How to Groom an Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a large dog that usually stands between 22 and 24 inches tall. They have a harsh, wiry double coat that is short in length and fairly bristly. They need a full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks if they have a softer coat and every 6 to 10 weeks if their coat is of the more common wiry variety. Give your Airedale a general grooming every week.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Metal combs
• Scissors
• Clippers
• Thinning shears

1. Brush with slicker brushes, pin brushes and metal combs to keep the coat under control, especially for those Airedales with softer coats. These tend to get matted and tangled much more easily than those of dogs with more fibrous coats. If you hand strip your Airedale Terrier, he should shed very little or no hair, but if the coat is kept fairly long, he may shed a lot.

2. Pluck the hair at least twice per year. You may need to consult a professional groomer about the best way to do this. If you have a show dog, it requires more grooming to be up to standard. If you wish to have the dog hand stripped, make sure the person doing it is very skilled. This is a technique that not many are well versed in. For non-show dogs, scissors and clippers are fine for styling.

3. Trim stray hairs between the pads of the feet if they become excessive. These hairs cause dirt and grime to collect on the bottoms of the dog's feet.

4. Use thinning shears to clean up any stray hairs that remain on the body.

5. Check the coat and beard constantly for burrs and other objects which may get stuck and become harmful.

Tips & Warnings

• Airedale Terriers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
• Some Airedales are afflicted with eye problems, hip dysphasia and skin infections. For dry skin, feed your dog an adjusted omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid diet. Ask your veterinarian for advice in specific cases.