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About Airedales
General Character And Temperament
The Airedale is a friendly, adaptable and courageous dog showing all the terrier characteristics.
They are fun-loving dogs and good with people. They make excellent family dogs, particularly good with children and always ready to join in their games. They are devoted companions, ready for a walk or a ride in the car at any time.
They are protective towards their families and homes and make good guard dogs.
Airedales have been described as "the sweetest animals on earth one minute and little devils the next."
They want to be with their owners all of the time, and they want their owners be doing something interesting at least some of the time.
The breed has also been called "a thinking dog, with an independent character - perhaps not suited to the faint of heart."
Airedales can be aggressive toward other dogs and small animals, a trait not unheard of in terriers. They need firm handling as they are naturally dominant and can be stubborn, but their sweet hound nature means they love to please and will be obedient if you train them.
Exercise
This is an active dog that very much needs vigorous daily exercise -- a long, fairly brisk walk, an exhilarating game, a chance to romp off lead but under supervision in a safe, preferably enclosed area.
Airedales enjoy games that require thinking and they love a challenge. Ball games and frisbees are popular pastimes.
Take it easy with a young puppy - they are not ready to go jogging or take long walks until they have completed most of their growth. Build them up slowly with short socialisation walks and games.
Training
The first hurdle to overcome is who is the boss. The Airedale will assume, that he is in charge unless their human companions explain otherwise.
Once a hierarchy is established, the Airedale responds well to positive motivation, especially with food as a reward. Always praise for correct behavior, short reprimands for bad behavior - clicker training works very well with Airedales.
See more on clicker training.
Repetitive training and endless drill doesn't work with Airedales. They are exceptionally smart and after performing the required task several times can become bored. Keep the training varied and interesting.
Airedales can be brilliant at obedience work - see Ludwig, an amazing Polish Airedale show everyone how it is done. Watch for the little Airedale touch he adds to his recall.
Puppies can start to learn at an early age. See young Jack looking cute and being very clever.
Then, also see the video of some Airedales doing it their way.
Health issues
The Airedale Terrier is hardy and has few health problems.
Hip dysplasia affects Airedale Terriers, as with most large dogs.
Hip dysplasia has four major causes, only one of which is genetics. Overfeeding, incorrect diet and too much exercise at a young age all contribute to dogs having problem hips.
Terriers can also have problems with dry, itchy skin, but a diet rich in Omega 3 oils and regular grooming goes a long way to averting the problem and keeping the coat shiny.
More about Airedales
See the Airedale Terrier Association of NSW website for more information and history of the breed, as well as many great photos of Airedales in action.