I was born into a house with an Airedale Terrier. That was my father’s dog. I do not remember the days with him, but later on, my father kept talking about this magnificent dog. It was my father who instilled the love for dogs in me. And specifically, he was a fan of terrier. I am as well, and I can say that for me, there are no better dogs. Of course, that is a subjective opinion. But terriers have so many personality traits that I love in a dog. And the Airedale is the King of Terrier.
Throughout my life, we had a Fox terrier and a Jagdterrier. Now, I live with Milo, my Jack Russell Terrier. I came to know terriers to their bone, and today, I want to share a couple of things I’ve learned about these dogs.
However, we will talk in specifics about the King of Terriers.
Meet the Airedale Terrier
When you to own a terrier, you understand it. There is something about their character that gets under your skin. Yes, they are stubborn to the bone. But I like to think that they are not stubborn, they just have their own character and desires. The Airedale Terrier takes everything you love about terriers and scales it up to maximum. So, if you want to get one in your life, let’s talk about the King of Terriers.
The largest of all terrier breeds, males typically stand between 22 and 24 inches, weighing 50 to 70 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, but that size earned them the nickname, the King of Terriers. Let’s compare that to small terriers, for example, Milo, who weighs 15 pounds.
Their appearance is distinctive. The coat is tan with a black saddle covering the back and sides. They have a wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat. The face features that classic terrier beard and eyebrows, giving them an expression that ranges from dignified to mischievous depending on what they’re plotting.
The breed originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England, in the mid-1800s. Working-class people wanted a dog that could hunt otters and rats along riverbanks, but also handle larger game and guard property. Breeders crossed the Old English Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound, creating a dog with the tenacity of a terrier and the swimming ability and scenting power of a hound. The result was versatile enough to work as a hunting dog, police dog, military messenger, and family guardian.
The Airedale Personality: What it's Really Like
Living with Milo has taught me that terriers think they’re in charge. The Airedale Terrier thinks this too, except they’re big enough to actually be in charge if you let them. But they are also calmer, unlike smaller dogs. The saying that smaller dogs are more stubborn than large dogs is so true when it comes to terriers. For example, Milo would do everything he has on his mind while I try to call him. And eventually, he will come and complete the task at hand. Yet, with the right motivation, he will do everything I ask out of him. Airedale Terriers are a bit more submissive.
You rarely hear or find terriers on the list of most intelligent dogs. But that doesn’t mean they are not smart. These dogs will pick up commands quickly. However, whether they follow commands depends on many outside factors. With the right motivation, they will. These intelligent dogs solve problems quickly. When they want to get something, they will find a way to get it, no matter the consequence.
For example, I’ve watched Milo go through a rough terrain only to get his ball. It is one of my favorite games to play. I want to test his decisiveness and willingness to get to the finish line. Airedales are the same. When they put their mind onto something, nothing can stop them until they get it.
One more thing to know. As a large breed, they’re confident to the point of fearlessness. An Airedale won’t back down from a challenge, which makes early socialization critical. I’ve seen poorly socialized Airedales become bullies at dog parks, and I’ve seen well-socialized ones play gently with puppies half their size. The difference comes down to training and exposure during those first two years.
The breed has a genuine sense of humor. They’ll steal your socks, not to be destructive, but because they think it’s hilarious when you chase them. Milo does this too, but with an Airedale, you’re chasing a 60-pound comedian who can easily keep whatever he’s stolen out of your reach. They’re also incredibly loyal. An Airedale bonds deeply with their family and will position themselves between you and anything they perceive as a threat.
The challenging part is the stubbornness. Terriers were bred to work independently, which means they question everything. An Airedale will hear your command, understand it perfectly, and then decide whether compliance serves their interests. This isn’t defiance in the way a frustrated owner might see it. It’s just how their brain works.
Energy Levels and Exercise Needs
An Airedale needs substantial daily exercise. Plan for at least 60-90 minutes of activity every day, split between morning and evening sessions. A quick walk around the block won’t cut it. These dogs were built to work all day in rough terrain.
The best activities are ones that engage both their body and mind. Hiking is perfect because it provides physical exertion plus environmental stimulation. Swimming is excellent, drawing on their Otterhound heritage. Many Airedales love water and will leap into lakes and streams without hesitation. Fetch works if you vary the routine, but they can get bored with simple repetition.
Mental exercise matters as much as physical activity. I give Milo puzzle toys that make him work for treats, and Airedales need the same kind of mental challenges. Training sessions, scent work, and hide-and-seek games with toys all help tire out that active brain.
What happens when an Airedale doesn’t get enough exercise? Destruction. They’ll dig up your yard, chew furniture, bark excessively, and generally make life difficult. This isn’t meanness. It’s a working dog with energy to burn and no outlet for it. I’ve heard from Airedale owners, or terrier owners in general, who came home to destroyed couches, and in every case, the dog hadn’t been exercised properly that day.
Age changes their needs somewhat. Puppies have wild bursts of energy followed by crashes. Adults settle into a more predictable routine. Senior Airedales still need exercise but at a gentler pace. Milo is eight now, and while he’s slowed down from his youth, he still demands his walks and playtime.
How to Train Your Airedale Terrier
Training an Airedale requires patience and a sense of humor. They’re smart enough to learn almost anything, but they need to understand why they should bother. Personally, I think terriers are the closest thing we have to humans. Ask yourself. Would you do something without knowing how it benefits you? Or why should you bother. Even a simple task like going to the store. Positive reinforcement works far better than punishment. These dogs will shut down or become defiant if you use harsh corrections.
Socialization should start the day you bring your puppy home. Expose them to different people, dogs, environments, and situations. A well-socialized Airedale is confident and friendly. A poorly socialized one can become aggressive or fearful. Puppy classes are worth the investment. When I got Milo, I invited all of my friends over and over again. I let him engage in conversations with elder people, children, people with disabilities. Terriers will bark at anything they haven’t been socialized with. So, keep that thought on your mind.
The breed can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long without proper conditioning. They’re also prone to barrier frustration, which means they might bark aggressively at dogs they see through a fence, even though they’d be fine meeting the same dog face-to-face. This isn’t true aggression; it’s frustration at being unable to interact.
Consistency matters more than intensity. If you let an Airedale on the couch once, they’ll assume the couch is always available. If jumping on guests gets attention (even negative attention), they’ll keep doing it. Set your rules early and stick to them.
I’m not a professional dog trainer, but years of living with terriers taught me that these dogs respond to fair, consistent leadership. They need to know what’s expected, and they need to trust that you won’t change the rules arbitrarily. An Airedale will test boundaries, especially during adolescence (around 6-18 months), but if you stay consistent, they’ll settle into the household rules.
Grooming and Coat Care
The Airedale coat is considered hypoallergenic because they shed minimally. The wiry outer coat and soft undercoat require regular maintenance to look their best and stay healthy.
Brushing should happen 2-3 times per week to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Use a slicker brush for the body and a comb for the beard and leg furnishings. The beard collects food and water, so you’ll be cleaning it frequently if you want to avoid a soggy, dirty mess.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps them looking sharp. You have two options: hand-stripping or clipping. Hand-stripping involves pulling out dead hairs by hand, which maintains the coat’s correct wiry texture and rich color. Clipping is easier and cheaper, but the coat becomes softer and may fade over time. Most pet owners choose clipping; show dogs get hand-stripped.
Bathing depends on how dirty they get. An Airedale who loves mud puddles needs more baths than one who stays relatively clean. Every 4-6 weeks is typical. Their nails grow quickly and need trimming every 2-3 weeks.
The grooming commitment is real. If you don’t keep up with it, the coat mats, skin problems develop, and the dog becomes uncomfortable. Budget both time and money for professional grooming unless you’re willing to learn how to do it yourself.
Health Considerations
Airedales are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10-12 years. Like all purebred dogs, they’re prone to certain genetic health issues.
- Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Reputable breeders screen their breeding stock using X-rays evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Ask to see these certifications before buying a puppy.
- Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, shows up as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. It’s manageable with daily medication but requires lifelong treatment.
- Allergies affect many Airedales, either environmental (pollen, dust) or food-related. Symptoms include itchy skin, ear infections, and excessive licking. Treatment ranges from dietary changes to medication depending on severity.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Deep-chested breeds like Airedales face higher risk. Feeding smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal reduces this risk.
Regular veterinary care catches problems early. Annual checkups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings keep your Airedale healthy. I’m not a veterinarian, so any health concerns should go straight to a licensed professional who can properly diagnose and treat your dog.
Diet matters. Large, active dogs need high-quality food with appropriate protein and fat levels. Cheap food with filler ingredients won’t provide the nutrition an Airedale needs.
Is an Airedale Right for You?
An Airedale does best in a house with a securely fenced yard. They can adapt to apartment living if you’re committed to providing extensive daily exercise, but a yard makes life easier for everyone. That fence needs to be solid and tall. Airedales can jump, and their prey drive means they’ll chase anything that moves.
The breed can be excellent with children when properly socialized. They’re sturdy enough to handle rough play and patient with kids who treat them respectfully. Supervision is always necessary, especially with young children who might accidentally hurt or startle the dog.
Other pets are trickier. Airedales have a strong prey drive, which means cats, rabbits, and other small animals might trigger their chase instinct. Early socialization helps, but you’re working against genetic hardwiring. Some Airedales live peacefully with cats; others never stop viewing them as targets. With other dogs, they can be dominant and may not tolerate dogs of the same sex. The key is being patient, consistent, and reward the right behavior. Milo went from chasing cats, to being neutral in their surroundings.
Time commitment goes beyond exercise. These dogs need companionship. Leaving an Airedale alone for 10 hours while you work isn’t fair to the dog. They become destructive and unhappy when isolated too long.
Experience level matters. An Airedale is a poor choice for a first-time dog owner. They need someone who understands dog behavior, can establish leadership without harshness, and won’t cave when the dog tests boundaries. If you’ve successfully trained other dogs, you’ll probably do fine. If this is your first dog, start with an easier breed.
Life with the King
The Airedale Terrier isn’t for everyone. They’re demanding, stubborn, and require significant time and energy. But for the right person, they’re extraordinary companions. They’ll make you laugh daily, protect your family fiercely, and join you on whatever adventure you’re planning.
If you’re seriously considering an Airedale, spend time with the breed first. Contact local breed clubs, attend dog shows, or find Airedale meetups in your area. Talk to owners about the reality of living with these dogs, not just the Instagram-worthy moments.
The Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption network helps rehome Airedales who need new families. Adult rescues can be wonderful dogs who’ve already passed the destructive puppy phase. If you want a puppy, find a breeder who health-tests their dogs, raises puppies in their home, and will answer your questions honestly.
Milo taught me that terriers demand respect, patience, and a sense of humor. The Airedale teaches the same lessons, just at a larger scale. They’re dogs with opinions, personalities, and an unshakeable belief in their own magnificence. If you can handle that, you’ll have a friend who makes every day more interesting.
