Airedales 101

Terrier group

Take all the attitude of the smaller terriers and upsize it to get "The King of Terriers," the Airedale. This sharp-looking dog enters every situation with a "look at me" strut and an independent spirit. They are smart and determined and do best with families that have both experience with terriers and a sense of humor.

What we love about Airedales

Nothing gets by an Airedale

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

23 to 23 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 23 to 23 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

11 to 14 years

Lifespan: 11 to 14 years average

Weight

50 to 70 lbs

Weight: 50 to 70 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
23 to 23 inches
Lifespan
11 to 14 years
Weight
50 to 70 lbs

The Airedale Terrier stands 23 to 23 inches tall and weighs 50 to 70 lbs. Airedale Terriers have a lifespan of 11 to 14 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Airedale Terriers get?
Airedale Terriers stand 23 to 23 inches tall and typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.
How long do Airedale Terriers live?
The average lifespan of a Airedale Terrier is 11 to 14 years.
Are Airedale Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
Airedale Terriers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Airedale Terriers bark a lot?
Airedale Terriers are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Airedale Terrier health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Airedale

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

Mid-life Airedale Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Hip dysplasia and Valvular heart disease are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Senior Airedale

8+ years

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

Senior Airedale Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Valvular heart disease and Kidney failure pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk

Airedale puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

Airedale Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis pose very high risk. Urinary tract infection is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
High Risk

Young adult Airedale

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

As Airedale Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hip dysplasia is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Airedale

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

Mid-life Airedale Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Hip dysplasia and Valvular heart disease are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Senior Airedale

8+ years

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

Senior Airedale Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Valvular heart disease and Kidney failure pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk

Airedale puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

Airedale Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Conjunctivitis pose very high risk. Urinary tract infection is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
High Risk

Young adult Airedale

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Airedale conditions

As Airedale Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hip dysplasia is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk
Airedale Terrier standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Airedale Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Conjunctivitis: Very High Risk, Urinary tract infection: High Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
Hip dysplasia: High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
Hip dysplasia: Moderate Risk, Valvular heart disease: Moderate Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Senior (8+ years)
Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk, Kidney failure: Very High Risk
Airedale Terrier image introduction

The Airedale has been used both in police work and as a military messenger and sentry dog, although the vast majority are now kept as pets.

Airedale Terrier coat care and colors

The wiry coat of the Airedale requires regular brushing to help remove any loose or damaged fur. While the Airedale Terrier, as with the small wire-coated terriers, is traditionally and painstakingly "hand-stripped" of their outer coats, this is rarely done outside of the show world these days. For easy care, many pet Airedales are kept clipped. Acclimate to nail trims early to prevent future battles.

Airedale exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Airedale makes an ideal running companion, but will also be happy with long, brisk daily walks.

Trainability

Trainability

Airedale Terriers are intelligent dogs who generally prefer to make their own decisions. An early start to training and socialization is advisable, as is developing consistent house rules and sticking to them. With positive training, this is a breed that can do well in a variety of canine sports.

Airedale fun facts

Top girl names for Airedales

100%

of Airedales are female

0%

of Airedales are male

Top boy names for Airedales

Nationwide loves Airedale Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Airedale Terrier gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Airedale Terriers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Airedale Terrier statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Airedales

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