Airedale Terrier Pros & Cons: What to Consider Before Bringing One Home

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds and a skillful hunter, working dog, and watchdog. They also make loving companions. A rambunctious puppy, the Airedale grows into a dignified and athletic adult who loves being part of a family.

Like all dogs, the Airedale has certain breed traits that can make them better suited to some owners. Take a look at the pros and cons of the Airedale Terrier to decide if they’re the right dog breed for you.

The 5 Pros of Airedale Terrier Ownership

1. Airedales Are Versatile

The Airedale was bred to be used as a working dog and hunting dog. They can work cattle, hunt game, or guard family. Like most terriers, the Airedale was bred to hunt independently, but they are extremely loyal to their owners.

2. They’re Intelligent

The Airedale is an intelligent working dog. While a dog’s relative intelligence  is hard to rank and will vary depending on the behaviors being tested, in a list compiled by Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology, Airedale Terriers ranked 29 out of 100 breeds as above-average working dogs. Intelligent dogs learn quickly and can accomplish challenging tasks and tricks, but they can become bored easily without regular mental enrichment.

3. This Breed Is Good for Families

There’s nothing aloof about the Airedale. These dogs enjoy the whole family, including children, if socialized and trained correctly from a young age. All dogs should be supervised with children however, and children must also be taught how to interact with dogs safely and respectfully.

4. They’re Vigilant Watchdogs

Airedales are generally sociable and friendly, but even the friendly ones are vigilant watchdogs. They’re extremely loyal and quick to alert you to intruders or suspicious activity around your home. When there’s a threat, they don’t back down.

5. Airedales Have Low-Maintenance Grooming Needs

The Airedale’s short, wiry coat is easy to care for, even if you’re outside all the time. They need regular brushing to remove loose, dead hair, but they don’t shed as much as some dogs. Some Airedales will need clipping for areas prone to excessive growth and matting, but it depends on the individual.

The 5 Cons of Owning an Airedale Terrier

6. They Have High Exercise Needs

Airedales have boundless energy and must have regular opportunities for plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.  It’s essential to make sure you can meet their exercise needs on a daily basis. For this reason, they are not apartment-friendly dogs and do best in homes with plenty of space and a secure yard.

They won’t be happy when left to their own devices by an owner who works long hours or travels often.

7. They Have a High Prey Drive

The Airedale Terrier has been used to hunt small animals and, like many other terrier breeds, has a strong prey drive and can be aggressive toward other animals. This can make them unsuitable for homes with cats or other small pets, although if they grow up with them and are well-socialized from an early age, they may get along.

8. They Have Classic Terrier Behaviors

The largest of the terriers, the Airedale is energetic, athletic, and intelligent, but they have some of the classic terrier traits. As well as their chase instinct, they love to dig and can quickly ruin a garden. They can also be vocal, primarily barking to alert the arrival of visitors or anything unusual.

9. They Can be Stubborn

Though agreeable and smart dogs, Airedales are known for being independent and stubborn. They require patience and consistent training using positive reinforcement.

10. This Breed Is Not Usually Suited for Novice Owners

For all these reasons, Airedales are often not recommended for first-time owners. They are clever but can be willful, which can be challenging for inexperienced owners. However, they do make wonderful pets in the right homes, so they can still be suitable for novice owners willing to put in the time and effort to socialize and train them. Consider professional training if it’s your first time with a working breed.

Summary

Independent, athletic, and brave, the Airedale Terrier makes a great athlete, companion, and hunter. With proper socialization and training, the Airedale can grow into a well-adjusted adult who gets along with the whole family, but they can develop destructive or undesirable behaviors like digging, chasing, animal aggression, and barking if they’re bored or don’t get enough exercise. Airedales are best suited for owners with experience raising similar breeds or owners committed to professional training.

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Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock