Airedale Terriers are adorable dogs that are easy to fall in love with at first sight, but before you decide to bring an Airedale Terrier puppy into your family, you need to make some careful considerations. Just about any kind of dog can be a good family dog, but some breeds are just better suited for family life than others.
Airedale Terriers have many qualities that make them a good choice for families, but they’re also high-maintenance dogs that are hard to raise and take care of.
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of this breed, so you can decide if it’s right for your family…
Pros and Cons of Airedale Terriers for Families
Pros
Airedale Terriers Love Kids
The Airedale Terrier is an affectionate breed that particularly likes children. If you have little kids, your Airedale will love playing with them, especially when they’re a puppy. Airedale Terriers are a tough breed that can handle rough playing, and they won’t be bothered much by kids screaming, running, etc.; however, there is a catch to this that we’ll go over in the cons.
Airedale Terriers Get Along Well with Other Dogs
If your family already has a dog, or if you plan on having multiple dogs at some point, an Airedale Terrier may be a good choice. As long as they were part of a litter for the first six to eight weeks of their life, they should have no problem getting along with other dogs.
Airedale Terriers Make Great Companions
Airedale Terriers want to be around you all the time. Whether you’re working in the garden, playing outside, swimming, hiking, etc… your Airedale wants to join in on the fun. They may gravitate towards a particular person in your family, but in general, they’ll be happy as long as they’re around any member of the “pack.”
Airedale Terriers Are Intelligent
The Airedale Terrier is a highly intelligent breed, and they are capable of learning a lot. You can teach them many commands, tricks, and routines; however, do know that this can take some time. Airedales have a reputation of being just as stubborn as they are smart.
Airedale Terriers Are Good Guard Dogs
Looks can be deceiving. Believe it or not, Airedale Terriers, the largest of the terrier family, are ferocious protectors. They have long been used as guard dogs on British farms, and were even used in WWI to deliver messages because they would complete a mission even if they were wounded in the process. It’s no wonder they are often described as fearless.
Cons
Airedale Terriers Are Strong Dogs That Play Rough
Remember when I said there was a catch to the fact that Airedales love to play with kids? Well, this is it. They might simply be too strong and rough for your kids. Even though Airedales are a medium size breed, they are incredibly strong dogs, and they don’t hold back when they’re playing. After all, these dogs were bred to hunt badgers. Sure, they look cute, but they’re fierce.
I’m not suggesting they will bite your child, but they might paw at them, jump on them, or even head-butt them – all common things Airedales like to do when they’re playing.
This is something to be concerned about if you have small children. It won’t likely be a problem while your Airedale is a puppy, but when they start to reach full size, they can do a lot of damage; and remember, they grow much faster than children.
Airedale Terriers Are Not Hypoallergenic
If anyone in your family has pet allergies, this is going to be a deal breaker.
Airedale Terriers Don’t Do Well in Small Spaces
If your family lives in an apartment, tiny house, or just a small house that doesn’t have a lot of space, an Airedale Terrier is not a good choice. These dogs are really active, and like to run around as much as possible, especially for the first two years of their life. They’re really best suited for families that live in a large house with a yard.
Airedale Terriers Are High-Maintenance
This is by far the biggest con. Airedale Terriers are extremely high-maintenance. It has been said that adding an Airedale puppy to your family is literally like having another child. When you get one of these dogs, you’re adding a lot of responsibility to your day-to-day life. And for the sake of being realistic, if your plan is to have one of your children take care of the dog, that’s probably wishful thinking.
Airedale Terriers require regular grooming, regular exercise, lots of training, and constant attention and affection. It’s not uncommon for people to get these dogs, and then suddenly realize they’re too much to handle. They are not the kind of dog that’s gonna plop down on the floor next to you and chill, or just sit patiently home alone while everyone’s away.
If mom and dad are at work five days a week while all the kids are at school, or soccer practice, or a part time job, etc., your family probably doesn’t have the time to properly take care of an Airedale. They are a breed best suited for families that have a stay-at-home parent who isn’t already overwhelmed by their normal day-to-day tasks.
So, Is an Airedale Terrier Right for Your Family?
Now that you know the major pros and cons of this breed, you should think long and hard about whether or not an Airedale Terrier is the right fit for your family. Just to recap: Airedale Terriers are beautiful, playful, affection dogs that can be a great addition to the right family, but at the steep price of also being a big responsibility. When you decide to get one of these dogs for your family, you are making a serious commitment, so choose carefully.
References:
Sidney Hardie. Is an Airedale the Right Breed for Your Family? Retrieved from https://texasairedalerescue.com/is-an-airedale-the-right-breed-for-your-family/
DogTime. Airedale Terrier. Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/airedale-terrier/
Scotty JD (December 10, 2016). How Not to Let Your Airedale Terrier Own You. Retrieved from https://pethelpful.com/dogs/How-Not-to-Let-your-Airedale-Terrier-Own-You
Perry Ahlgrimm (June 20, 2019). Airedale Terrier As a Security Dog. Retrieved from https://ccprotectiondogs.com/airedale-terrier-as-a-security-dog/
- How to Groom a Shiloh Shepherd - October 26, 2023
- Should You Get a Shiloh Shepherd? Here’s Everything You Need to Know… - October 26, 2023
- How to Train Your Samoyed to Stop Barking so Much - October 25, 2023