Trainability

Being a terrier, in fact, the King of Terriers, the Airedale Terrier is a delight to train. They thrive on companionship and pleasing their owners. This makes them a wonderful candidate for obedience training and dog sports. Early socialisation is important to prevent problems with other dogs and as your Airedale will require a decent amount of exercise, getting along with other dogs is important. Enlist in a good puppy-preschool and start training your pup as soon as he arrives home. They are an independent and incredibly active dog that will need a good amount of daily exercise to keep him happy and entertained. For this reason; training is a very high priority to teach your wee Airedale good manners and reliable commands.

Grooming

The Airedale Terrier has two coats, a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat. Some owners opt to have a professional groomer help with the coat, however brushing your Airedale twice weekly is highly recommended. They don’t particularly need clipping, but many owners do clip occasionally to help maintain their appearance and keep their coats looking their best. Grooming costs and the time required to keep his coat looking great must be kept in consideration when choosing this breed. Like with all breeds (who require lifetime grooming) getting your young pup used to being touched and brushed is paramount.

Exercise Requirements

Being a terrier, your Airedale will require a fair amount of exercise to keep him happy and out of mischief. A good run in an off-leash park and a daily walk is required. They make wonderful running companions and will adore a good swim when allowed. Being a terrier breed they also love to dig, bark and chase. Adequate exercise will help deter this behaviour however be prepared to protect gardens and teach your pup the right and wrong place to dig.

Intelligence

Being a terrier breed your Airedale is a quick thinker and will thrive with a job to do. They also love to chew. So, if you do not have the time for training and exercise you may find your intelligent pup will come up with their own form of fun including excessive barking, chewing and digging. Providing the correct chewing toys for the size of your pup/dog is important to allow this natural behaviour without any personal objects becoming victims (think shoes). Consider switching up your toys on a daily basis so your dog doesn’t get bored with the same old chew-things.

Family Friendly

The Airedale can be very protective of their loved ones but will simply adore those who own them. They are wonderfully patient with children and will become a life-long playmate. Like with all breeds teaching children how to correctly behave around an Airedale is important, as too, teaching your pup how to correctly interact with children. Due to their size and energy levels care must be taken with very small children to avoid accidental knock-overs, however the Airedale is known to be a wonderful family companion. Being a terrier, they will chase smaller pets such as cats, so training and care must be taken. When socialised correctly they interact very well with existing household dogs.

Indoor/ Outdoor

This breed will simply love being around their owners, so spending a lifetime outside alone is not recommended (as with any dog breed). They will need sturdy fences (and check for digging holes around the fence line). If left for long periods alone, particularly without a fun task to do, your Airedale will become bored and likely to become destructive. Lots of exercise and fun training alongside boredom busting ideas (think treat balls and rotating toys) can help to combat his boredom when left at home. As with all breeds they will require ample shade and water in the summer, and a weather protected area in the winter.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.