A lot of people have a certain liking for terriers. If you are scouting on what type of terrier is good as your pet, an Airedale terrier is one of your better options. An Airedale is actually often called as a water terrier since they have a history of hunting for otters.

They are also more popularly called as the ‘king of terriers' because of their humungous size. They weight anywhere from 50 to 70 lbs. Airedale terrier is a large dog breed in terms of size compared to the rest of the terrier breeds.

Quick Facts on Airedale

An Airedale terrier has a good posture basically because their front legs are very straight. They have a wiry topcoat. But just the opposite, their undercoat has a fur-like texture. Their noses are black in color. Their type of teeth is often associated with ‘scissors bites',

Airedale's coat colors are a usual mix of black, tan, gray and white. Their heads, legs and ears are often tan in color. Their saddles are commonly pure black in color. Sometimes their saddles come in black with a mix of white and gray.

Advantages of an Airedale terrier

• Strong physique
Airedales are energetic and strong, so if you want a dog that you can bring along with you during your exercise sessions, Airedales are good for you.

• Easily trained
Airedales are versatile dogs, they can be trained in to almost anything that they can learn and do.

• Great as watchdog
If you want someone to watch over you house or property, Airedales can be a good choice because they are very keen and would be great as guardians.

• Sheds less
Airedales don't shed easily, so you wouldn't be required to clean up their furs as often.

• Working dog
Airedales are great retrievers and hunters. They can even be trained to herd animals. They also happen to like chasing animals.

Disadvantages of an Airedale terrier

•  Regular physical maintenance
Since Airedales are hyper dogs, they have certain exercise requirements that you need to keep up with like regular walking.

•  Overly hyper
Airedales have the tendency to be rowdy especially if they are still puppies. You have to adapt to their excessive jumping and running around.

•  Needs socialization
Airedales need to be exposed to people so they can distinguish the “good guys”. With this kind of training they would recognize if someone acts abnormally. If Airedales happen to be suspicious of someone, they tend to bite.

•  May be overaggressive
Airedales may have the instinct to chase animals. They basically have a mind of their own so trainers and owners should strongly manifest signs of authority.

On Airedale health

Most Airedales may be prone to the following diseases:

•  Dietary Imbalance

•  Eye problems

•  Hip Dysphasia

•  Dermatitis

•  Allergies

•  Other skin conditions

If your terrier seems to have dry skin, add omega 3/ omega 6 fatty acid in their diet. Airedales have a life expectancy of 12 to 17 years.

Feeding Airedale terrier

For Airedales, fresh foods are better than preserved dog food. Home cooked foods are recommended. Make sure that they have a balanced amount of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids.

Here's a list of what you can give your dogs:

•  Beef meat

•  Carrots

•  Potatoes

•  Cabbage

•  Wheat

•  Oats

•  White rice

•  Beet

•  Soy

Training Airedale terrier

Confine your dog in a single place designated for him if he is not housebroken yet. Take your dog for a walk on a regular basis. You can give him a certain task, like picking up the newspaper everyday, as his exercise. Obedience training should start at around 5 months.

Socialization should also start at an early age. You do not need to add violence during training, instead Airedales respond well with a bit of fun and sense of humor. Create activities that will heighten their energy and never leave them bored.