and chewers, behavior often related to boredom. They crave interaction with their families all the time.

When well trained and socialized, Airedale Terrier Dogs are calm and loving companions who are vigilant protectors of their families. 

What is the General Information about Airedale Terriers?

Information about the Airedale Terriers’ origins with exact dates is hard to come by. What is known is that factory workers in the Northern England Aire Valley bred the first Airedale Terriers to hunt vermin and ducks in the mid-1800s. However, the dogs were impressive enough to earn the respect of the military. When WW1 started in July 1914, the Airedale Terriers served their country as messengers between the battlefields and British Headquarters.

An Airedale messenger named Jack was tasked with taking a written message from the battlefields to British Headquarters. Jack ran through a half-mile of a swamp while artillery rained down on him. With a broken jaw and a shattered leg, Jack completed his mission before he died from his injuries. 

However, his actions saved his battalion, and his sacrifice did not go unnoticed. For his “Gallantry in the Field,” Jack was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The bravery and courage exhibited by Jack hold true for today’s Airedales, and that was the origin of the name “King of Terriers.” The stories are shared in the book Colonel Richardson’s Airedales and on the BBC show “Inside Out.”

How to Feed an Airedale Terrier?

Airedale Terriers are highly active, and they use a lot of energy; therefore, they need a diet with high-quality proteins. Deciding how many cups of food to feed your Airedale will require careful consideration of various aspects. 

Your canine companion’s size, life stage, overall health, metabolism, and any allergies or food sensitivities will play a role in your ultimate choice of food and daily caloric intake of your Airedale. Young Airedales and growing puppies need different nutrients than adult dogs, and older, less active dogs need yet another combination of nutrients and fewer calories. The same applies to neutered and spayed dogs. 

According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, active adult Airedale Terriers weighing 50 pounds need approximately 1300 calories per day, while growing puppies weighing 30 pounds need about 930 calories per day, depending on the mentioned criteria. Recommended daily amount for healthy adult Airedales is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

Talk to your veterinarian about the optimal diet and quantity of food for your Airedale Terrier. Below are suggestions of high-quality food for Airedale Terrier puppies, adults, and seniors.

Food for Airedale Terrier Puppies

• Freeze-Dried Raw Food Option: Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Chicken & Salmon Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is made with real cage-free chicken and wild-caught salmon. High in protein, this recipe is made from 95% meat, organs, and bone that has been finely grounded, so your Airedale Terrier puppy can safely get the nutrition she needs to support lean, healthy muscle growth. Best of all each freeze-dried raw patty contains probiotics to support digestion, antioxidants to support immunity, and DHA to support your buddy’s brain development.
• Dry Kibble Option: Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Brown Rice Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is crafted using single-source protein and limited carbohydrate sources for a complete and balanced blend. It’s perfect for Airedale Terrier puppies with food sensitivities or pet parents who want to minimize the number of ingredients their pets are exposed to.

Food for Adult Airedale Terriers

• Freeze-Dried Raw Food Option: Give your Airedale Terrier what he naturally craves with Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food. Made from sustainably-sourced ingredients and raw, single-source protein, this recipe starts with 95% grass-fed beef, organs, and bone, plus 100% certified-organic fruits and vegetables, offering the benefits of raw food nutrition with the convenience of freeze-dried preparation. And to ensure the highest quality, each batch is made with care in Stella & Chewy’s own U.S. kitchen.
• Dry Kibble Option: With American Journey Active Life Formula Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, every bite is packed with the delicious protein dogs crave, with the essential amino acids they need for lean muscles and energy. When your Airedale Terrier is healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why American Journey Active Life is crafted with everything Your Airedale needs to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient, wholesome brown rice and veggies, and a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. American Journey

Food for Airedale Terrier Seniors

• Freeze-Dried Raw Food Option: Specially formulated for graying good boys, this mix is the perfect way to get your Airedale Terrier eating raw foods. Sojos Complete Turkey & Salmon Recipe Senior Raw Freeze-Dried Dehydrated Dog Food is full of nutrients like fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Its’ irresistible, meaty flavor and texture come to life when you add water to the dry mix. Best of all, Sojos is freeze-dried and shelf-stable, making it just as convenient as regular kibble. For great-tasting nourishment, feed your senior Airedale Terrier this raw food from Sojos.
• Dried Kibble Option: Provide your senior Airdale Terrier with peak nourishment from ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This scrumptious kibble is specially formulated to support lean muscle mass and weight maintenance in senior dogs. Crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey, this recipe is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients. And this dog food is freeze-dried coated for the wag-worthy raw flavor dogs love.

What are the Nutritional Needs of the Airedale Terrier?

The nutritional needs of an Airedale Terrier include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for Airedale Terriers are listed below:

• Protein: Airedale Terriers need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain that are essential for Airedale Terrier health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein also provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Airedale Terrier’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adult and senior Airedale Terriers need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Airedale Terrier sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids that promotes proper eye and brain development in Airedale Terrier puppies. DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of Airedale Terriers.
• Micronutrient: Taurine, a micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Airedale Terrier Dogs, are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Airedale Terrier’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Airedale Terriers

How Much Should an Airedale Terrier Puppy Eat?

A young Airedale Terrier should be fed premium puppy food, but for how long? Some breeders will use puppy food for the first 18 months and then switch to good adult food; others recommend feeding puppy food until your Airedale reaches about 90 percent of his adult size.

Keeping the pup reasonably lean is best to prevent overstressing of developing joints and bones. The way a puppy is fed plays a crucial role in the Airedale Terrier Sheperd’s overall health throughout its life. Some considerations are listed below.

• A puppy may gain 80 to 100 pounds between 8 weeks and one year of age and should feed accordingly. 
• A young pup needs to be fed small amounts of food at least two to three times a day.
• Airedale Terrier puppies should be fed according to a schedule. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• Airedale Terriers with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• No growth supplements should be fed to puppies, as this can cause nutritional imbalances and skeletal or joint problems.
• Some breeders feel that dog parents should put giant breed puppies on adult food as soon as possible. More recent studies show that a good premium puppy food will have the necessary nutrients needed for a puppy. 
• Adult kibble can cause vitamin and mineral imbalances when fed to rapidly growing puppies.
• Airedale Terrier puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. 
• Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

Airedale Terrier puppies should eat a healthy, balanced diet because of the intense exercise they need every day. Airedale Terriers tend to become overweight as they get older, so it’s essential to monitor how much food they consume from when they are puppies.

How Important is Health Care for Airedale Terriers?

Airedale Terriers are a healthy breed, but 6-monthly veterinarian checkups remain essential because Airedales are predisposed to several health problems, some of which are listed below.

• Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Airdale is no exception. It could be food allergies, contact allergies, or airborne allergies.
• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Airedale Terrier puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Airedale becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making 6-monthly medical examinations crucial.
• Progressive Retinal atrophy, also called PRA, is an inherited progressive disease of the retina that leads to blindness in affected Airedale Terriers.
• Umbilical hernias are caused by the incomplete closure of the Airedale puppy’s umbilical ring after birth. The hernia generally appears as a soft swelling beneath the skin, and it often protrudes when the puppy is standing, barking, crying, or straining. Surgery is used to prevent a more severe condition in which an intestine loop drops into the hernia, causing life-threatening strangulation of the intestine.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease is a platelet disorder affecting blood clotting in Airedale Terriers.
• Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis is a disorder that causes Airedale Terriers to vomit and have diarrhea with fresh or digested blood. This disorder comes on very quickly, and the cause is unknown.
• Cancer happens in humans and animals like Airedales. There are many different types of cancers, and treatment success differs for each case.

Buying from a reputable breeder is recommended. You will typically get the health clearances listed below to confirm the health of your new Airedale Terrier puppy:

• Hip and elbow evaluation clearance 
• Hypothyroidism
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Thrombopathia
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• PRA Optigen DNA Test
• Certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal

You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website (offa.org)

The Airedale Terrier’s immunity often takes longer to develop than many other breeds. Therefore you should talk to your vet about giving young Airedale Terriers extra vaccinations against Parvo-virus.

Are Airedale Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes, one of the great things about an Airedale Terrier is that they’re hypoallergenic, meaning they cause less of a reaction in people who have allergies to dogs. It is a significant benefit for anyone who wants a companion but is sensitive to dogs.

Hypoallergenic does not mean that Airedales are entirely non-allergenic. What it does mean, however, is that they spread fewer allergens than most dogs; the fewer allergens you come in contact with, the better your allergic reaction will be.

What is the Average Lifespan of the Airedale Terrier?

The average lifespan of the Airedale Terrier Dog is 11 to 14 years. Based on a study by the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary, an online questionnaire was utilized to examine the link between the age and health of the dog, and owner and dog demographics in a cross-sectional Hungarian sample. Analysis of the responses indicated that:

• Pure breed dogs like Airedale Terriers suffer from health problems at a younger age and may die earlier than mixed breeds. 
• The oldest dog group (>12 years) consisted of fewer pure breeds than mixed breeds.
• On average, the mixed breeds sample was older than the pure breed sample.
• Pure breed old dogs were classified more frequently as unhealthy.
• Pure breed old dogs less often had a “normal” body condition score.
• Pure breed old dogs more often receive medication and supplements. 
• Pure breed old dogs were more often male, neutered, suffered health problems (such as sensory, joint, and or tooth problems)
• Pure breed old dogs received less activity/interaction/training with the owner and were more likely to have experienced one or more traumatic events.

Below is a list of average lifespans of 10 Shephard-type dog breeds per the World Life Expectancy website.

What is the Shedding Level of an Airedale Terrier?

Airedales’ coats are wiry and short, and the colors are black, tan, and grizzle, a blend of light and dark hairs. Your Airedale Terrier’s shedding level is low, and it won’t need more than a thorough brushing every two days and a visit to a professional groomer two or three times per year.

How to Train an Airedale Terrier?

Training Airedale Terriers is an ongoing process and not something scheduled for an hour every day or once a week. Puppy training can begin early, preparing for proper training when their attention span is longer. As with all dogs, consistency is vital, and the earlier you start training them, the better. Puppy kindergarten classes are always a good idea. Because Airedale Terriers are so intelligent, they are considered relatively easy to train.

Even film producers deem Airedale Terriers easy to train. Disney’s animated version of “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” cast an Old English Sheepdog in the Colonel’s role. However, for the 1996 live-action version of the movie, the producer decided to go with an Airedale Terrier in the role of the Colonel. His reason was that Airedales are so easy to train.

Is an Airedale Terrier a Good Guard Dog?

Yes, Airedale Terriers are gifted guard dogs, recognized for those skills as far back as WW1. Airedales are versatile, and the British Army used the breed’s brave and determined disposition. The British Defense Force trained Airedales for several military uses, including carrying messages and first-aid supplies. These brave and determined war dogs located injured soldiers on the battlefield and worked as guard dogs.

Airedale Terriers are reliable guard dogs, taking pride in keeping watch over their human families and property. Although they can be fierce guardians, they will remain friendly and affectionate with family and friends.

Airedales make exceptional watchdogs and guard dogs, and if they suspect anybody to be a threat, they will bark incessantly to warn their owners against interlopers. And if the barking and display of aggression do not stop the perpetrators, the Airedale will attack without hesitation.

Once people are invited into the house as friends, and it is clear for the Airedale that the guests pose no threat and its owners are welcoming, Airedales will be ready to add them to its list of friends.

Where to Buy, Adopt, or Rescue Airedale Terriers?

Our lives have become very much “online,” and one field that has almost entirely become internet-based is finding puppies. Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that adage “let the buyer beware.” Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. 

Many reputable breeders have websites, and those who can tell who’s good and who’s not can find the ideal Airedale Terrier puppy companion for their home.

So how can you tell reliable and reputable breeders and rescue clubs or centers from unreliable ones? Red flags include those who have multiple litters available at a time, or litters of various breeds, giving the buyer a choice of any breed. Another red flag is the option to pay online by credit card. Please don’t fall for online “breeders” who offer discount coupons for buyers who take more than one puppy.

The cost of purchasing an Airedale Terrier from a breeder could be anything between $800 and $2,000. Prices vary according to the breeder’s location and reputation, and the pedigree of the puppy’s parents will also affect the Airedale puppy’s price. 

The best way to find a healthy, responsibly bred Airedale Terrier Dog is to reach out to registered kennel clubs and rescue facilities. They will put potential new puppy parents in touch with facilities where they would be sure to find healthy Airedale Terrier pups or save an older Airedale’s life. Entities to contact are listed below.

What is the Airedale Terrier Dog Breed’s History?

Factory workers in the village of Airedale, Aire Valley in Yorkshire, England, would likely not have guessed that a dog they bred to hunt vermin would become the recipient of the Victoria Cross for Gallantry in the Field in WW1. In the late 1800s, during the Industrial Revolution, workers used the now extinct Black and Tan Terrier to breed a dog, ultimately called the Airedale Terrier.

On the other side of the world, an agricultural magazine in the United States advertised the Airedale Terriers as hunting dogs. However, those who bought the Airedale pups soon learned that the Airedales could do much more. Farmers in the American West soon realized that the Airedale Terriers were smart, brave, and adaptable to hunting larger predators like bears, lynx, beavers, and more.

Furthermore, they learned that their vicious hunting dogs became calm, affectionate, and very protective when at home. The ferocious Airedale Terriers were quoted to have been haters of undignified brawls, but, “Once let loose he becomes a fiend incarnate. Fast on his feet, cunning and merciless, he fights to kill, and what with his punishing jaw and great strength he seldom loses.” Airedales became the third most popular dog breed in the United States by 1910.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Airedale Terrier?

The cost to adopt an Airedale Terrier from a rescue center is around $200 to cover caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying an Airedale Terrier from a breeder can be significantly more expensive.

Purchasing an Airedale puppy from a registered breeder could cost $800 to $2,000. However, prices vary according to the breeder’s location and reputation, and the pedigree of the puppy’s parents will also affect the Airedale puppy’s price. Other factors that impact the cost of an Airedale Terrier puppy include the bloodline, gender, and show quality.

Reportedly, the initial cost and expenses during the first year after buying an Airedale Terrier puppy could be between $4500 and $8500. After that, the average annual expenditures could be between $2200 and $4500. That first year of an Airedale Terrier puppy’s life will involve significantly higher vet costs like vaccinations, tests for congenital diseases, microchipping, neutering, or spaying.

Some of the estimates of essential costs are listed below; however, none of the food and water bowl, bedding, toys, etc., are included here.

• Premium Food & Treats $400 – $900
• Vet Bills & Preventative Care $700 – $1500
• Training $20 – $300
• Registration & Tags $10 – $20
• Insurance $720 – $1320

Potential Airedale Terrier parents need to be aware of their expenses before committing to take a puppy home.

How to Name an Airedale Terrier?

Naming your Airedale Terrier is a task that deserves careful consideration, starting with understanding that the name you ultimately choose would mean nothing to the puppy, who is only interested in the sound you make when talking to her. The unique sound to listen for when you call her from far away. That doesn’t mean you should pick any old name because the puppy won’t know the meaning. Your special puppy needs a unique name close to your heart.

Below are some considerations as you mull over lists of names for your Airedale Terrier.

Here’s what to consider. 

You can find inspiration in many places. The Airedale Terrier is practically famous, which can serve as inspirations listed below.

• WW1, the brave Airdale terrier whose bravery on the WW1 battlefields earned him a posthumously awarded Victoria Cross or “Gallantry in the Field.”
  • Name: Jack

• The first service dogs used by the German and English Police Forces were Airedale Terriers  
  • Names: Trooper, Sarge, Deputy, Cheif, Rookie, Glory, Sheba, Abner, Ajax, Ammo

• Three successive American Presidents had Airedale Terriers
  • President Names: Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge 
  • Their Dogs’ Names: Davie, Laddie Boy, and Laddie Buck, 

• John Wayne’s nickname came from his childhood when he and his Airedale Terrier were frequent visitors to the Fire Station. Firefighters nicknamed him after his dog.
  • Name: They called the two Big Duke and Small Duke.
• 101 Dalmatians, the Colonel in the story was an Old English Sheepdog in the animated version of the movie. However, in the 1996 live-act version, an Airedale Terrier named Kipper played the role of the Colonel. There is a long list of names of the canine actors in the movie, one of which is sure to be perfect for your Airedale. See the 101 Dalmatians-inspired names below.

What are the Different Types of Airedale Terriers?

There are terrier dog breeds in sizes ranging from small to large. Some have long, smooth coats, while others are short and wiry.

• Irish Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lakeland Terrier
• Cesky Terrier
• Welsh Terriers

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Airedale Terrier Breed?

The following four breeds have lots in common with the Airedale

1. Welsh Terriers are almost identical in looks, but about half the size.

Similarities: 

• Same black-and-tan pattern
• Similar energy levels and personalities
• Welsh Terriers are also hypoallergenic

2. Poodles are extremely popular house dogs that share a lot of the Airedale’s good qualities. They’re a little gentler and more refined, but don’t have the tough streak that the Airedale does.

Similarities:

• The two dogs are almost identical in size
• Poodles are also hypoallergenic
• Both breeds are extremely playful

3. German Shepherds are renowned for their guarding abilities. These dogs share a similar temperament to the Airedale but are a bit larger.

Similarities:

• The two dogs have similar size and coloring, although the German shepherd will usually be about 10 pounds bigger
• Both dogs are territorial and have protective streaks in them
• Airedales and German shepherds have the same determination and confidence

4. Barbets are lesser-known French water dogs. They look very different from the Airedale, but they share a lot in terms of personality.

Similarities:

• A high-energy hunting dog, the Barbet is highly agreeable as long as they get enough time to run around and play.
• As long as they’re properly brushed, the Barbet tends to not shed
• Both breeds have goofy tendencies that hide a strong, determined undercurrent
• Barbets can become destructive when they’re bored