The Airdale terrier is a relatively common English dog breed. The common sizes range between 58-61cm and they weigh approximately 25kg. This breed is also sometimes called Waterside Terrier or Bingley Terrier. It’s a dog breed of medium size, is good with children and has a very high energy level as well. It needs a daily dose of exercise to remain happy and healthy and is often very playful as well. Airdale terriers were first used as hunting dogs, but are nowadays more commonly kept as regular pets.
In average this dog has a lifespan of about 11.5 years, and often dies of sickness rather than old age. In 2004 the UK Kennel Club held a survey for the most common causes of death for this species, and the results were cancer (39.5%), old age (14%), urologic (9%), and cardiac (7%). Other surveys have been held as well, and the results differ, but not by much. Though cancer is a common cause of death among dogs, this breed seems to be affected more than others.
The name Airdale comes from a valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, between the Aire and the Wharfe Rivers. Dale is also another word for valley. Working class people created the Airedale Terrier by crossing the old English rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound, and the breed was officially recognized in1886 by the Kennel Club of England. During the course of time this dog was first commonly used for hunting. And hunters had a whole group ( consisting of sometimes a dussin or more ) terriers to chase the prey. It’s not a very big or strong dog breed, but otherwise very energetic and loyal. It runs very well as well. This breed has also been used within the military. With the proper training they can be very loyal and well mannered, and you must be firm and positive when dealing with it to stay in control. If groomed well it doesn’t shed much hair either.
Airdale Terriers can be aggressive towards other dogs, but will usually be either friendly or polite with strangers. They have very protective instincts and can be used as watch or guard dog. They have good learning capacities, are very alert and stubborn, but lack the strength however to hinder any intruders. What they lack in power they make up for in terms of sound. If you like to feel safe at home an Airdale Terrier is good to have around.