10 Things to Consider Before Buying an Airedale Terrier
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It’s not unknown that the Airedale terrier is absolutely adorable. Sweet and pretty with an undeniably beautiful coat, it’s not a mystery as to why so many people love this dog and prefer to have one of their own. If you’re looking into the breed, we can assure you that it’s one you will adore. However, this information does not mean that the breed is actually right for you. Not all dogs are right for all families. They might be wonderful dogs and you might be a wonderful family, but it takes more than just being awesome to be compatible. Before you make the decision to bring home an Airedale terrier, you should understand what makes it the dog that it is, who it gets along with and what it requires to properly care for a dog like this. Your family might find that your schedule is too busy or that the dog requires a bit more or less of what you are willing to give, pushing you in the direction of another breed. You might also find that this breed is absolutely perfect for you and your family, and you might have one by the end of the day. Who knows?
They’re Energetic
This is a breed that seems to have energy in leaps and bounds. In fact, it’s a dog that loves to play and leap and bound; and it’s very active. If you are a laid-back type looking for a little dog to sit on your lap and relax and travel, this is not the breed for you. This dog is anything but relaxing and while it is a lot of fun, it’s going to give you a run for your money – literally.
They’re High-Maintenance
Between baths and brushing and grooming and trips to the vet and walks and exercise and feeding and everything that this breed demands, it won’t take long for you to realize that the Airedale terrier is a breed that is very high-maintenance. This is not a dog that will do well on its own for long periods of time, and it’s not one that will sit and entertain itself all that often.
Grooming is Hardcore
The coat on this breed is gorgeous, but with beauty comes pain; for you. You will have to keep this dog clipped precisely to prevent an excessive amount of shedding and knotting. You will also have to make sure it’s brushed regularly to prevent a mess. It takes some serious time each week to groom this dog, so be prepared for that.
They’re Exceptionally Smart
On a good note, this is a smart breed. It’s smart enough to know what’s expected, to learn quickly and to garner your forgiveness. Its’ a very charming dog, so you’re going to find it’s difficult to stay mad at it for long, even after it snacks on your new pair of Louboutins. That’s a dangerous combination, so be very sure you can remain consistent with discipline and training with this very charming pup.
They’re Easily Trained
It’s a great concept; you have a dog and it’s easily trained. You can make sure this breed is able to learn the basic commands and all that it needs to become a well-behaved dog you don’t really have to worry about. It learns quickly and well, which is really going to make your life a lot easier once you get this dog home and welcome it into your family.
Bored Airedales are Potentially Destructive
You must ensure that you are able to keep this breed entertained and active as much as possible. If you do not, you will find that it can be quite destructive. It’s not a bad dog by any means, but it will look for something to do to keep it entertained if you are not engaging the dog often enough. According to many Airedale terrier owners, this is a dog that will take it upon itself to enjoy a snack on your furniture and belongings, so be sure to keep it somewhere safe when you’re not home.
They Have Messy Facial Hair
A beautiful coat this dog has, but its beard is a big old mess. Just a quick drink of water or trip to the yard to dig a hole is going to allow this dog to bring what seems like gallons of water or dirt in the house and it will feel that you never get it clean. It’s something you might want to know about this breed so you can learn to stop this from becoming an issue before it becomes an issue.
They Love to Share
Who doesn’t love a pup that loves to share? Well, you might not love this dog when it goes outside and finds a bug or a dead bird or squirrel and brings it in the house and drops it at your feet over dinner. It loves to share, and it loves to find things that it really should not have. Just hope that you have a fence with a gate and that people running over animals in your street is not an issue because this dog will find a way to bring those bodies to you.
They’re Very Social
You’ll never have to worry about this breed not making friends. But you will also have to allot for some additional time when you are out with this breed, because it loves to be social and it loves other people. It’s going to make a point to stop everyone and carry on a conversation with them so you’ll have to stop and do the same.
It Takes a While to Mature
These are puppies for a very long time. The Airedale Terrier Rescue of Texas states that this particular breed remains very much a puppy for around two years. This might be great for some and a huge issue for those who aren’t interested in having a puppy for a long period of time. It’s just one of those little details you have to consider.
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