Airedale Terrier FAQ's

Are Airedale Terriers protective?

Airedale Terriers are known for being quite protective and therefore they make excellent watchdogs and protectors of the family or owner. The downside of this is that they tend to bark a lot and they can sometimes become aggressive towards unknown humans and dogs. It has been said that Airedale Terriers don’t start fights, they finish them. For this reason, early socialisation is very important as well as establishing the Terriers position in the family hierarchy early. 

Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs?

Airedales are a very energetic breed requiring lots of mental stimulation and therefore should not be left on their own outside. They are happiest when they are inside with the family. They are great with children and known to be excellent nannies.

Are Airedale Terriers good with other dogs?

The Airedale Terriers are bred for hunting small rodents and sometimes their hunting instincts can take the forefront. They can be aggressive and bold with other dogs which can make them a burden to handle. However, they do generally get along better with other dogs than other terrier breeds and with the right socialisation and the proper training they can have good relationships with other animals, especially ones they have been raised with. 

How big do Airedale Terriers get and how long do they live?

The Airedale is the largest of the Terriers growing to around 58cm (23”) tall and weighing somewhere between 20 to 32 kilograms (45 – 70 lbs). They live around 10 to 12 years. 

Do Airedale Terriers shed? 

Airedale Terriers shedding habits vary slightly dog to dog. Some seem to have fur that barely grows while others have a rapid rate of growth that requires clipping around 3 times a year. They do tend to shed reasonable amounts of fur like most dogs in the change between winter and spring and summer and autumn. Regular grooming with a slicker brush will help to reduce the spread of fur around the house. 
Airedales are also known to be hypoallergenic, one of the largest breeds to have this trait. 

Do Airedale Terriers Bark?

As mentioned above, this breed can be quite stoic defenders of the family and this usually involves barking at anything that is a perceived threat. They are known for letting their “opinions” be heard. 

Are Airedale Terriers easy to train?

Airedales are a very intelligent breed capable of many things, but they do have an independent streak and they are certainly not pushovers. If you are up for a challenge and enjoy the thrill of dog training then the Airedale is the breed for you. 

How much exercise do Airedale Terriers need?

These terriers have a lot of energy and require at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day, however, more is better. Like other terrier breeds, they can develop bad behaviour such as digging, barking and stealing your dirty socks. The best way to curb these behaviours is with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Variety is also important, giving different chew toys, changing your walk or including swimming in the walk are good ways to keep your Airedale satisfied.