Size
According to the American Kennel Club, Airedale terrier males should measure approximately 23 inches in height at the shoulder, while female dogs measure slightly less. There is no mention of a specific weight, although the standard is that both sexes should be sturdy, well muscled and boned. At 23 to 24 inches, a dog should weigh approximately 50 - 70 pounds. It should be active and agile enough to perform well, but not too small to function as a physical deterrent, retriever or hunter.
Coat
Like many terriers, the Airedale has a "broken" coat. The coat is hard, dense, and wiry. It is not so long as to appear ragged, and lies straight and close, covering the body and legs. The outer coat is hard, wiry and stiff, while the undercoat shorter and softer. The hardest coats are crinkling or just slightly waved. Curly or soft coats are highly undesirable. Because of this coat, Airedales do not significantly shed. Airedales being shown are generally groomed by stripping: a small serrated knife is used to pull out loose hair from the dog's coat.
The correct coat color is a black saddle with a tan head, ears and legs, or a dark grizzle saddle (black mixed with gray and white). Both are acceptable in the AKC breed standard.
Tail
The Airedale's tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard authorities. To show an Airedale in the United States, the tail is expected to be docked. Traditionally the fluffy tail was left long enough that the owner of the dog could grasp it with both hands and pull the animal back out of a hole.
Eyes and Mouth
The Airedale's eyes should be dark in color, small, not prominent and full of terrier expression such as keenness and intelligence. Light or bold eyes are considered highly undesirable.
Airedales have a normal '"scissors bite", where the top teeth close over the bottom. Airedales' teeth are the largest among terriers and can inflict a strong bite.