Airedale Review

Overall Rating

Attractive.
Unusal.
Big personalities.
One of the few breeds who don't shed.
Intelligent.
Healthy.

Destructive.
Hard to train.
Have a mind of their own.
Need experienced dog owners.
Like to dig.
Need grooming regulary.

Airedales...the jack of all trades type of dog! They can be good hunters, show dogs, agility, working and family pets etc however these terriers are not for the first time dog owner as being the 'King of all Terriers',..or should I say Terrors, they need some experienced handlers!

My advice is if you don't have a sense of humour, an airedale is not for you. These dogs are clowns, and too intelligent for their own good sometimes! They will soon master ways of getting attention and/or treats and sometimes you have just got to laugh or you will go insane.

As for taining them...well if you say 'Sit!' to an Airedale who already knows the command, you will see that all too familar sparkle in their eye as they analyse this command. Most breeds of dog will sit because they want to please you, but Airedales will think 'Why do they want me to sit, what is in it for me etc...', although in the right hands, Airedales can become as obedient as any other dog. They do require patience.

They are intelligent dogs and become bored easy, and need plenty of socialisation as puppies. If brought up with children they can become great family pets. They don't shed, along with poodles and Bichon frises, however that wirey Airedale coat needs grooming 2-3 times a week and a goom clipping 2-3 times a year, that can be expensive!

Airedales are generally brave dogs and if socialised enough they can be fine around other people and dogs. The breeder we got my Airedale, Hannah, from told us 'Airedales don't start fights, but if another dog does, they will finish it!'! Hannah was attacked once by a collie and she simply thought it was a play fight and actually wagged her tail and wanted more, thankfully the owner of the collie came out and got their dog! Although she was a pup then, I don't know how she would react now at the 'mature' age of 5 1/2! To be honest I don't think the word 'maturity' is part of the Airedales vocabulary they are always playful clowns, although every Airedale is different, some do calm down, most keep that humour and 'puppynish' behaviour throughout there lives!

They require a fair amount of exercise and long walks and play is something they need daily or else be prepared for destructive behaviour! However a word of caution, most Airedales have a mind of their own and you may have a lot of 'fun' getting them back on the lead if let loose!!! So be careful, try in reasonably small enclosed areas at first! Hannah has only been let off the lead since the age of three and a half, as before she just ignored our 'come back!' calls and trotted off to where she wanted! However some Airedales will learn sooner, others longer!

So overall if you are thinking of an Airedale, do your research and beaware of biased sites and/or breeders etc, Airedales are great pets in the right hands and are VERY much wanting to be part of the family! I have never regretted getting one, but there were times when the playful hand chewer, shoe stealer, towel snatcher, and garden digger did make us wonder why we chose an Airedale, but now that she has settled in and has become reasonably obedient, my family are enjoying all the benefits of having a clown around the house!

I hope I have helped you on deciding whether an Airedale is right for you or not! I don't recommend them for families with very young children or someone who is very houseproud or doesn't have a lot of spare time on their hands!
Think carefully, remember dogs live for around 12 years and you don't want to choose the wrong breed! A dog is for life!