Buying or Adopting an Airedale Terrier
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Airedale Terrier until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is an Airedale Terrier the right breed for you?
Airedale Terrier Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for an Airedale Terrier?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Airedale stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, schutzhund, tracking); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – moderate
- Trimming/clipping – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Airedales are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Airedale to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the proper Leader-Follower relationship with your Airedale, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt an Airedale Terrier?
Airedale Terriers are a moderately popular breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Airedale Terriers rank 55th.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Airedale Terriers are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Airedales may be turned over to Rescue because they need too much grooming or exercise. There may be dominance issues, or aggression toward other animals.
Owners often give up their Airedale when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking. Other Airedales are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Airedale Terriers are occasionally found here, but Airedale Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. When an Airedale turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy an Airedale from a show breeder, who breeds Airedales to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.
Or you can buy an Airedale from a performance breeder, who breeds Airedales for hunting, or for participating in protection dog sports (schutzhund) or Search & Rescue. Some of these breeders produce very large Airedales and call them "Mountain Airedales" or "Oorang Airedales."
Some breeders are a combination of show/performance, though how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly.
You can also buy an Airedale from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an Airedale Terrier puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or a report from a veterinary cardiologist – dated within the past year – certifying that the dog has had an Advanced Cardiac Exam and has a normal heart
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Airedale Terrier ends up with cataracts and bad hips.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Airedale Terriers are sometimes found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Airedale Terrier Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Airedale puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Airedale puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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