The Airedale Terrier (also known as the "King of Terriers") is classified under the terrier dog breed class. They have a square head and curly black and tan coat. It was during the mid-19th century the breed is believed to have first originated and hunting a variety of game is the reason they were originally bred for. They're now a common selection as a police dog, for hunting, competitive agility or even companionship. Characteristics like their sense of adventure and sheer size as a terrier are what they are renowned for. They are a descendant of the Otterhound and Welsh Terrier and are known to have originated in Airedale in England.

They are recognized as a large sized dog. The official female size is 45-70 pounds and a height of 22 inches, while the male guidelines are 50-70 pounds with a height of 23 inches. They're recognized for their bold, adventurous and sometimes dominating temperament. They can be unsuitable as a guard dog, as they are generally friendly towards people they're not familiar with. They are ranked 29th compared to all other dogs when being trained to comprehend new obedience instructions, and are known to be quite intelligent.

They are not very suitable as a family pet, due to the fact they're not the best (due to their high energy level) with children. Other dogs, who they may become aggressive with, don't live well with them. One pretty demanding assignment is taking care of their coat. They need a proper groom every 6 to 8 weeks, and occasional brushing once every week. They love having a medium to large backyard to run around in, but won't be suitable for living in an apartment.

They are largely slightly shorter-lived, like a good number of large sized dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 10-13 years. Their major health problem is hip dysplasia, and they're also vulnerable to bloat, skin allergies and dry skin. Hobbies such as running, playing games, agility and swimming will give them great pleasure. They have a high level of energy, and that calls for long walks each day to prevent the development of hyperactivity.

If you choose to buy the Airedale Terrier you must be prepared to meet their needs for exercise and leadership. They are an excellent choice for active owners or families with older children, but less suitable for families with young children. Possibly the most appealing feature in regards to this particular breed is seen in that it can adapt to any number of situations given its high level of intelligence and versatility.