The Standard

APPEARANCE - The look of Kings

The Airedale Terrier is a medium-sized dog with males standing about 23 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 65 pounds. Females are about an inch shorter and weigh five-to-ten pounds less than the males. 

In profile, the body and legs of an Airedale should form a square with the height at the shoulders equal to the length of the dog from the front of the chest to the farthest reach of the buttock. All Airedale Terriers are tan or reddish tan in color with a black or grizzle saddle that often extends from high on the neck over the body and tail. 

The Airedale has a double coat with hard, dense, wiry outer hairs over a soft undercoat. Longer hair known as furnishings is found on the muzzle, where it is called a beard, and over the full length of the legs. The coat can be curly, but is typically slight crinkled or waved, Most owners have their pets clipped by a groomer and which softens the coat and lightens it's color. 

Airedale ears fold naturally forward on a long head with large, brown-black eyes and a large dark nose. The tail is docked to about two-thirds of its original length so the tip is level with the top of the head when the dog stands erect and alert.

TEMPERAMENT

In describing the proper temperament and in recognition of the loyalty and protectiveness shown to the children of the family, fanciers claim that the Airedale is the only breed that babysits. Naturally alert, this is an excellent watchdog who can be trained to perform all the duties of a working police dog. Airedales also have a clownish streak that both amuses and exasperates their owners. Often a failure in training results in behavior so comical that the owner and anyone watching will laugh. Unfortunately, the Airedale is such a ham and show-off that their owners may face a new problem from a dog who would rather perform for laughs than learn and display the intended action. The Airedale Terrier is also highly intelligent and can be a quick learner, but true to his terrier heritage, he is often stubborn and unforgiving of harsh treatment. The way to his kingly heart is firm, consistent training – rough handling and punishment will get you nowhere fast. Hard or abusive training methods will bring failure because the Airedale is truly tougher than any trainer. Airedale stoicism is a blessing and a curse. Because he is well able to withstand pain and injury, the Airedale’s hurts and illnesses often go unnoticed until they become severe and require veterinary attention. Fortunately, the breed is hardy and has few health problems. Like many terriers, he is susceptible to skin problems and allergies, and all Airedales used for breeding should be screened for hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder), and low thyroid function. 

AIREDALES AS A PET

The moderate size of the Airedale Terrier makes him suitable for life in the city and suburbs as well as the countryside. He does need exercise, so a fenced yard or a long daily walk on a leash must be provided. The Airedale Terrier heritage makes him bold with other dogs, and neither will back down from a fight, so firm leash control is necessary when walking the dog in public. Allowing an Airedale the freedom of a retractable leash can result in disaster if other dogs are present.  Airedales are hypoallergenic and non-shedding if you have the outer coat shaved which makes them the perfect pet for people with allergies to animals.  They have webbed paws making them excellent water dogs.  They are also known to be great retrievers, having a soft mouth with birds.  They love to hunt.

If you value loyalty, protectiveness, strength, and a sense of humor and can accept the need for firm yet kind discipline, and a pet who demands exercise and companionship, there may be a handsome Airedale in your future.