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Breed profile

Airedale Terrier

The King of Terriers: the biggest of the group, clever and bouncy, with a terrier's independent streak.

Black and tan Airedale Terrier standing in profile on a green lawn
The King of Terriers in classic black and tan.Photo: Zuni1520 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
18–32 kg40–71 lb
Height
56–61 cm22–24 in
Lifespan
11–14 yrs
Group
Terrier
Origin
England
Popularity
#70 US#52 UK · 2025

Known for: Low sheddingWorking dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Confident, Clever, Independent, Playful.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cancer (including lymphoma)
  • Von Willebrand disease

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour or more of exercise and games a day. Brush weekly and hand-strip or clip the wiry coat every couple of months.

A good fit for

Active families with older children, owners who enjoy a dog with personality.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with cats or small pets, people who want instant obedience.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Airedale Terrier
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Airedale Terrier
  3. PetMD (vet-reviewed): Airedale Terrier
  4. Wikipedia: Airedale Terrier

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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