Airedale Terrier

The Airedale is the largest amongst British terriers, which is why it is called 'King of Terriers.' Contributing to its nickname is its robust body structure. It weighs between 45 and 66 pounds and stands 58–61 centimetres at the withers.

The Airedale's distinctive coat is covered with two layers: hard and wiry topcoat, and soft and fluffy undercoat. The standard colours for this breed are black or grizzle on top, and tan on all other parts. Some white hairs between forelegs are acceptable. Its coat is hypoallergenic and shedding is minimal.

The Airedale doesn’t require frequent bathing and only needs weekly brushing to ensure that its coat is neat. This breed’s coat is generally low-maintenance but should be trimmed a few times a year to avoid becoming unruly. However, if you’re planning to have your Airedale compete in dog shows, then you’ll need a great deal of work on that wiry coat. If that is the case, have it groomed by a professional groomer.

The rest is basic grooming routines. Trim the nails every few weeks. Brush the teeth regularly for fresh breath and good oral health. Clean the ears using a cotton ball moistened with a mild pH-balanced cleanser to prevent infections. If you notice signs of inflammation such as redness or a bad odour, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

As a working dog, the Airedale enjoys accomplishing tasks. Positive reinforcement works best when training this canine. A fun attitude and a lot of praises will yield great results. It can be a good family pet especially if trained appropriately. However, large ones with high activity level can be too difficult for younger and smaller kids.

Start training your Airedale when it's still young or from the time you bring it home. Regardless of its predisposition owing to its breed, each dog is unique. Early training and socialisation are the most prominent factors that will determine how an Airedale will turn out growing up.

A typical serving for an adult Airedale Terrier is 1.5–2.5 cups of excellent-quality dry dog food per day. However, this is only a guide. The amount of food depends on several factors such as age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. A lot of information about breed nutrition can be found online, but remember that your dog’s individuality also matters.

Typical calorie needs of an adult Airedale Terrier per day:

• Senior and less active: up to 1,100 calories daily
• Typical adult: up to 1,300 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,500 calories daily

An Airedale Terrier costs between £350 and £1,000. Expect to pay more for a well-bred pedigree puppy registered with The Kennel Club. Expenses on food, treats, toys, leashes, collars, beds, and other dog supplies are estimated at £200 per month. If you factor in healthcare and veterinary costs, including vaccinations, boosters, expect a yearly expense of more than £1,000.

If you don’t want to incur unexpected costs due to health issues, then it is best to get pet insurance. On average, the basic coverage will cost you £23 a month whilst a lifetime policy will set you back £50 a month.

In total, you will need around £60 - £100 a month to care for an Airedale Terrier. This number does not include major veterinary bills for treatments or procedures that are not covered by insurance.