Airedale Terrier — breed guide

At a glance

Group

terrier

Size

Medium

Weight

19–29 kg (42–64 lb)

Life span

11–14 years

Coat

Wiry, low-shedding double coat

Living with a Airedale Terrier

• High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
• Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
• Light shedding.
• Quick to learn.
• Barks readily.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
• Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
• Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Average heat tolerance.
• Average cold tolerance.

Temperament

Clever · Bold · Willful · Friendly

Health to watch

• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Bloat (GDV)
• Skin allergies

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

The “King of Terriers” carried messages through WWI trenches, and Presidents Harding and Coolidge both kept one in the White House.

Questions people ask

Is a Airedale Terrier good with kids?

With care. Airedale Terriers generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Airedale Terrier good with cats?

Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.

How much exercise does a Airedale Terrier need?

An hour or more of proper exercise every day.

Can a Airedale Terrier handle hot weather?

About average — use normal hot-day sense.