Overview
The Airedale came out of the mill towns of the West Riding, where working men wanted one dog that could do everything: ratting, otter hunting, guarding and a bit of poaching. The result is a tall, wire-coated terrier with the character of a small terrier in a thirty kilo frame.
They are quick-witted, playful and stubborn in equal measure. An Airedale that respects you is a delight on a walk. One that has decided you are not worth listening to will drag you to the nearest interesting smell and stay there.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day is a sensible target, and a fit young Airedale will take all of it. Mix lead walking with free running and something to think about, because a bored Airedale is an inventive one.
They tolerate cold and wet well, and many like a swim. Heat is less kind to the dense coat, so slow down on hot days.
On the walk
- Pulling: Strong and tall enough to lean into the lead at shoulder height. A front-clip harness or headcollar the dog already knows is worth asking about.
- Vermin: Rats, squirrels and anything in a hedge are fair game. Expect a sudden sideways lunge and keep the lead short near water and undergrowth.
- Other dogs: Confident to the point of rudeness. Entire males can be scrappy with other males. Introduce on neutral ground and read the posture.
- Recall: Good with a dog that has been trained for it, unreliable on scent. Reward every check-in and keep the long line handy.
Tips for professional walkers
- Give the dog a job: a retrieve, a find-it or a bit of scent work. Ten minutes of brain work is worth half an hour of extra walking.
- Carry a towel; the beard holds a surprising amount of pond water and mud.
- Do not get into a tug of war on the lead. An Airedale will win on stubbornness, so change direction or stop instead.
- Keep the dog clear of small furry pets and chickens on any route past gardens or allotments.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog have a reliable recall anywhere, and what distracts it most?
- Any history of scraps with other dogs, particularly other males?
- Is there a harness or headcollar the dog is already used to, and is it allowed to swim?