Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a good hunter and an excellent guardian of the home. He is very energetic and emotional; often, his mood can be guessed by the expression of his eyes and his tail’s behavior. Representatives of the breed get along well with other animals, do not bark without reason, and always faithfully perform their duties. The dog has a very strong character, so he can often be sly, manipulative, and make his own decisions.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The dog gets its name from the area where it originated, the Erdel Valley in West Yorkshire, England. The dog appeared by crossing the black and spotted terrier and the Welsh terrier with the Otterhound.

The Airedale Terrier first took part in a dog show in 1864. At that time, there were many names for this breed, but in 1886, the Airedale Terrier’s official name was adopted, the same year the breed was officially registered. The dog is the largest of all terriers.

In the beginning, the dogs were used exclusively to hunt small wild animals, but soon they became popular as pets. During World War I, the Airedale Terrier was used as a liaison dog. Nowadays, dogs of this breed are used in police, competitions, hunting, and remain good companions and friends.

Appearance

The physique is harmonious and well-built. This bearded dog looks a lot like a teddy bear, but this does not correspond to his character at all.

The dog has a medium head, neat muzzle, elongated format. Massive at the expense of a wide jaw. The nose lobe is black; the eyes are small and shallowly set. The coloration should be as dark as possible.

The ears are small, triangular, and close to the head. In the past, it was customary to cut the tail, but now this procedure is carried out less often, in its natural position, it is long, rising to the top.

The hair of the Airedale Terrier is stiff, of medium length, and has a short undercoat. Most often, there is black and red coat color. At the same time, the ears, the bottom of the neck, and the skull’s side should be dark. Sometimes there may be white hairs on the chest; it is not considered a defect. The height does not exceed 61 cm, weight – no more than 29 kg.

Character

The Airedale Terrier is a good hunter and an excellent guardian of the home. He is very energetic and emotional; often, his mood can be guessed by the expression of his eyes and his tail’s behavior.

Representatives of the breed get along well with other animals, do not bark without reason, and always faithfully perform their duties. The dog has a very strong character, so he can often be sly, manipulative, and make his own decisions.

Will get along best with families who are used to spending time actively. Will gladly keep him company during walks, jogging, or other activities.

It is amicable and communicative, quickly becomes attached to all family members, and does not like to spend time alone. If the Airedale Terrier is bored, he can damage the house, chewing on furniture and household items.

Care

It is best suited for living out of town in a private home. Since he is very energetic, it will be difficult for him to stay in four walls all the time.

A dog’s coat does not allow it to stay outside for long periods in winter, so it is best to keep it at home in a separate place for the winter. To make the coat look nice and well-groomed, it should be trimmed several times a year. Once a week, you should give time to comb it with a special brush.

It is not recommended to bathe often; it is better to do it several times a year (2-3) or as dirty as possible. Once a month, you should carefully trim the claws of the Airedale Terrier.

The ears, eyes, and teeth of the pet require special attention and always be in good condition.

Training

Dogs have a good memory and intelligence. They can easily remember commands. But this happens only when the person is a real authority and leader for the pet. When training, the manner of speaking should be serious, strict.

Training should begin with the most straightforward commands “ew”, “come to me” and so on. The pet should first learn its name, be fully socialized in society, and only then learn more complex commands.

Common Diseases

The Airedale Terrier has excellent health, but it is still possible to encounter these diseases:

• аllergy;
• hypothyroidism;
• hernia;
• joint dysplasia.

It is necessary to vaccinate in time and treat the coat against parasites.

Nutrition

The breed can be fed both dry food and natural food. The doctor or the owner can choose a feeding method.

Like most dogs, the Airedale Terrier will gladly eat meat, by-products, vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese, sea fish (no bones), and dairy products. An adult dog should be fed twice a day.