Owning an Airedale Terrier Long Hair can be a delightful experience, but it's essential to know what you're getting into. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coat.
Their long hair needs to be brushed daily to prevent knots and tangles, and they require regular trimming to prevent overgrowth.
Their exercise needs are moderate, requiring daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Care and Lifestyle
To care for your Airedale Terrier with long hair, you'll want to establish a routine that includes regular brushing, as needed, at least weekly, with hand stripping also required. This will help prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat.
Brushing their teeth is also crucial, as Airedale Terriers often have serious problems with their teeth. You'll need to brush their teeth at least three times a week to keep them healthy.
In addition to regular grooming, your Airedale Terrier needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. This means keeping their mind and body active, or they'll get bored and might get into trouble.
To prevent boredom and destructive behavior, aim for daily exercise and mental stimulation. This can be as simple as a walk or playtime in the yard.
To keep your Airedale Terrier's diet consistent and healthy, feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age. This will help support their overall health and well-being.
Here are some essential care tasks to include in your routine:
- Brush their coat at least weekly, with hand stripping also required
- Brush their teeth at least three times a week
- Clean their ears weekly
- Exercise them regularly, but don't overdo it at first
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age
Temperament and Personality
Airedale Terriers are intelligent dogs that excel in various activities, from agility to therapy work, thanks to their determined and athletic nature.
They love family life and can be great with children when properly introduced and socialized.
Airedales are generally good around dogs they know, but may be wary of dogs they don't know.
Having a cat in the household can be tricky due to their innate hunting instincts.
Airedale Terriers are smart, jolly, and loyal dogs that love to make their pet parents smile.
They need exercise and mental stimulation, requiring several walks or games of fetch a day.
Airedales can adjust to many living environments, but thrive with a fenced yard to run around in.
They are more reserved than other terrier breeds, but not shy, making them great family dogs.
With proper training, Airedales generally get along with children, dogs, and other pets.
Health and Wellness
As an Airedale Terrier owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your furry friend. Airedales are generally healthy, but they may be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a nutritious diet are crucial to support your Airedale's overall well-being. Be sure to choose a reputable breeder who has health clearances for both the puppy's parents, and keep an eye out for signs of allergies, hypothyroidism, and other potential health issues.
To keep your Airedale happy and healthy, establish a routine care schedule that includes regular brushing, ear cleaning, and dental care. Brush their coat at least weekly, and hand strip as needed. Don't forget to brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent serious problems.
Here are some essential care tasks to include in your Airedale's routine:
- Brush their coat at least weekly
- Hand strip as needed
- Brush their teeth at least three times a week
- Clean their ears weekly
- Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
Health
As an Airedale owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your furry friend. Airedales are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health conditions.
Hip Dysplasia is a common issue in Airedales, where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness. X-ray screening is the most reliable diagnostic method.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a nutritious diet are crucial to support your Airedale's overall well-being. By working with a responsible breeder who tests and screens their dogs, you can provide your Airedale with the best possible care.
Airedales are susceptible to food, contact, and inhalant allergies, which can cause various symptoms and require tailored treatments. If you notice anything abnormal about your dog's eyes, such as discharge, talk to your vet.
Here are some common health issues in Airedales:
- Hip Dysplasia: An inherited condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint, leading to pain and lameness.
- Allergies: Airedales are susceptible to food, contact, and inhalant allergies, which can cause various symptoms and require tailored treatments.
- Hypothyroidism: A disorder of the thyroid gland that can result in a range of issues, including epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, and skin conditions.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of eye diseases that cause gradual deterioration of the retina, leading to night-blindness and eventually loss of daytime vision.
- Umbilical Hernia: A condition where abdominal fat or internal organs protrude near the umbilicus.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood disorder affecting the clotting process, leading to symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding.
- Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: A disorder causing vomiting and diarrhea with blood, requiring prompt medical treatment to prevent dehydration and further complications.
- Cancer: Like humans, dogs can develop various types of cancers, with treatment options varying depending on the specific case.
Ear Care
Ear Care is a crucial aspect of your Airedale's overall health and wellness. It's essential to keep their ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections and irritation.
Cleaning your Airedale's ears is a simple task that should be done weekly, even as a puppy. Don't worry, it's easy and we'll show you how!
A quick swab with a cotton ball or dog-specific ear cleaner every week should keep ears healthy and happy. This is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and check for any signs of ear problems.
Here's a quick ear care routine to follow:
- Use a dog-specific ear cleaner.
- Swab the outer ear with a cotton ball.
- Check for any signs of ear problems, such as redness or discharge.
By following this simple ear care routine, you can help prevent ear infections and keep your Airedale's ears healthy and happy.
Diet
Airedale Terrier long hair owners need to pay close attention to their pup's diet. High-quality commercial dog food is a great starting point, and look for a formula that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Be sure to factor in your dog's age, whether they're a puppy, adult, or senior, and choose a formula that fits their stage in life. Airedale Terriers can get a bit too comfortable and gain weight if they eat more than they exercise, so be mindful of that.
A well-balanced dog food should provide all the necessary nutrients, but some Airedale Terriers might benefit from supplements like fish oil to help with dry and itchy skin. Always talk to your vet before giving your dog supplements or adding something new to their diet.
Airedales thrive on high-quality, high-protein dog food, and your veterinarian can help you pick a brand approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. It's essential to have a regular schedule for feeding, with three meals a day for puppies and two meals a day for adults.
Never allow an Airedale 24/7 access to food, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues. A slow-feeder bowl can help slow down eating and reduce the risk of bloat, which is a common issue in Airedale Terriers.
The amount of food your Airedale Terrier needs depends on their size, age, and activity level, so be sure to use the label on your dog food packaging for guidance and consult with your veterinarian.
Size and Environment
Airedale Terriers are high energy dogs that require regular exercise to thrive. They need a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
If you have a large, fenced-in yard, an Airedale would be a great fit. They can run around and play to their heart's content.
However, if you live in a small home or apartment without a yard, you can still make it work. Just make sure to take your Airedale on long walks, jogs, or other outdoor adventures to meet their exercise needs.
Airedales are a great choice for active families or individuals who love spending time outdoors.
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Size
When considering the size of your furry friend, it's essential to know their adult height and weight. Male Airedales typically have a height of 23 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight can vary, but on average, males weigh around 50 to 65 pounds. Females, on the other hand, are slightly shorter and weigh approximately 40 to 55 pounds.
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Environment
Airedales are high energy dogs that thrive in homes with large, fenced-in yards. They love to run around and play outside.
However, they can also do well in small homes or apartments without a fenced-in yard, as long as their exercise needs are met through long walks, jogs, and other outdoor adventures.
If you're an active pet parent or family, an Airedale is an excellent choice, as they love to get outdoors and have fun.
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Remove
Removing your Airedale Terrier from the backyard for a romp is essential, as they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
The Airedale Terrier is a spirited working dog that requires at least one daily walk, though two walks are preferable, to burn off excess energy.
Regularly removing them from the house to engage in activities like retrieving, playing, and swimming helps to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Airedale Terriers are highly energetic and need to be removed from the house for exercise, making them great jogging companions.
Removing them from their crate when they're not being supervised is not recommended, as it provides a safe and comfortable den for them to relax and settle down.
Removing the crate when not in use will also aid in housetraining, as Airedale Terriers are prone to accidents if left unattended.
Removing distractions during training is key, as Airedale Terriers have independent minds and may get sidetracked if not focused on the task at hand.
Removing shade or providing alternative shade options can help Airedale Terriers feel more comfortable during training sessions on hot summer days.
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Training and Exercise
Training and Exercise are crucial for Airedale Terriers to reach their full potential. Consistent training is essential, and it's best if you have previous dog experience to bring out the best in an Airedale. Positive reinforcement training is key, using treats, praise, and special playtime to make training fun for both you and your dog.
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Proper training begins early, with basic obedience training, teaching commands like sit, stay, and come. Airedale Terriers are intelligent and versatile, excelling at sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. You can also teach them more complicated tricks, like shaking paws or closing curtains.
To satisfy their high energy level, Airedale Terriers need about one to two hours of exercise every day. This can be achieved through playing fetch, jogging, or taking brisk walks. Families who enjoy being active are a great match for an Airedale, but it's also possible to have one without a fenced yard, just be prepared to put in extra effort with long walks and jogs.
Training
Training is a must for Airedale terriers, as they can be quite a handful without it. They're independent pups who may think they're the boss!
Consistent training is essential, starting early when your Airedale is still a puppy. Proper training begins with basic obedience training, teaching commands like sit, stay, and come, and how to walk nicely on a leash.
Positive reinforcement training is key, using treats, praise, and special playtime to make training fun for both of you. Airedale terriers are intelligent and versatile dogs, excelling at sports like agility, obedience, and tracking.
Play to their natural smarts and teach them more complicated tricks, like shaking paws, closing the curtains, or putting away toys. Socialization is also crucial, introducing your pup to new people and situations to help them be okay with meeting new people, dogs, and places as they grow up.
Puppy preschool is a great place to practice socialization, where pups learn to play nicely with each other and mix and mingle with other adults. If you're introducing an adult dog to other adult dogs, try a relaxed, no-pressure walk in the park as a first introduction.
If you're training an adult Airedale that you've adopted, go slowly and keep things relaxed. Sometimes, your dog's previous owner didn't train them, and they may be "set in their ways."
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Exercise
Airedale Terriers are high-energy dogs that need a fair amount of exercise, about one or two hours every day. They love to run around and play fetch, jog, or take brisk walks.
Families who already enjoy being active are a great match for an Airedale. They're perfect for households that value physical activity and exercise.
Access to a fenced yard will help your dog fulfill their exercise needs, and they'll have a blast speeding around the yard! However, it's possible to have an Airedale Terrier without a fenced yard.
If you don't have a yard, look to local dog parks as a place to exercise your pet. Just remember that Airedales pick their doggie friends carefully and may not enjoy dog parks.
Airedales won't have an outlet for running off-leash without a yard or dog park, so you'll need to devote a lot of time to exercising your dog. This might mean taking long walks and jogs on a leash, but it's worth it for their health and happiness.
Sources
- Airedale Terrier Club of America (airedale.org)
- Airedale Terrier - Breed Info – Springfield Veterinary Clinic (springfieldvc.com)
- won the favor of many celebrities (lussylandairedales.blogspot.com)
- Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption (aire-rescue.com)
- Airedale Club of America Rescue and Adoption Committee (airedalerescue.net)
- The Airedale Terrier Club of America (airedale.org)
- Airedale Terrier Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
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