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Airedale Terriers are the largest of all terrier breeds, with curly coats and strong frames. These dogs have classic curly coats much similar to other low-shedding breeds, like Poodles and Bichon Frise.
So, does that mean that the Airedale Terrier also doesn’t shed? And does that mean that they can be considered hypoallergenic? If you’re looking for a dog that sheds very minimally, you certainly have found the right route as Airedale Terriers shed very little. In this article, we’re going to discuss care, shedding potential, and a bunch of other fun facts about the Airedale Terrier, so stick around.
Airedale Terriers Shed Very Little
Airedale Terriers shed very little. They do still shed some, but the amount is barely noticeable. If you take care of your Airedale’s coat by ensuring they are properly brushed and groomed on a timely schedule, you should have next to no problem.
So, if you don’t like cleaning up a ton of shed dog hair, this is a very suitable breed to get to cut back on loose hair.
Airedale Terriers Are Considered Hypoallergenic
No dog breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Some dogs might be less irritating to allergy sufferers than others, but none lack entirely the allergens that trigger allergy symptoms in susceptible people. The allergens that cause allergic reactions in people are proteins produced by all dogs, mainly in their salivary glands, which are carried on dander (tiny skin scales) and hair.
This is why no dog can be considered 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs produce saliva and dander, while the level of shedding varies. Many other dogs, such as Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Havanese, also shed less and are sometimes considered hypoallergenic; however, we now know that the level of shedding is not what determines whether a dog is hypoallergenic or not.
The Airedale Terrier certainly won’t shed as much as other breeds, but it won’t completely eliminate the risk of irritation entirely. Despite the fact that Airedale Terriers have extremely curly coats that are very thick to the touch, they rarely shed at all.
Grooming an Airedale Terrier
So, since you know that Airedale Terriers are considered low-shedding and hypoallergenic, what is grooming like for them? The Airedale Terrier is relatively easy to groom, as they have soft, downy fur. However, the Airedale Terrier‘s hair can get quite long, leading to matting and tangling if you don’t continuously care for it.
Many choose to have their Airedale’s coat trimmed to keep maintenance simple. Ultimately, their overall look is completely up to the owner. You can take your Airedale Terrier to the groomer every 4 to 6 weeks or choose to take care of them at home.
Any Airedale Terrier owner will tell you their pet requires regular weekly maintenance. Even though they don’t shed as much as some breeds, they still require routine coat care. You should take your Airedale for trims at a professional groomer once every 6 weeks—or learn to do it yourself at home!
Skin Issues in Airedale Terriers
Like many terrier breeds, the Airedale is relatively healthy, with few issues to mention. However, they can suffer from some skin conditions, such as demodectic mange (Demodex mite infestation), allergies, and bacterial and yeast skin infections.
The 5 Fun Facts About the Airedale Terrier
If you are an Airedale Terrier fanatic, have you learned all there is to learn about this awesome breed? Whether you have an Airedale Terrier yourself or it’s just one of your breeds of interest, we have a few fun facts that might entertain you.
1. The Airedale Terrier Is the Largest of All Terrier Breeds
You might be familiar with all sorts of terrier dog breeds. The more you become acquainted, the more you will see how different each one of them is. Most terriers are compact, small dogs with big personalities. The Airedale Terrier just so happens to be the largest of all the terrier breeds.
The Airedale Terrier stands approximately 23 inches tall and varies between 45 and 70 pounds.
2. Airedale Terriers Were Rodent Hunters
The original purpose of the Airedale Terrier was to hunt rodents, specifically rats. They were highly skilled at this task and helped ward off these potential pests from many different businesses and farms. If you have an Airedale Terrier, you’ll note that their prey drive is still in full effect today.
Unfortunately, because they are notoriously used for hunting, they might not get along so well with smaller animals. If they are raised with cats, they often will befriend them, but they still have an innate desire to chase.
3. The Airedale Terrier Was a Classic Police Dog
It might surprise you to know that in Great Britain and Germany, the Airedale Terrier was one of the first breeds to help police task forces fulfill duties. They are highly trainable and well-mannered, so it’s no wonder they filled the role so well!
4. Airedale Terriers Require Early Socialization
Airedale Terriers are typically very fun-loving and adventurous with their families, but the same sentiment doesn’t always extend to everyone. An Airedale Terrier needs to be properly socialized to avoid being a little aloof and indifferent towards strangers.
If they aren’t used to anyone else being around, it can also cause a little bit of suspicion.
5. Airedale Terriers Bark a Lot!
If you know anything about a terrier, you know just how much they bark. The Airedale Terrier is no exception—they are highly vocal dogs that fulfill watch duty perfectly. However, if you live in an apartment complex or another area where having a loud dog isn’t satisfactory, you might choose a more relaxed, quieter breed instead.
Conclusion
So, now you know that Airedale Terriers don’t shed very much at all. If you are an allergy sufferer and would like to live with an Airedale, speak to your doctor to understand your allergies and see if you two make a good match. Airedales are intelligent and friendly dogs, and generally speaking, they are quite healthy.
So, what do you think? If you’re considering bringing an Airedale Terrier into your home, research the breed thoroughly to ensure it’s a good fit—and always choose a reputable breeder or rescue facility.
Featured Image Credit: Lumia Studio, Shutterstock
