Airedale Personality
The Airedale as a Hunting Dog
| Country of Origin | England |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years |
| Watchdog | Yes |
| Coat Type | Wire outer coat with soft undercoat |
| Grooming | Professional or home (Clipper or hand-strip) |
| Height/Weight | Males approx 23 inches at shoulder, 65lbs. Females slightly less |
| Activity Level | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Trainability | Good if positive reinforcement is used |
| Good with Children/Pets | Yes |
| Home Environment | House with fenced yard: daily exercise and attention |
| Attitude toward strangers | Watchful |
| Character | Funny, courageous, affectionate towards their family members |
| Club | B.C. All Terrier Club |
Airedales should be brought up in the same manner as young children. The Airedale has a great need for affection and should be part of the family.
Airedale puppies enjoy long youths with many owners claiming their older dogs still act like puppies. Puppies typically begin to "come into their own" at around 2 years of age.
Airedales have a water-resistant wiry outer coat growing over a softer undercoat. If unattended, the Airedale coat grows thick and curly.
Airedales competing in the show ring have their coats hand-stripped and shaped into a very stylish look.
All Airedales are tan with a black saddle. The Airedale eye is small, dark and almond shaped. The ears, when alert, should be held forward and folded just above the skull with the eartips hanging down to the outer corners of the eyes.
Puppy tails are docked at approx. three days old. When done properly, only one-third of the tail is removed. The adult Airedale should have a tail tip that is even with the top of its head.
Airedales are sensible watchdogs. Intruders who try to enter an Airedale home will come across a dog that is intent on protecting its property and family.
Airedales are trainable dogs, which will not necessarily do well with the "jerk and pull" methods used in some obedience classes. Airedales do best when training is fun, interesting and treat-oriented, however, the breed is easily bored with repetitive lessons.If you are looking for a dog that thinks for itself, is sometimes smarter than you and has far more personality than many other dogs - the Airedale is the dog for you.
Airedales are very competitive in several disciplines:
Airedales also require adequate exercise, and most breeders require the new puppy owner to have a fenced in yard. Airedales have been known to take chase after any new adventure that comes along.
Airedales live compatibly with other dogs (including those of the same sex - take caution with two unneutered males) as well as cats. However if the Airedale comes in contact with a cat that runs or acts adversely, there is likely to be a shakier period of adjustment.
Within the past decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in preserving the breed's hunting heritage. The Airedale offers a versatility other field dogs don't have.
The Airedale can't compete with retrievers, gun-dogs or springers, however, it will work as a flushing dog and it can pick up and bring back whatever you shoot.
The Airedale is a great dog for the casual hunter who likes to go out a
Outdoor trekkers will note that the Airedale is small enough to jump into canoe and can even be carried on horseback.
