Airedale

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Dog Breed Group

Terrier Dogs 

Origin of Breed

England 

Life Expectancy

12 to 14 years 

Color

Black/Tan, saddled 

Coat

Hard, dense, wiry outercoat; softer undercoat. 

Exercise Needs

Four exercise periods totaling 80 minutes per day. Does best in suburbs or rural regions. 

Temperament

Versatile, Sensible, Intelligent, Reliable, Responsive 

Good with Children

Good with children if raised with them 

Grooming Needs

Low Shedder. Brush 3 times per week. Needs professional trimming, clipping, or stripping 4 times per year 

Average Size - Male (in)

23 

Average Size - Female (in)

22 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

44 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

44 

Health Issues

May suffer from eye problems, hip dysplasia and skin infections.v

Living Conditions

Needs early socialization as well as firm, but fair, obedience training. 

Breed Description

The largest of the terriers, the Airedale probably descended from the otterhound and an extinct broken-haired dog, the black-and-tan Old English terrier. The Airedale stands about 23 inches (58 cm) and usually weighs from 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). It has a boxy appearance, with a long, squared muzzle; in profile, the line of the forehead extends straight to the nose. Its coat is dense and wiry, with a black saddle and with tan legs, muzzle, and underparts. Intelligent and courageous, powerful and affectionate, though reserved with strangers, it has been used as a wartime dispatch carrier, police dog, guard, and big-game hunter. It is nicknamed "king of the terriers."