Dog Breed Guide

Airedale Terrier

Profile

Size

Medium - Large

Country of origin

United Kingdom

Origin

19th century

Bred for

Hunting otters and rats, Military dog, Police dog

Height

male 58 - 61cm (23 - 24in), female 56 - 59cm (22 - 23in)

Weight

23 - 32kg (51 - 71lb)

Life span

11 - 14 years

The largest of the terriers, known as "the King of Terriers." A black saddle on the back, a tan head and legs and an impressive beard are its hallmarks. The harsh, wiry coat is also water-resistant.

Smart, brave and self-confident, the Airedale is loyal and affectionate with its family and plays well with children. On the other hand, it has a terrier's stubbornness and independence, so training takes patience. It is also a dependable watchdog.

It needs a lot of exercise and is a good swimmer. It must be properly active every day. The harsh coat is kept in shape with regular grooming.

Good to know

The breed is named after the valley (dale) of the River Aire in Yorkshire, in northern England. In the 19th century, working people in the area created it to hunt otters and rats along the riverbanks by crossing terriers with the Otterhound, a hound that is at home in the water.

In World War I, Airedales served as messenger dogs with both the British and German armies. The most famous was a dog named Jack, who is said to have run through an artillery barrage, badly wounded, to deliver a message to headquarters, saving his unit before dying soon after.

American presidents loved the breed too. President Theodore Roosevelt left words of high praise for it, and President Warren Harding's dog Laddie Boy is said to have had his own chair so that he could attend cabinet meetings.