Airedale Terrier
Country of origin
Great Britain
Classification
FCI: Group 3 Section 1 AKC: Terrier ANKC: Group 2 (Terriers) CKC: Group 4 - Terriers KC(UK): Terrier NZKC: Terrier UKC: Terriers
Breed standards (external links)
FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC, UKC

The Airedale Terrier is a large and versatile terrier dog breed originating from the Aire valley in Yorkshire, England. It is sometimes known as the "King of Terriers" because it is said to be able to do any job that any other dog can do, only better.

The Airedale, according to some sources, was bred originally to hunt otters. Like most terriers, it has a wire-haired coat, which requires reqular clipping to maintain the distinctive terrier shape. Wire-haired dogs do not shed their coats and are far less likely to cause allergic reactions in those prone to dog allergies.

Before the adoption of the German Shepherd as the dog of choice for law enforcement and rescue work, the Airedale terrier often filled this role.