| Height | 23 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50-70 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Courageous / Clever [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 70 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Terriers are generally known for their high energy levels. Given that the Airedale is the largest of all terriers, that energy must be channeled into safe outlets. Fortunately, Airedales love to play with other family members. [1]
Grooming
The Airedale has a short, wiry coat that needs relatively little maintenance. Weekly brushing keeps the coat looking good and has the additional advantage of removing dead hair that would otherwise be shed around the house. (Some people with dog allergies have found that they can share a living space with a well-brushed Airedale without suffering any symptoms.) If the weekly session turns up any mats, they should be broken up with the fingers and then teased apart with a comb. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Airedales are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will test for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint. An Airedale's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Kidney Disease Screening (CHIC). [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Airedale Terrier in 1888. [1]
- It ranked No. 70 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 53 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Airedale, King of Terriers.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
Common questions
How long do Airedale Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-14 years.
How big does a Airedale Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 23 inches and weight 50-70 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Airedale Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Airedale Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.