The Airedale Terrier, also known as the Waterside Terrier and the King of Terriers, is one of the largest terrier dog breeds. This terrier is known for its super size (reaching on average 2 feet in height and weighing on average between 50-70 pounds) and its extremely quick wit, intelligence, thick wiry coat, and beautiful dark button eyes.
Airedale terrier males should measure approximately 23 inches in height and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. The coat is hard, dense, and wiry, but not so long as to appear ragged. The correct coat color for an Airedale Terrier is a black saddle with a tan head, ears and legs, or a dark grizzle saddle.
The Airedale Terrier, like most Terriers, has been bred to hunt independently. As a result the dog is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic and can be stubborn. For those who don't appreciate being outsmarted by their dog, owning an Airedale can be a trying experience.
Airedale Terriers have a median lifespan of about 11.5 years, similar to other dog breeds of their size. The most common causes of death are old age, cancer, urological issues, and cardiac problems.