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About Airedale Terrier Dogs
Airedale Terriers Comprise a breed of medium-sized
dog having originated in Yorkshire, England in
the mid-19th century. The breed was originally
created from terriers and Otterhounds, and was
bred to hunt otters in river valleys. They were
later put to another use during World War I, in
which they were used as messenger dogs. By the
mid-20th century, they had gained strong popularity
as pets in the U.S., and still retain a modest
popularity as such.
Airedale Terriers are giants among terriers,
weighing 40-65 pounds and measuring 22-24 inches
in height. Larger Airedale Terriers, called Oorangs,
may exist, and can weigh over 90 pounds. The smaller
variety tend to do better than their larger counterparts
in dog shows, while the larger variety experiences
popularity as hunting dogs, guard dogs, and pets.
Airedale Terriers have a "broken" coat texture,
meaning that the coat appears ragged, lies straight
and close to the body, and is wiry, hard, stiff,
and dense to the touch. Airedale Terriers have
double-coats; the outer coat makes up the stiffer,
wiry texture, while the inner coat is softer as
well as shorter. Their coats are generally tan
with a black saddle, though they may be black
or tan, either in non-standard patterns or as
a solid color.
Airedale Terriers have kind temperaments, being
very loving towards their humans and generally
amiable and positive. They might also be described
as dignified, as they are brave, stoic, and intelligent.
Having been bred to hunt alone, Airedale Terriers
tend to be independent, and may be stubborn. While
they tend not to be aggressive, they can be protective
of their humans when they feel they need to.
Airedale Terriers can be well-suited to family
homes if they are well-trained and any children
are taught to treat the dog properly. They do
not do well in apartments or other small spaces,
as they are quite active indoors. They fare best
in homes with at least a moderately sized yard.
Airedale Terriers have a fairly high exercise
requirement, and require at least one long walk
or run per day. Though specialized forms of exercise
are not necessary, Airedale Terriers enjoy playing
with toys such as balls, partaking in retrieving
games such as fetch, and swimming. Airedale Terriers
require a fair amount of grooming, and their coat
texture requires specialized care.
Airedale Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia,
dermatitis, bloat, and cancer. Their average lifespan
is about 11.5 years, with cancer being the leading
cause of death and old age being the second most
prevalent cause of death.
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