Posture

Airedale Terriers, who love to exercise and learn, feel most comfortable when they are sufficiently occupied and can be near their people. Therefore, it is optimal if they themselves are sporty and have a lot of time for the dogs. Terriers make excellent companions for long walks, jogging, biking, or even horseback riding.

They are also perfect candidates for any dog sports or obedience. A spacious garden is also an advantage for the dogs’ exercise, but if kept in a species-appropriate manner, they are also good to keep in apartments.

Terrier training can be a very challenging task especially if you have no dog experience. Besides the indispensable sufficient employment, consistency and patience are also extremely important. The sometimes stubborn dogs, who often try to ingratiate themselves with their humans with their charming nature, need steadfast and clear training so that they know who is higher in rank.

The smart, inquisitive dogs can also be excited about more advanced training . For example, they are excellent for tracking, protection, companion and even search dogs.

Nutrition and care

The most balanced diet for the Airedale Terrier can consist of dry food, wet food or even fresh meat. Although the dogs are not prone to obesity, you should be careful with treats and do not overdo it. Above all, be careful not to give them to your dog when he is bored and definitely not in response to begging.

Make sure you don’t change the food too often so as not to put too much strain on the digestion. If you are using dry food exclusively, observe if your dog is drinking enough water and do not give him large amounts at once, as dry food swells up in the intestines.

It is best to feed your terrier 2 times a day and at the same time, which will also help you avoid begging.

The rough coat and dense undercoat of the Airedale Terrier are very resistant to wetness and cold. When it is hot, you should make sure that your dog does not get too exhausted, as he is not equipped for this.

What is special about them is that they shed very little, as dead hair gets caught in the rest of the coat. On the one hand, this is an advantage for people with allergies, but on the other hand, it also requires regular care. The coat of the dogs must be trimmed either by yourself or in the salon, because it does not go through a natural change of coat. If you are going to do the trimming yourself, it is important that you exude calm and confidence while doing it so that your dog stays relaxed.

You should also brush him well with a hard brush or wire comb at least once a week, so that the waves and shine of the coat come out again.

The dense coat makes the dogs less susceptible to dirt or snagging on leaves, twigs or the like. Only the long hair on the legs and paws easily form clumps of water and dirt, which should be brushed out immediately.

Also, don’t forget to check your terrier regularly for ticks, as they can be hard to see in the thick coat, and remove them with a tick card or tweezers.

As far as health is concerned, Airedale Terriers are relatively robust and not very susceptible to disease. Fortunately, there are not very many typical breed diseases, but a few can unfortunately occur. The most common are hip dysplasia and juvenile nephropathy. The latter occurs comparatively often in Airedale Terriers and can result in fatal kidney failure.

Watch your terrier very closely in general, as he is very good at hiding pain and not showing when he is not well.

History

The name of the Airedale Terrier is also composed of the river Aire in Yorkshire, Great Britain, where it probably comes from, and the English word “Dale”, meaning valley. The breed, which developed around the middle of the 19th century, probably originates from crosses between other terriers and otter dogs. Gordon Setters and Scottish Sheepdogs are also believed to have been involved.

Because of their fearless, reliable nature, the dogs were used in very many fields. For example, they served as hunters for otters, pheasants and badgers, rat catchers, drovers, guardians, watchdogs, companion dogs, but also as excellent reporting, service and ambulance dogs. Although still found in service today, however, the Airedale Terrier is primarily a family dog these days.

Conclusion

The Airedale Terrier is an extremely intelligent, bright, fearless and friendly fellow. If you can offer him enough physical and mental activity and spend a lot of time with him, you will find in him a faithful companion for life.