Airedale Terrier
With its confident, courageous nature, the Airedale Terrier is a beloved breed for good reason.
22-24 in
Breed Ratings
Temperament
Overview
The Airedale is the largest terrier breed, earning the nickname 'King of Terriers' for its size and versatility.
Temperament
Airedales are confident, intelligent, and versatile working dogs. They're excellent with children and make loyal family guardians. Their terrier tenacity combined with trainability has earned them the title 'King of Terriers.'
Health
Generally robust with 11-14 year lifespan. Watch for hip dysplasia, allergies, and hypothyroidism. Some lines are prone to gastric torsion (bloat). Regular grooming helps detect skin issues early.
Exercise
High energy requiring vigorous daily exercise—at least an hour of activity. They excel at swimming, hiking, and dog sports. Mental challenges are equally important; they thrive with jobs to do. Without adequate exercise, they may become destructive.
⦿ Is This Breed Right for You?
✓ Best For
- Active families
- Those wanting a versatile dog
- Homes with yards
- Experienced dog owners
✗ Not Ideal For
- Apartment dwellers
- Sedentary households
- Multi-dog homes (may be dog-aggressive)
- First-time owners
Our Verdict: The King of Terriers - versatile, intelligent, and confident. Airedales are great family dogs but need exercise and experienced handling.