Airedale Terrier: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Outgoing, Friendly, Alert, Confident, Intelligent, Courageous
Weight: Female: 18–20 kg, Male: 23–29 kg
Height: Female: 56–59 cm, Male: 58–61 cm
Origin: United Kingdom, England

The Airedale Terrier is a versatile working dog and was formerly the nickname "war dog", as he was in the First World War, the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and the Boxer Rebellion in China (1899-1901) as a medical and Meldehund has distinguished by reliability, loyalty and courage.

Despite his temper, the Airedale Terrier has a well-balanced nature. He is attentive and friendly as well as open and trusting. Neither aggressive nor anxious, he looks alert and fearless into the world. In addition, he is very kid-friendly and is therefore suitable for families, couples or singles alike. However, his self-confident nature requires a lovingly consistent education, but this is facilitated by the respect for his people and a good adaptability.

The Airedale Terrier is generally a sporty dog ​​who likes to be employed and is excellently suited for dog sports such as agility or obedience. If he can live out his strong urge to move, then he is also in the house a reliable and quiet companion. Through his vigilance, he is also an excellent protector for his master and his possessions and drives out uninvited visitors from the domestic terrain. He convinces with his determined, intelligent and courageous nature.

The Airedale Terrier is the most well-known Terrier in the German-speaking world, since he was used in many different ways even before the German Shepherd Dog as a service dog in the military and police and is one of the oldest working dog breeds. Previously it was used by hunters, farmers and workers for guard services and hunting. Even the ladies of London served it at the end of the 19th century as a preferred companion dog. Even today, the areas of application of the Airedale Terrier by its properties such as strength, endurance, speed and resilience are widely scattered.

He is a loyal companion for walks or while jogging, but also proves his qualities in all dog sports, such as agility, obedience, as tracking, protection and companion dog. This sporty dog likes to be involved in all the activities of its owner, but in addition to satisfying his urge to move, he also needs sufficient mental employment.

The origin of this breed is not known in detail, but most likely the Airedale Terrier comes from Yorkshire in the UK. The namesake was probably the Airedale Show, where many "Waterside Terriers" from the lowlands of the Aire, Calder and Wharfe rivers were presented. 

The Airedale Terriers are said to have been bred by the workers and farmers in the Aire River Valley from the medium sized English Terriers and Otter Dogs as well as Gordon Setters and Shepherd Dogs. In the first minutes this breed was called "working terrier" or "waterside terrier".

It was only in 1880 that today's name "Airedale Terrier" was used in breeding shows. In 1882, the first entries of this 1886 officially recognized by the "Kennel Club" dog breed in the stud books. In 1893 the first representatives of this breed came to Germany.

One finds in this breed a very robust, for the size quite durable companion with an average life expectancy of 10 - 12 years.