DOGS BY BREED:: Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier

Information, Facts & Origins

The Airedale Terrier originates from England and was bred originally for hunting badger and otter. It's origins can be dated back to the 1800's. It is named after the Valley of Aire in Yorkshire, England. The Airedale Terrier is also known by the other names of Waterside Terrier and Bingley Terrier.

Name Facts and Dog Names

This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as terrior. This dog is classified as one of the Terrier Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Airedale Terrier was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1888.

Coat and Colors information

The Airedale Terrier's coat is normally a shade of black or grizzle with all other parts in tan. The outer coat is hard, dense and wiry with a soft undercoat.

Description Character & Temperament

The Terrier dogs are small to medium size and are often described as fiery or feisty. The smallest terriers are ready to take on any opponents - a necessary attribute when hunting and killing vermin but not so good for a family pet! Some terriers are yappy and are known to nip boisterous children. They can also be quite independent and difficult to train. On the positive side Terriers can be friendly, stable and loyal pets.

Dog Health information - potential health problems

All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Airedale Terrier, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Airedale Terrier can include:

  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Skin allergies

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured.

Grooming and Care

The Airedale Terrier requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Airedale Terrier dogs.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 to 14 years.

Age comparison between the Airedale Terrier Dog Breed and a Human

Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Terrier Dog Breed Information

Dogs in the Terrier group, which include the Airedale Terrier, were developed to hunt and kill vermin. The vermin included control rats, mice and other predatory animals such as foxes that might raided a farmer's produce and livestock. The very nature of these tasks require an energetic, tenacious, brave and determined dog such as the Airedale Terrier . Terrier dogs have always been viewed as real assets by their owners and have worked with man for centuries.

Terrier Dog Breed Duties and Tasks

Characteristics and features of Terrier Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. The trait encouraged was the ability to dig up underground dens and burrows and "go to ground" whilst barking noisily to frighten out any inhabitants. Thus, the various Terrier breeds, including the Airedale Terrier, were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:

  • Hunting vermin
  • Hunting larger animals such as foxes
  • Some terriers were also able to kill their quarry

In this day and age not every Airedale Terrier might be called to undertake these vermin -related tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Airedale Terrier breeding program successful.

Examples of other Breeds within the Terrier Dog Group

The Terrier group includes the Airedale Terrier and all of the following breeds:

  • American Staffordshire
  • Australian
  • Bedlington Terriers
  • Border
  • Bull
  • Cairn
  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers
  • Irish Terriers
  • Kerry Blue Terriers
  • Lakeland
  • Manchester (Standard)
  • Miniature Bull Terriers
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Norfolk Terriers
  • Norwich
  • Parson Russell
  • Scottish
  • Sealyham Terriers
  • Skye
  • Smooth Fox
  • Soft Coated Wheaten
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers
  • Welsh
  • West Highland White
  • Wire Fox Terriers

Name Facts and Dog Names

This dog's name is sometimes misspelled as terrior.