
Courageous, clever, and friendly. The 'King of Terriers' is the largest terrier breed. Versatile working dog used in police work, hunting, and as war dog.
Personality and care at a glance
Height
56-61 cm22-24"
Weight
23-29 kg50.5-64 lbs
Lifespan
11-14 yrs
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Moderately trainable - learns with consistent effort
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barks when necessary
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
Balanced companionship
How well Airedale Terrier matches your lifestyle
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Activity requirements for Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1-2 hours daily of vigorous exercise and mental challenges
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
Coat care and maintenance for Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Training approach for Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is reasonably trainable with consistent effort. They learn well but may need more repetition than eager learners.
Be patient and consistent. Use high-value rewards and keep training sessions short but frequent. Consistency in commands and expectations is key.
Use the same commands and expectations every time. Consistency helps them understand what you want.
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus and prevent frustration for both of you.
Use especially enticing treats for training to maintain motivation and attention.
Some commands may take longer to learn. Stay patient and celebrate small victories.
Feeding guidelines for Airedale Terrier
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Common health conditions to watch for in Airedale Terrier
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Estimated expenses for Airedale Terrier
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Airedale Terrier's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
5 references for Airedale Terrier
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research