When you’re looking for hybrid dogs that are smart, loyal, and versatile, you can’t go wrong with any of the Airedale Terrier Mixes. Their primary parent breed is known to be affectionate dogs with a lot of energy, making them perfect for active families that love to seek adventure. Fortunately, we’ve done the research and have put together a selection of the best and most popular Airedale Terrier mixes so you can choose a dog that’s a good fit for you and your needs.
What is the Airedale Terrier?
Before we can dive into the best Airedale mixes, it’s important for us to first understand the actual Airedale breed, and why it’s well-loved across the United States. Referred to as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is known for its large size compared to other Terrier breeds and comes with instincts to protect your home and family. These dogs were first bred to hunt a wide range of game including foxes, badgers, rats, and otters.
The Airedale Terrier is also known by many other names such as the Working Terrier, Bingley Terrier, and Waterside Terrier, and was an ideal working dog that was also used for sports. It was able to serve the purpose of retrievers, spaniels, and pointers all in one dog. The late President Teddy Roosevelt is among the Airedale Terrier’s biggest admirers, and confirmed that the “Airedale Terrier can do everything that any other dog can do”.
History of Airedale Terrier
This dog’s origins date back to 1853 when it was introduced for the first time; an Otterhound was crossed with a Tan Terrier with the aim of creating a sporting dog that’s capable of going after rats on land and otters in the water. As a result, the breeders produced a pup that’s able to swim, has a keen sense of smell, and with the swiftness of a terrier. The breed gained popularity in its first 12 years and was quickly showcased in Aire Valley’s first dog show in 1864.
As the years passed more and more questions arose about its real name and birthplace which led a group of enthusiasts to rename it into the Airedale Terrier which was recognized in 1886 by the Kennel Club of England. By 1990, the Airedale Terrier Club of America was formed, and in World War I, the Airedale Terrier proved its loyalty and courage by working as sentries, messengers, guard dogs, sled dogs, ratters, ambulance dogs, casualty dogs, and carrier dogs.
Their heroic actions made them even more popular and attracted the attention of many famous figures such as Presidents Calvin Coolidge, Warren Harding, and Theodore Roosevelt. In 1949, the Airedale Terrier climbed to the 20th spot of the most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Today, these dogs are still working and hunting but have become excellent watchdogs who are more at home with pet parents who love and adore them.
Airedale Terrier Appearance
This medium-sized dog comes with an athletic and muscular build paired with an elongated head and a narrow, long muzzle. Their V-shaped ears fold forward and their eyes are both expressive and dark, adding to their overall charm. The Airedale Terrier will typically stand between 22 to 24 inches tall and will have an average weight of 50 to 70 pounds, making them a well-proportioned breed.
They have agile and strong bodies built for working and hunting, while their wiry coats provide protection from harsh elements while keeping them dry and warm for wet and cold weather. Their double coat will usually come in a mix of tan and black color, where the upper part of the body and its limbs are covered in tan fur, and the center of the body is covered in black.
Airedale Terrier Temperament
This purebred dog is independent, athletic, and hard-working, possessing a strong prey drive, high energy levels, and plenty of stamina. The temperament of these dogs is influenced by a few factors such as socialization, training, and heredity. However, you can choose a puppy that’s playful, curious, and good-natured by speaking to a reputable breeder.
Be sure to meet at least the mother of the pup and observe how it interacts with its siblings to get an idea of your puppy’s behavior in the future. Should you decide to welcome one of these dog breeds into your home, be sure that you can give it the necessary stimulation and attention to experience the love they have to offer. Make sure that you don’t leave them alone for too long because they can turn to destructive behaviors when they get bored.
Much like other breeds of Terriers, this dog may start chasing, barking, and digging which may present a challenge for new dog owners. Before you bring one of these dogs home, think about whether or not you will be able to cope with the issues that come with these independent dogs. These dogs can be fierce guardians which makes them an excellent choice for guards or watchdogs, but will generally be friendly with their family and friends.
They are gentle with young children and will be able to handle hugs and pets as well as screaming and running children, making them kid-friendly. These intelligent dogs will also happily accept and obey orders from small children and will be loving toward all their family members. Interestingly, the other breeds that share a similar temperament to this dog include American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terrier dogs, which are thought to be aggressive breeds.
Airedale Terrier Training and Exercise
Providing proper training for your Airedale Terrier will need positive enforcement, consistency, and patience. These dogs are independent and intelligent so they can be stubborn every now and then, so be sure to give them clear boundaries at a young age. As such, early training and socialization are essential for your Airedale to grow up a well-rounded dog without behavioral issues.
Be sure to expose them to a wide range of people, sounds, sights, and experiences while they’re still young to help develop their social skills. You can try enrolling them in puppy classes, taking them around busy areas, and inviting visitors regularly can help with their development. Because these dogs can be reserved and shy around other animals and strangers, ongoing socialization can help them become more comfortable with new situations.
Positive obedience training will work well when training these pups — try reward-based training, which uses dog treats as a prize whenever they do something well. They will also respond positively to praise and you can even work with experienced trainers for effective training strategies and techniques. Because they are such high-energy dogs, Airedale Terriers will need regular exercise along with physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
These dogs will need plenty of physical activity; these can include running, playing, and walking to help them focus and engage for a more effective and easier training session.
Airedale Terrier Grooming
Because these dogs come with a unique coat, they will need regular brushing to keep them looking healthy and presentable. While they come with a wiry outer coat, their undercoat is soft and will she minimally, which means they have a hypoallergenic coat. This will need to be groomed regularly to keep your dog’s good looks and should be trimmed once every few months.
Below are just a few tips on proper maintenance for your dog’s gorgeous coat:
- Be sure to use a metal comb and slicker brush to help prevent tangling and matting while removing loose fur.
- Take your pup for a visit to a professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks — they should have all the right tools to give your dog a clean look.
- Baths should be given every 4 to 6 weeks or depending on your dog’s activities; use mild dog shampoo and rinse it off thoroughly to prevent the buildup of residue.
- When trimming your dog’s nails, be sure to give them a regular trim every week or so to prevent discomfort and overgrowth which can lead to injuries.
- It’s also important to clean your dog’s ears regularly to protect them from infections. Be sure to use cotton balls with mild ear cleaners to remove debris from the ear canal.
- Airedale Terriers are prone to dental problems, so dental hygiene is important for them. Only use toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs to help them clean their teeth and gums.
Airedale Terrier Diet
The recommended amount to feed your dog is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food which should be divided into 2 meals. But keep in mind that this can vary according to various factors such as your dog’s age, size, activity level, and breed. Much like humans, a healthy diet will come down to each individual dog and their diet should be customized according to their specific needs.
It’s also best for you to provide your pooch with high-quality dog food to give it enough nourishment even when given in small portions. Be sure to monitor its weight and perform an eye test to confirm that its waist is visible; alternatively, you can also do the hands-on test by feeling for its ribs without the need to press too hard. If you think that your Airedale may be overweight, be sure to reduce its food consumption and give it more exercise to maintain its overall health.
Airedale Terrier Health
Generally, the Airedale Terrier will have a life expectancy between 10 to 13 years of age but just like any other breed of dog, it may live longer or shorter depending on factors like its diet, healthcare, exercise, and genetics. To help your dog live a healthier and longer life, be sure to take it for regular checkups with your veterinarian to help identify health issues before they get serious. While they are generally healthy dogs, Airedale Terriers can be more prone to health problems that include the following:
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer
- Bloat
Remember that these conditions won’t be present in all of these dogs and many will be able to live long and full lives when they’re given proper care and regular checkups with their vet. Moreover, giving your pooch a lot of exercise, proper diet, and weight management can help them stay in good health while reducing the risk of these potential health disorders.
Popular Airedale Terrier Mixes for You to Consider
Now that you know what the Airedale Terrier is, below are some of the best mixes they’re currently known for that will surely delight dog lovers.
Airedale Shepherd
This cross between the Airedale Terrier and German Shepherd is certainly one of the larger options in this list, where their offspring will mostly take after the latter in terms of shape and build. Armed with an alert, obedient, watchful, and intelligent temperament, these canines are great with other pets and kids when at home and will make for truly wonderful companions. While training is needed at a young age to eliminate bad behaviors, this Airedale mix can become a great watchdog or guard dog.
Goldendale
When you cross the Airedale Terrier with the Golden Retriever, you get the Goldendale, a sweet, devoted, and gentle dog that carries the charm of the latter and the smarts of the former. This breed is athletic and has a high energy level making it great for active families with kids that will help to tire it out every day. Because its coat is easy to maintain and the dog itself is easy to train, you won’t have a hard time with it even if you’re a first-time owner.
Lab’Aire
To create these designer dogs, the Airedale Terrier was crossed with the Labrador Retriever, resulting in a medium-sized breed that’s highly social. These dogs are gentle, kind, and loving, and will only need plenty of physical activity in exchange. Because they’re so comfortable in any kind of environment, they can become great guide dogs and may even be used as a therapy dog.
Irish Wolfhound Airedale Terrier mix
If you want a large dog that has the great qualities of a family pet, then look no further than the Irish Wolfhound Airedale Terrier mix which takes the appearance of the former. Despite their humongous appearance and disposition as hunters, these dogs are gentle and will get along well with everyone, including cats. Just be prepared for all the vacuuming you will need to do during shedding season since this dog will leave fur everywhere.
Sealydale Terrier (Airedale Terrier and Sealyham Terrier)
This unusual breed comes from its parent breeds, the Sealyham Terrier and Airedale Terrier, which gives you a dog that has a gorgeous coat and good nature. While it also has a double coat with a wiry texture like its Airedale parent, it has a striking resemblance to the Jack Russell Terrier, which makes it even more unusual. Much like its parents, this pooch is smart and will respond to training but it can also be stubborn, so it will need a firm trainer that can lead it.
Airedale Terrier and Pitbull
Both dogs belong to the Terrier family; mixing their breeds will result in a rare mix that will either have a wavy and dense coat or one that’s smooth and short. Known to be independent, loyal, courageous, stubborn, protective, and friendly, these dogs may become aggressive if you neglect to give them socialization and training early on. When given the attention they deserve, they will become affectionate and highly social.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best dog to have around your family and even small animals, the Airedale Terrier is a great choice, and its mixes should also be considered. When given the right care and environment to thrive in, these dogs can achieve anything you put your mind to. The best way to get one of these dogs is to do your research before buying or adopting and make sure that you only speak to a trusted breeder.
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