Basic Information To Know About The Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier (also named the "King of Terriers", "Waterside Terrier" or "Airedale" for short) is the largest of all terrier breeds and features a square-shaped head with a wiry black and tan coat. The breed has origins dating back to the mid-19th century in England, and they were first bred for the main purpose of hunting a variety of game.

A few of their most recognizable features include their intelligence, sense of adventure and high level of energy - which help make the Airedale Terrier a suitable choice for hunting, police work, agility or as a companion for active owners.

The Airedale Terrier was originally created in Airedale in England during the mid-19th century and was favored by hunters for their versatility in catching foxes, badgers, otters and other prey. They are known to have been created by working class people who cross-bred the Otterhound with the Welsh Terrier.

Airedale Terriers are classed as a medium to large-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the Airedale Terrier male is 23 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 50-70 pounds, whereas the recommended size for female Airedale Terriers is 22 inches high from paw to shoulder with a weight of 45-70 pounds.


The Airedale Terrier is well-known for their bold, adventurous and sometimes domineering temperament. They are generally friendly with strangers, which can make them quite unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Airedale Terrier is also known to be quite intelligent - ranking equal 29th compared to other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience commands. They are also known to be a little too boisterous for most children - making them not always suitable as a family pet. The Airedale Terrier is fairly compatible with other animals such as cats or birds if they're raised with them but can often become aggressive with other dogs.

The Airedale Terrier needs at least an average-sized yard to run around in, so they can be quite unsuitable for apartment living.

The Airedale Terrier enjoys activities such as running around the yard, playing games of fetch or tug of war, agility, swimming and going for a jog alongside a bicycle. They have a high level of energy that mellows with age and need to be given daily exercise in the form of long walks to prevent destructive behavior problems like digging, chewing or excessive barking that result from a lack of physical and mental stimulation.

The Airedale Terrier can make the perfect dog for active owners with a love for the outdoors. They are suitable for anyone who is willing to commit to a high amount of grooming and take time to give them early socialization and ongoing mental challenges as well as take them for long daily walks and give a good amount of companionship and attention.

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