Country of Origin: Great Britain
Group: Terriers
Section: Large and medium-sized Terriers
Original Function: badger and otter hunting
Todays Function: guardian, police dog
Dimension Male: 58-61 cm
Dimension Female: 56-59 cm
Weight Male: 23-29 kg
Weight Female: 18-20 kg
Litter Size: 8-12 puppies, average 9
Life span: 10-13 years
Other Names: Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier
Colors: Black body with tan markings on the legs, head, chest and tail. a small white patch on the chest is
Living: Since the airedale terrier is a very active dog and will be active indoors they are not recommended
Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Description
The Airedale Terrier is a large terrier with a harsh wiry coat, long flat head, and a deep chest. Its hair is bristly and resistant to dampness, but it needs stripping. The well-balanced dog stands square, with a level topline and very straight front legs. The v-shaped ears fold slightly to the side and forward. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a level or scissors bite. The tail is carried high and is customarily docked; left undocked it should be carried gaily, but should not curl over the back. The wiry outer coat is lined with a soft undercoat. The coat should be tan with black or dark grizzle, markings. A bit of red in the black and/or a small white star on the chest are permitted. The legs all the way to the thigh,, chest, undersides, head and ears should be tan. Sometimes tan also extends up to the shoulders.
Temperament
Among the most versatile of terriers, the Airedale is bold, playful and adventurous; it is a lively yet protective companion. It is intelligent, but often stubborn and headstrong. Some can be domineering, but most are biddable, reliable and responsive to their owner"s wishes. It makes a good house dog as long as it gets daily mental and physical exercise. It likes to be the head dog and may not do well when another dog challenges that position, although they usually get along well with smaller dogs.
Excercise
This is an active breed that needs a chance to get vigorous exercise every day. Its needs can be met with a long walk, a strenuous game or a chance to hunt and romp in a safe area. It can live outside in temperate climates, but it is better suited for indoor sleeping. Its wire coat needs combing twice weekly, plus scissoring and shaping clipping for pets, and hand stripping for show dogs, every one to two months. Ears often need glueing as puppies in order to ensure proper shape as adults.
Grooming
Airedales have a hard, short-haired, double coat. The hair should be plucked about twice a year, but for dogs that are to be shown, much more intensive grooming is needed. Trim excessive hair between the pads of the feet when necessary. If you keep the co
Health
Major concerns: CHD
Minor concerns: gastric torsion
Occasionally seen: colonic disease
Suggested tests: hip