Airedale

Airedale terriers are hands down one of the best dogs to own. Not only are they hypoallergenic, but they have loads are energy and would fit perfectly in a active family. They love to play, and are extremely smart dog. I have 1 named ruby, and she is such an amazing and playful dog. They can be trained easily with a owner who is strict but gentle. Airedales need to be remained often that they are the dog, and you are the owner. Great dog for children, and can be a very well behaved best friend if trained with positive reinforcement. 100% one of the best dogs to own! They will love you and your family no matter what! Just know they do need an area to run and be free, so apartment living is NOT a good idea. Overall, they are great dogs, they are smart, courages and loving. recommend!

Airedale Terriers

I know they are not recommended for first time dog owners but we went ahead anyway - here are our thoughts.

Fabulous - we adore her, she makes us laugh, she was easy to housetrain, sleeps when she is not going at 100 mph, never turns down a walk, friends with everyone - dogs, adults, children, no trace of aggression. Can't imagine having another breed now.

Difficult to train - now comes back reliably when called 99% of the time = the other 1% she just decides to do something else, has her own mind, made us the laughing stock of the puppy training class (and I do mean that everyone roared with laughter at her antics) sits, stays, waits but is bored easily with other training, not interested in food as reward other than good cheese! After two years she brings back a ball half the time the other half she just makes off with it but will bring it back when she would like you to throw it again!

I think it takes a different kind of person to own (have) an Airdale. I think they are the best dogs in the world. Airdales also have an interesting history: First dog in the white house, can't remember which president (think it was Roosevelt) said it 'He can lick any dog and then be his friend a few minutes later.' Owned by the queen of England. If you're a John Wayne fan; the nickname 'Duke' was his Airdale's name, they are also in the Guinness book of world records for...during World War 2, being shot 7 times, behind enemy lines, and still delivery important documents...maybe an Airdale won the war..., just a few facts I thought everyone would enjoy.

Everything written in this article is true. I have owned three airedales and just recently purchased our fourth airedale puppy.

My first dog was a standard schnauzer. He lived to be 16 years of age. Our second dog was a Welsh Terrier. Who also lived to the age of sixteen. They were both beautiful dogs and we loved them dearly, but after owning a Airedale I realize that is the only dog for me.

They are extremely intelligent. I found them very easy to house train and as you mention they are forever puppies at heart.

They love people but do need a firm hand and a lot of exercise.

If you want to invest the time there isn't a better breed on earth.

Airedales...the jack of all trades type of dog! They can be good hunters, show dogs, agility, working and family pets etc however these terriers are not for the first time dog owner as being the 'King of all Terriers',..or should I say Terrors, they need some experienced handlers!

My advice is if you don't have a sense of humour, an airedale is not for you. These dogs are clowns, and too intelligent for their own good sometimes! They will soon master ways of getting attention and/or treats and sometimes you have just got to laugh or you will go insane.

As for taining them...well if you say 'Sit!' to an Airedale who already knows the command, you will see that all too familar sparkle in their eye as they analyse this command. Most breeds of dog will sit because they want to please you, but Airedales will think 'Why do they want me to sit, what is in it for me etc...', although in the right hands, Airedales can become as obedient as any other dog. They do require patience.

They are intelligent dogs and become bored easy, and need plenty of socialisation as puppies. If brought up with children they can become great family pets. They don't shed, along with poodles and Bichon frises, however that wirey Airedale coat needs grooming 2-3 times a week and a goom clipping 2-3 times a year, that can be expensive!

Airedales are generally brave dogs and if socialised enough they can be fine around other people and dogs. The breeder we got my Airedale, Hannah, from told us 'Airedales don't start fights, but if another dog does, they will finish it!'! Hannah was attacked once by a collie and she simply thought it was a play fight and actually wagged her tail and wanted more, thankfully the owner of the collie came out and got their dog! Although she was a pup then, I don't know how she would react now at the 'mature' age of 5 1/2! To be honest I don't think the word 'maturity' is part of the Airedales vocabulary they are always playful clowns, although every Airedale is different, some do calm down, most keep that humour and 'puppynish' behaviour throughout there lives!

They require a fair amount of exercise and long walks and play is something they need daily or else be prepared for destructive behaviour! However a word of caution, most Airedales have a mind of their own and you may have a lot of 'fun' getting them back on the lead if let loose!!! So be careful, try in reasonably small enclosed areas at first! Hannah has only been let off the lead since the age of three and a half, as before she just ignored our 'come back!' calls and trotted off to where she wanted! However some Airedales will learn sooner, others longer!

So overall if you are thinking of an Airedale, do your research and beaware of biased sites and/or breeders etc, Airedales are great pets in the right hands and are VERY much wanting to be part of the family! I have never regretted getting one, but there were times when the playful hand chewer, shoe stealer, towel snatcher, and garden digger did make us wonder why we chose an Airedale, but now that she has settled in and has become reasonably obedient, my family are enjoying all the benefits of having a clown around the house!

I hope I have helped you on deciding whether an Airedale is right for you or not! I don't recommend them for families with very young children or someone who is very houseproud or doesn't have a lot of spare time on their hands!

Think carefully, remember dogs live for around 12 years and you don't want to choose the wrong breed! A dog is for life!