The Airedale Terrier is a swashbuckler. He knows he is very good at whatever he chooses to do. Family oriented, he will protect his family to the death if need be. The Airedale will tolerate, and join in, the rough and tumble play of children. When he tires of the boisterousness he will only then move away. He could easily be described as the "Hans Solo" of the canine world, cocky and brash, confident that he has the world by another dog's tail.

An Airedale is a thinker. His curiosity is such that he will investigate tenaciously until he is satisfied, that the situation is under control or the object of concern has been disposed of.

Dogs should measure approximately 23 inches in height to the withers; bitches are only slightly less. Both sexes should be well muscled and sturdy.

Choosing an Airedale for a family pet is one that needs the whole family's agreement. Airedales are very active dogs and need to have daily exercise, playtime and a fairly large area to romp in. They are diggers (belonging to the Terrier group they come by it naturally) so when fencing off an area keep it in mind.

Airedales can tend to be "dog aggressive". Socialization and obedience training is necesary early is their lives.

Everyone in the family has to agree on a consistent set of rules as to what the dog can and cannot do. This can apply to any breed. Dogs are not stupid. They know who they can go to, to get the answer they want.

There are two special medical and health concerns that deserve attention.

One is Canine Hip Dysplasia: cases of CHD in Airedales is not common, but all large breeds are susceptible to its occurance. When picking a puppy, be sure to ask the breeder to see the parents and to question the condition of their hips.

The other concern is Airedales, like many terriers, are susceptible to "itchy skin." "Itchy" skin can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or simply nothing more than a dietary problem. These can be treated and controlled easily in most cases. What gets exasperating is when the possibility of allergies is the source of the problem. The allergies may be food, environment or other causes.
 

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