The Airedale Terrier (ADT) is a breed of dog, that originated in Yorkshire, England. The Airedale generally weighs 18 to 23 kg (40 to 50 lb) and is the largest of the terrier class. It is wirehaired, non shedding, with black crown, back, and sides and tan face, throat, and limbs. The forelegs are straight, and the general aspect is trim and powerful. Fast, sagacious, and noted for a keen sense of smell, the Airedale is also a natural swimmer and excellent hunter.

Airedale personality, is cocky and brash, as he nonchalantly goes about his business with a swashbuckling air. He will protect his family to the death if need be. He is very patient with children, only leaving them when he has had enough of their rough and loud play. He is very strong willed, while being gentle and affectionate with his family. The Airedale's curiosity is such that he will investigate any situation until he is satisfied. He is definitely a thinker. Airedales are people-oriented dog, where his owner is, there also is where he wants to be, but they also love to romp and play. A fenced area is great for exercise and play, while after play, they are ready to make great house dogs. Crate training is a good idea for the young dog. As he gets older he may tend to use this as his 'den' and has a secure area for traveling or your long hours away from home. CAUTION: Airedales are lovers of digging. They are definitely 'terre-iers.' Always keep that in mind when preparing an exercise area.

Choosing to own a Airedale is a wonderful, rewarding decision, but remember that a sense of humor is an absolutely necessary qualification for an Airedale owner. Airedales do not respond well to harsh methods of training. They want to make you happy, but they have to UNDERSTAND what is expected of them. You could be quite surprised at their ingenuity.

Airedales have successfully mastered everything from big-game hunting to coon-hunting, being excellent police dogs and for obedience work and agility dogs, but they are, first and foremost, faithful, loyal and entertaining companions. . Not every Airedale excels in every area but over time many have done a variety of duties very well.

The Airedale reached his peak of popularity in America in the 1920s, possibly due to the fact that Presidents Warren Harding (1921-1923), and Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) both owned Airedales.