Airedale Terrier

Terrier Group

Height: 23 in

Weight: 50-70 lbs

Life Span: 11-14 years

OutgoingFriendlyAlertConfident

Australian Terrier

Terrier Group

Height: 10-11 in

Weight: 15-20 lbs

Life Span: 11-15 years

SpiritedAlertLoyalCompanionable
Airedale Terrier
Australian Terrier
Best

Physical Traits

60% similar
Breed Group
Terrier
Terrier
Size Category
Large
Small
Height (in)
23
10-11
Weight (lbs)
50-70
15-20
Life Span
11-14
11-15

Personality & Temperament

Airedale Terrier

OutgoingFriendlyAlertConfidentIntelligentCourageous

"The Airedale Terrier is a friendly, courageous, and clever breed known for its bold and fearless nature. Highly affectionate with family and protective, it thrives on mental and physical stimulation, making it an engaging companion for active owners. Its playful and energetic demeanor, combined with a strong watchdog instinct, ensures it remains alert and loyal."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training due to the breed's intelligence and independent streak, as well as the need for consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors.

💡

This breed is best suited for an experienced or confident owner who can provide structured training, ample exercise, and mental challenges, ideally in an active household with older children or adults.

Australian Terrier

SpiritedAlertLoyalCompanionableEven TemperedCourageous

"The Australian Terrier is a spirited, courageous, and affectionate breed with a strong bond to its family. Energetic and playful, it thrives on interaction and mental stimulation, though its independent nature can make training a challenge. Despite its tough working background, it is also a cuddly and devoted companion when not at work."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the breed's strong prey drive, which requires secure containment to prevent chasing small animals.

💡

This breed is best suited for an active, engaged owner or family who can provide companionship, regular exercise, and firm but consistent training, while also appreciating its spirited and loyal personality.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Hunting (rats, ducks, and big-game), versatility as a messenger, sentry, guard dog, and working dog in various roles (e.g., military, police, herding).
Fearless, all-purpose exterminator (hunting small mammals and snakes)
Best Suited For
Active families or individualsOwners with experience in training strong-willed breedsHomes with space for exercise and play
Active families or individuals who can provide companionship and regular exercise; adaptable to apartments if exercised sufficiently
Training Difficulty
Moderate
Moderate
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Low

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Wiry
Rough
📏 Coat Length
Short
Medium
🎨 Colors
Black & TanGrizzle & Tan
Blue & TanRedSandy
✨ Markings

Care & Health

Airedale Terrier

Care

Grooming
  • Airedale Terrier grooming requires minimal upkeep but benefits from regular attention
  • Weekly brushing maintains coat appearance and reduces shedding indoors
  • Mats should be gently separated by hand then combed out if found during brushing
  • Full grooming sessions—including bathing, brushing, and stripping/clipping—are recommended 3-4 times yearly
  • Owners or professional groomers can handle these sessions
  • Proper grooming may help reduce allergens for sensitive individuals.
Exercise
  • **"Airedale Terrier exercise needs: high-energy breed requires structured activity
  • daily moderate play sessions with family members
  • multiple short walks or backyard time per day
  • supervision needed during play with toddlers/smaller kids
  • rangy strength + boisterous nature demands careful handling to prevent accidents
  • structured play helps channel energy safely"**
Training
  • Airedale Terrier training guidance: obedience training is highly recommended due to size, strength, and rambunctiousness
  • basic commands like come, sit, and stay are essential
  • intelligence and family bonding make training easier but require varied sessions to prevent boredom
  • repetitive training may fail—keep sessions engaging
  • boredom from long alone periods can lead to undesirable behaviors
  • challenging toys help occupy the dog when unsupervised
Nutrition
  • Airedale Terrier nutrition guidance: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, as some dogs are prone to gaining weight
  • use treats for training but limit amounts to avoid obesity
  • consult vet for safe human foods and dietary concerns
  • ensure clean, fresh water is always available
  • check with vet if unsure about diet or weight management

Health

Airedale Terriers are typically robust and healthy, but responsible breeders prioritize screening for conditions like hip dysplasia, a hip joint malformation. Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent debris buildup and wax accumulation, while consistent teeth brushing helps maintain their oral health.

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationCardiac ExamOphthalmologist Evaluation

Australian Terrier

Care

Grooming
  • Australian Terrier grooming requires minimal effort due to its weatherproof double coat
  • weekly brushing keeps the coat clean and healthy
  • pluck long hairs near eyes to prevent irritation
  • bathe only when necessary to preserve coat’s dirt-repelling properties
  • avoid over-bathing to prevent dry, flaky skin
  • trim nails regularly as with all breeds
Exercise
  • Australian Terrier exercise needs: high-energy breed requiring regular activity to prevent boredom and misbehavior
  • daily play sessions (indoor/outdoor) essential for happiness and adjustment
  • must use securely fenced yard for off-leash play
  • leash required during walks/hikes to prevent chasing prey
  • never allow loose running due to strong hunting instinct and risk of getting lost
  • secure environment prevents impulsive pursuit of animals like cats or squirrels
Training
  • Australian Terrier training requires early socialization and obedience basics using treats, toys, or praise
  • Short, engaging sessions are essential as they dislike repetitive routines
  • Firm, consistent training methods work best due to their independent nature
  • Puppy training classes are highly recommended for effective development
  • Introducing a new dog requires careful consideration to avoid territorial behavior issues
Nutrition
  • Australian Terrier nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, or senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity
  • use treats for training but limit to avoid excess weight gain
  • consult vet about safe human foods and dietary concerns
  • ensure clean, fresh water is always available
  • check with vet for any weight or diet-related questions

Health

The Australian Terrier is generally a robust breed with minimal health concerns. Ethical breeders prioritize health testing for conditions like luxating patella (kneecap dislocation) and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip joint deformity treatable with surgery. Some dogs may develop skin allergies, making flea prevention crucial. Regular ear checks and dental care are essential, as with all breeds.

Recommended Tests:

Patella EvaluationOphthalmologist EvaluationThyroid Evaluation

Trait Comparison

75% similar
💡 Compare their traits above to see differences
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Affectionate With Family for Australian Terrier: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Australian Terrier
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Young Children for Australian Terrier: 5 out of 5 (Excellent with Kids)
Australian Terrier
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Other Dogs for Australian Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Airedale Terrier: 1 out of 5 (Minimal Shedding)
Shedding Level for Australian Terrier: 1 out of 5 (Minimal Shedding)
🐾 Balanced
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for Australian Terrier: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Airedale Terrier
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Airedale Terrier: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Drooling Level for Australian Terrier: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
🐾 Balanced
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Openness To Strangers for Australian Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for Australian Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Airedale Terrier: 5 out of 5 (Highly Protective)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Australian Terrier: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Airedale Terrier
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for Australian Terrier: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Australian Terrier
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Trainability Level for Australian Terrier: 4 out of 5 (Moderate)
Australian Terrier
Energy Level
Energy Level for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for Australian Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Barking Level
Barking Level for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for Australian Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Airedale Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for Australian Terrier: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about Airedale Terrier and Australian Terrier.

Australian Terrier is generally considered a better option for families with young children than Airedale Terrier, as they tend to be more patient and tolerant.
Both breeds have average trainability. They can learn well with consistent positive reinforcement but may have moments of stubbornness.
Yes, both breeds have a similar shedding level (1/5).
Australian Terrier is generally a better choice for first-time owners. They tend to be easier to manage in terms of training, energy, and care compared to Airedale Terrier.

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Airedale Terrier vs Australian Terrier: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison