The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in Airedale in Yorkshire, England from crosses between the now extinct English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter hound (to make him a better swimmer).

The Airedale Terrier are the largest and the “king of terriers”, he is probably the most versatile of all terriers and it excels in being a hunter for foxes, weasels, badgers, otters, water rats and ducks. Some of the Airedale’s other talents are guarding, watchdogging, military/police work, and competitive obedience. This very pleasant breed is protective, brave, and affectionate. They have a sweet disposition, but may be aloof with strangers. 

Black/Tan and brown with black or grizzle saddle.

The Airedale Terrier have a hard, straight-haired, Waterproof (inherited from is Hound ancestors) double coat, that can be either straight or wavy. The fur, dense and wiry, lies close to the body with a distinctive beard around muzzle. 

The Airedale Terrier breed is courageous and protective, infinitely patient and pleasant, this dog is versatile in the extreme then with such multi skilled inheritance he excels at obedience. The Airedale Terrier makes a loyal family pet when he feel loved and respected. Totally trustworthy with older children (he can be rough for small ones) if they have early exposure and socialization.

The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for the average family, this independent, strong-minded and intelligent dog he can be a joy to own, eager to please he learns easily, but he can be difficult at times. The Airedale Terrier generally gets along well with household cats and other animals, but it is not recommended that he be kept with another dog of the same sex they sometimes try to dominate them. This depends largely upon their training and the individual dog.

The Airedale Terrier is straight-haired making it rather arduous to groom. The dead hair should be epilate about twice a year and when it’s necessary excessive hair between the pads of the feet need to be trim. Also, to keep it clean of food residue the beard should be washed regularly.

Depending on the cut of the coat the Airedale Terrier can shed heavily or not at all. The Airedale Terrier is a very sturdy breed, although some health concerns need to be highlighted, they may suffer from skin allergies, hip dysplasia, Gastro-enteritis and eye problems.

The Airedale Terrier should have a strong and confident owner to get him to come obedient at a high level. They are not difficult to train, is intelligent enough to perceive quickly what is required of it, but his trainer should try to give it some variety to its training, if he asks it to do the same thing over and over again it may refuse.

The Airedale Terrier can be somewhat stubborn so he should start obedience training at a early age to avoid dominance issues. The Airedale Terrier is recommended for: various dog sports, hunter and retriever, defense, working dog and also as a family pet.

The Airedale Terrier needs plenty of exercise, without it he will become restless and bored, so he is not recommended for apartment life. Because of his athletic physique he makes a good swimming or jogging partner and will happily run alongside a bicycle.