How to Select an Airedale Terrier

The Airedale terrier, the largest of the terriers, comes from England. Because of its intelligence and bravery, the Airedale was used as a police dog in World War II. It is now being trained in search and rescue. Airedales make great watchdogs and family pets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Toys
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Dog Shampoo

1. Don't hesitate to choose an Airedale if you have children or other pets. They're gentle and protective with children and get along well with cats and other small animals. However, Airedales can be dominant with other dogs if not properly socialized.

2. Realize that Airedales are not good indoor dogs. They're too active for the indoors and prefer to romp around in the backyard.

3. Think about getting an Airedale if you want a jogging companion. Airedales are built to work and will give you a good run.

4. Look at the dog's features. He should have an intelligent expression with small, dark eyes. He should stand tall, and his coat should be thick and wiry on top, with a soft undercoat. The coat will be tan with black markings.

5. Expect male Airedales to grow to 23 or 24 inches and to weigh between 50 and 60 lbs. Females will grow to 22 or 23 inches and will weigh between 50 and 55 lbs.

6. Check out potential breeders very carefully. Be sure to ask if they're members of breed, specialty or obedience clubs. You can check references through clubs to make sure a breeder doesn't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain - without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

7. Consider getting an Airedale from a pet rescue organization. This breed has fewer problems than other dogs in adjusting to new environments.

8. Know that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,000 for a purebred Airedale.

9. Be prepared to enjoy a fruitful 12 to 14 years with your Airedale, as this is the breed's average life expectancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Airedales need a lot of attention and like to spend lots of time with their families.
• This breed loves to swim and is also a great retriever.
• Airedales are highly intelligent. They become bored very quickly during training if they're not given new challenges.
• Airedales like to dig up backyards.
• Airedales may fight with other dogs.

on 1/5/2006 I have read several sites stating Airedales are not good for homes with small children. This has been completely untrue in my experience. I have had two Airedales who both loved small children. My recent Airedale came to us when my youngest daughter was 2.5 years old. He couldn't have been a more loving, caring animal to be around her. My first Airedale, many years ago, loved my small nieces as well.

on 11/22/2005 An Airedale Terrier will make sure that you are safe when he sees someone that he doesn't like. That's why it is good to have a Airedale terrier if you have a young child that is sometimes left home alone.

on 11/22/2005 Airedales are great indoors or out. They require proper training to realize their potential and are not for everyone, particularly families with small children and those with a sedentary life style. They also require grooming and regular brushing. They were bred to hunt, and unless they are raised with other animals they are not accepting of them (cats for example).