1. Ownership
Things you need to know about Airedale Terriers - You don't own an Airedale, they own you. And I don't mean in a cute 'owner of your heart' kind of way. I mean, they literally OWN YO' ASS. Gone are your days of leisurely and unchallenged existence, say a big fat hello to having your timetable set for you. Your 'commands' will be responded to (a) positively if they're in the mood, (b) when they're good and ready, (c) selectively ignored, or (d) duly laughed at.
So you can't see him physically laughing at you, but you note the cheeky glint in the eye, and you can FEEL it. Oh yes. Now, I'm not saying that you can't train an Airedale, I've met some who were incredibly well trained (I particularly recall the lovely 'Bramley' who we met in the Discover Dogs section of Crufts in 2020). They are very intelligent and intuitive, but they just prefer things done on their own terms.
I've lived with dogs my whole life, a real variety of them including several terriers. As a child, every year I would find the Barbara Woodhouse annual in my Christmas stocking and in all honesty, I've always fancied myself as a bit of a dog whisperer.
Until I got Airedales.
Now, I have become the whispered. I'm a slave to their wants, needs and desires. They have me wrapped around their dewclaws, and I'll admit that I didn't see it coming. It took me by surprise.
My advice to you if this is your first Airedale Terrier? In a battle of wills between you and your doggo, know your place. You'll all be much happier that way...
2. Loyalty
What does loyalty mean to you?
The above definition is from the Cambridge Dictionary and I think sums up really well the sort of friendship you get from an Airedale. Unwavering.
Things you need to know about Airedale Terriers - When you embark upon your co-existence with one (or more) of these amazing dogs, be prepared for deep love and friendship. They don't do anything by halves, and you will have a best friend and companion like no other. This is why many people choose Airedales again and again, and have had numerous long and happy friendships over their lifetime.
Their sense of fun, personified in clownish behaviour and the entire rear end wiggling along with their tails can't help but bring you a smile, even on the most dismal day.
My own two 'Airebears' (known collectively as 'DoubleD') have vastly different personalities, despite being litter mates. Dougal (pictured above with the salivary beard) is cheeky and challenging. When he gets excited or wants something in particular he will run around the room 'nose bonking' inanimate objects such as floor lamps, ornaments and the dropped leaf of my table. If it makes a wobble or a noise, he's all in for it. He also does this to my shins and feet when I'm about to open the back door for him. It's like he's saying 'let's go Mumma, whoop whoop, let's do this shizz'!
I can be sitting quietly with my book or laptop, and he'll suddenly land with two giant paws on my knee, his big face looking directly at me, and ears slightly pricked ready for action. That's when I know that 'me-time' is over and now it's 'us-time'.
Daisy (above) is my sweet girl. Where Dougal would steam roller head-first into a Sherman tank if there happened to be one parked in my hallway, Daisy is afraid of the kitchen mop. She's also scared of the step ladders, the sweeping brush, amazon boxes and generally any random object that appears (including her shadow). She is loving and sensitive, affectionate and sensory. She follows me around like the lamb following Mary (unless I happen to walk past the mop). She can't wait to climb on my lap for cuddles on an evening, and is vociferously protective of her brother if she thinks another doggo is showing signs of aggression. Loyal to her family and the most loving temperament, she's a little diamond dog.
Loyalty means...
No more lonely trips to the toilet on your own.
3. Biteyface
Things you need to know about Airedale Terriers - There's nothing that Airedales like more than a wholesome game of 'biteyface'. As alarming as it sometimes looks when caught on camera, this a friendly game and a source of endless fun for our furry maniacs.
Airedales are known as the 'King of Terriers' partly because of their size, and when fully grown can weigh up to 30kg. Originally bred from the Otterhound in Yorkshire, UK, they are muscular with large teeth and strong jaws from their vermin hunting origins, but were quickly valued as working and show dogs. Airedales served in World War I and II as messenger, guard, and ambulance dogs, so they are very well equipped for a good play fight!
Biteyface is one of DoubleD's favourite pastimes, and they'll often rear up onto their hind legs and box and bite like kangaroos. Then they will suddenly FREEZE STATIC like they're playing musical statues...aaaaand, then recommence with vigour.
As you can see below, it's a beautiful sight to behold. *ahem*
Bitey, growly, barky, wrestley fun when in full flow can seem quite scary to those new to the breed, but it's a great way of bonding, and very rare for any pooch to get hurt during the game. The doggos are controlled with their level of play, aware of the others' tolerance and mood, so you can really sit and enjoy watching the fun and frolics unfold.
4. Sleeping
Let sleeping dogs lie...
Things you need to know about Airedale Terriers - Dawgs just LOVE to sleep! The average doggo will sleep for approximately 12 - 14 hours a day, and the Airedale is no exception. Sleep helps a dog’s brain development, memory, and learning capacity, as well as their immune system. Large-breed dogs, puppies, and older dogs need even more sleep. It's a simple equation that larger dogs need to work harder to move their bodies about, and it takes time to recover from that effort.
Perhaps that's why when Airedales sleep you could be forgiven for thinking they've been shot?
Airedales don't ALWAYS assume the upside down position when sleeping, but I'd be intrigued to know if there are any out there that don't do it? Some speculate that the reason is that exposing the belly helps them to keep cool, others believe it's because it stretches out the spinal cord in that schmoozy 'first stretch of the morning' sort of way. Like humans, dogs who go through sleep deprivation can show signs of moodiness.
Like most doggos, Airedales benefit from a good level of exercise and enrichment to help them gain optimum sleep. They're really inquisitive creatures and love nothing more than having a good old sniff and explore when they're out and about. This is a really important part of their enrichment, as intelligent dogs require adequate brain stimulation.
Party hard and sleep hard!
Many Airedales are also prone to the 'nocturnal howl', which can actually sound quite bone-chilling when seeping through the rafters at 4am. Not all Airedales do this, but don't be too alarmed if yours starts as it's very common with the breed. It's generally not a sign of any moon-induced madness or discomfort, more just something they do reflexively in their sleep. Up until recently, I was getting woken up to twice nightly (usually 2am and 4am), but when it became apparent the neighbour was also getting woken I looked for a solution.
After scouring the internet and many reviews, I bought an anti-bark device that responds to dog noise by emitting an ultrasonic soundwave only audible to dogs. The sound doesn't hurt or harm them, just alerts them and stops them in their tracks. I don't use it for barking, it gets switched on when I go to bed, and turned off when I get up. Two weeks in it's proven to be really effective, and I would recommend this sort of product for others experiencing troublesome nocturnal singing. Sadly, it doesn't work on hoomans!
5. The Airedale Community
As a Community Development worker, I'm a very strong advocate for the benefits of community groups. I think everybody needs a sense of belonging, and the internet has enough weird and whacky hangouts for everybody to find a place they can call home.
Communities can give us a sense of belonging. It's good to feel that we have things in common with others, not to mention people that we relate to. They can be a superb source of information and knowledge. I urge anybody thinking about getting an Airedale to join a community where you can ask questions and do your due diligence.
Communities offer a support system when we are struggling, some exclusive humour that only 'the insiders' get, and they can offer up new opportunities such as meeting in real life to pursue or continue your shared interest. This is something I've enjoyed doing at several events though the Facebook page Airedale Terrier Walks & Meets UK.
I've also had the pleasure of meeting people from these digital communities in real life while visiting Crufts. The Airedale community is like a big family...a really big family with lots of mischievous and dysfunctional waggy-tailed children.
Some of the notable Facebook groups that I would recommend, have been fantastic resources for me since becoming a first-time Airedale Mama over three and a half years ago.
Excellent, so true and so refreshing being a first time ADT owner and reading that we definitely have pedigree with all the traits. Best breed ever!! And only 4 months in!!
I wish I’d read this before my first Airedale arrived last year. I thought I was too old for a new GSP so I bought Yoko. She is my 14th dog, but SO different from any other dog! She is now 18months, and I’m just starting to cope. She is known by the dogwalker as the ‘lunatic’ and by my children as ‘Devildog’. She runs my entire life, and I’m totally besotted!
Very descriptive of the Airedale breed!🥰
Yes! And you forgot to mention how crazy owners chase people and cars down whenever they see another Airedale. I’ve been known to do a U turn to pet another Airedale! Great writing!!
One of the toughest issues with an Airedale is their puppyhood from 4-18 months approximately. They are little sharks and become dinosaurs as the puppy teeth are replaced by adult teeth and then settle into the jaw. An Airebear would never willingly hurt their human but they need to bare down on something, so a floor littered with ropes and split antlers is normal in a young Airedale home, helps them cope with the discomfort but is often a surprise to new owners!