How to care for your high-energy Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is probably one of America’s most popular dog breeds. These dogs make excellent pets because they’re active, intelligent, and loving.

They’re great with kids, making them an ideal family dog.

Because Airedale Terriers are so common, it can be easy to overlook some of the finer details of their care.

However, when you adopt any pet, it’s essential to understand what is required to give them an optimal standard of living.

This blog post will cover everything you need to know about providing proper care for an Airedale Terrier in your home.

What is the Airedale Terrier?

The Airedale Terrier breed was initially developed in Yorkshire, England, by crossing the Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter Hound.

The goal was to create a breed of dog that would be useful when hunting otters.

Owners reported using them to hunt rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants.

This modern-day terrier dog is used primarily as a family pet.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888, and the Airedale Terrier Club of America was established in 1900.

How to Care for an Airedale Terrier

● As with any pet, you want to ensure you’re giving your Airedale a clean and sanitary home.

● Airedale Terriers are prone to contracting fleas and ticks, so it’s important to keep carpets or rugs clean and vacuumed.

● If you have a yard, keep it maintained and treated for pests.

● Airedale Terriers have thick, dense coats, primarily in distinct black and tan, that needs regular brushing.

● It’s essential to watch your Airedale’s health and know the signs of potential health problems.

● It’s also critical to ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

Airedale Terrier temperament

As the largest of the Terrier breeds, you might assume they have an extra-high dose of terrier spirit — feisty, independent, athletic and talkative.

But even though the dogs are high energy, they’re a little less “Terrier-ish” than some of the smaller terrier types.

They are highly intelligent dogs.

Diet and nutrition needs

Airedale Terriers are prone to obesity, so it’s essential to watch the amount of food you give them. The standard recommendation for feeding an Airedale Terrier is two cups of dry dog food per day.

It’s important to note that dog food brands have different nutritional requirements.

If your dog has a particular health condition, you should discuss dietary requirements with your veterinarian.

It’s also important to note that puppies need a different amount and kind of food than adult dogs.

How much food puppies can eat increases as the dog grows. When puppies are 8 weeks old, you should reduce the amount they receive by 25%.

When puppies are 12 weeks old, you should reduce the amount they receive by 50%.

Airedale Terrier health issues

Lifespan

The dogs typically live 11 to 14 years. but the dogs have a few health issues you need to be aware of to help your pup live the happiest, longest, healthiest life possible.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a painful, debilitating genetic condition that affects the development of the hip joint. 

There are two types of hip dysplasia, acute and chronic. Acute hip dysplasia causes severe pain and lameness. 

Chronic hip dysplasia limits range of motion and typically progresses to arthritis.

Skin disorders

Airedale Terriers are prone to dermatitis, so it’s important to monitor their skin health. The dogs’ dense, wiry coats can make it difficult to monitor their skin.

Regular vet checkups will help ensure your Airedale is as healthy as possible.

Hypothyroidism

The breed is susceptible to a common condition called hypothyroidism caused because the body fails to produce enough thyroid hormone.

Symptoms include dry skin and coat, hair loss, and susceptibility to other skin diseases. The condition also causes weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

Grooming needs

Airedale Terriers are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, it’s still essential to keep up with their grooming routine.

Brushing your Airedale Terrier once a week will help with shedding and reduce the amount of hair on your furniture and floors.

Trim your Airedale’s nails every couple of weeks. If you don’t trim your Airedale’s nails regularly, it can cause pain and discomfort.

Because it can be challenging to groom a big dog, it’s critical to find an experienced groomer. 

The groomer will clip your dog’s fur and eliminate any knots and tangles that may be present.

Exercise requirements 

Airedale Terriers are athletic dogs that love to run and play.

It’s essential to make sure you’re giving your Airedale enough exercise. You can do this by taking your Airedale Terrier on walks, playing fetch in your backyard, or even playing with them in indoor play parks.

Creating a small fence is a good idea if you have a backyard, so your dog won’t run off.

Airedales love to swim, so if you have a pool or a backyard pool, it’s a great idea to let your Airedale Terrier swim often.

Final thoughts on caring for an Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a great dog that gives you plenty of love and joy. These dogs are athletic, active, and very intelligent.

It’s important to remember that the Airedale Terrier is a large dog, so it’s crucial to find the right home for them.

Owning a dog is a major responsibility, but it’s also a lot of fun.

If you’re interested in adopting an Airedale Terrier, it’s essential to research dog breeds to find the right fit for you and your family.

Gary Johnson has been a dog lover since he was 7 when his parents got him a Bull Terrier. He is passionate about dogs and does content marketing consulting and blogging at houndmaster.com.