Airedale Terrier
Male: 23-29 kg, Female: 18-23 kg
Males: 58-61 cm, Females: 56-59 cm
10-12 years
England (Aire Valley, Yorkshire)
About the Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier, often hailed as the 'King of Terriers,' is the largest and most versatile of the terrier group. Originating from the Aire Valley in Yorkshire, England, they were developed by crossing the now-extinct Old English Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound to create a hardy, water-capable hunter. Their history is one of remarkable bravery; they served with distinction as sentries and messengers in the British Army during World War I and were among the first breeds used for police work in both Europe and Australia. Characterized by a dignified yet mischievous expression, the Airedale possesses a sturdy, well-balanced frame that denotes power and agility. They are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and protective instincts, making them exceptional family guardians. However, their high intelligence is paired with a distinct independent streak, requiring an owner who can provide consistent, engaging leadership and a variety of physical outlets. In a modern Australian home, the Airedale thrives when treated as an active member of the family. While they are adaptable to different environments, they are best suited to homes with space to roam. Their coat is remarkably weather-resistant, a remnant of their days hunting in the damp Yorkshire riverbanks, but it requires diligent maintenance to prevent matting and maintain its protective qualities. For the active owner, the Airedale is a tireless companion capable of excelling in everything from agility and obedience to long-distance hiking.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Airedale Terrier presents an image of perfect symmetry and sturdiness, standing over a lot of ground with a keen, vigilant expression. The head must be well-balanced with a flat skull and small, V-shaped ears that drop forward, conveying intense character. Their movement is a hallmark of the breed: free, parallel, and covering ground with powerful reach and drive, showing no signs of effort. The coat must be hard and wiry, showing the classic black or grizzle saddle against a deep tan.
Bred For
Hunting otters and vermin, guard work, police work, and military messenger service
Temperament
Keen, intelligent, courageous, outgoing, and confident
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, (), , skin allergies (), Von Willebrand’s Disease, and colonic neoplasia
Grooming Needs
High; requires regular brushing and professional hand-stripping or clipping every 6-8 weeks to maintain the wiry texture and manage the dense undercoat.
Good with Kids
Generally good with children, especially when raised with them; their size and energy may be better suited to older children who can participate in their training.
Good with Other Pets
Can be selective with other dogs; has a high prey drive toward small animals and cats unless socialized extensively from a young age.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but independent and easily bored; requires firm, positive reinforcement and creative training sessions to keep them engaged.
Coat & Colours
Hard, wiry, and crisp; lies close to the body with a soft undercoat.. Black and tan, or grizzle and tan, with a black or grizzle saddle.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
The Airedale Terrier is a spirited companion with specific needs that prospective owners should consider. They are more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) due to their deep-chested conformation; this means owners should feed smaller, frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating to reduce risk. Many Airedales are predisposed to skin atopy and food sensitivities, often showing 'the Airedale itch' or hot spots if fed standard commercial diets high in fillers; transitioning to a fresh, species-appropriate diet like Majestik can often help manage these sensitivities. Their strong terrier heritage means a high prey drive—they are more likely to chase local wildlife or the neighborhood cat, so a secure yard and 'leash-awareness' are essential. While they shed minimally, their wiry coat is a high-maintenance commitment, requiring regular professional grooming to prevent painful matting. Furthermore, their intelligence can lead to a stubborn streak; they may decide they have a better way of doing things than you do! This independence is easily managed with consistent, reward-based training and plenty of mental enrichment like scent work or puzzle toys, which turns their cleverness into a wonderful asset.
Feeding Guide for Your Airedale Terrier
Healthy Weight
18-29 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
450-870 grams
A fresh or raw diet should be calculated at approximately 2-3% of the dog's ideal adult body weight. For an average Airedale, this equates to 450g to 870g per day, split into two meals. Adjust based on activity levels—a working or highly active dog may require the higher end of the percentage. Focus on high-quality proteins like kangaroo and beef, ensuring a balance of muscle meat, edible bone, and organ meat to provide essential minerals and vitamins.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, protein-rich diet focusing on fresh, whole foods to support lean muscle and skin health. Benefit from low-glycemic carbohydrates to avoid inflammatory skin responses.
An ideal raw diet for an Airedale Terrier should feature lean Australian proteins like wild-caught kangaroo, which is excellent for maintaining a healthy weight and skin. Majestik's beef or lamb options provide essential amino acids and zinc for coat health. Given their predisposition to skin allergies, including omega-3 rich fish or hemp oil and seasonal greens can help support the skin barrier. Avoid high-starch fillers that can exacerbate terrier-specific skin irritations.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Airedale Terrier Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Airedale Terrier? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
Subscribe & Save on Airedale Terrier Meals
Get your Airedale Terrier's fresh and raw meals delivered every two or four weeks. Small subscriptions are combined into a four-week box. Pause, skip or cancel anytime.
Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
7-9 puppies
Airedale Terrier Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Airedale Terrier owners
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience with this breed
Other Large Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.