Airedale Terrier
Also known as Airedale, King of Terriers
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 61 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 29 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Yorkshire, England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
The largest of the terriers, the Airedale is an athletic dog with a wiry black and tan coat and a proud, attentive bearing. Nicknamed the “king of terriers,” it combines intelligence, versatility, courage and an outgoing nature.
History and origins
Developed in the 19th century in the Aire valley in Yorkshire by crossing the Otterhound with local terriers. Workers in the area used it to hunt otters and rats; its intelligence and courage later made it a police dog, a war dog and a versatile companion.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Dermatitis and skin allergies
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Umbilical hernia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Airedale Terrier FAQ
How big does the Airedale Terrier get?
The Airedale Terrier stands 56 to 61 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 29 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Airedale Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Airedale Terrier live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Airedale Terrier need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Airedale Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Airedale Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
