Airedale Shepherd
The Airedale Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent crossbreed beloved by those who maintain active lifestyles. A mix between the confident Airedale Terrier and the loyal German Shepherd, this newer cross is sure to keep turning heads for years to come.
The Airedale Shepherd’s parent breeds have both high energy and lots of love to give. The Airedale Terrier is sometimes known as the King of the Terriers. They are a unique-looking sporting breed with a long snout and curly hair. Their distinguished face also makes them easily recognizable. The German Shepherd is often used for police work. However, their intelligence and high drive makes them appropriate for many tasks. They enjoy being active and having a “job” to do. They are also extremely loyal. If this is sounding like the dog for you, keep in mind that this breed mix is very, very active.
The Airedale Shepherd’s status as a crossbreed means that they’re unlikely to be found up for adoption. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. It’s important to keep in mind that given how uncommon this breed mix is and given how similar they may appear to other breeds, shelters may not recognize them and simply list them as a mix.
Airedale Terrier and German Shepherd Pictures
Airedale Shepherd Highlights
For dog parents who enjoy training and burning off energy, the Airedale Shepherd is a loyal match.
The Airedale Shepherd is typically easy to train and responsive to their dog parents. However, with such a high drive dog with endless energy, it’s important to make training consistent and positive. Daily training sessions of around five to ten minutes help this breed keep on track. Additionally, basic obedience classes with a professional trainer can be helpful.
The Airedale Shepherd is loyal and intelligent, but not for beginner dog parents. They can be strong-willed and hard to exercise properly. Ideally, they love walks or hikes for several hours daily. This isn’t reasonable for all dog parents, but without proper stimulation, the Airedale Shepherd will grow bored and frustrated- regardless of how much love there is for them.
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Airedale Shepherd History
The Airedale Shepherd is a mixed breed, so they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. The Airedale Terrier originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire. Although their high drive and intelligence makes them wonderful as a sporting breed, they are also beloved as an energetic companion. The German Shepherd was once used as a herding breed, as their name implies; however, their use has expanded over the years, first in the military and then as service animals. Their popularity in the US grew exponentially after the success of the Rin Tin Tin series.
Airedale Shepherd Size
The Airedale Shepherd is a medium to large sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors; often, they favor variations of black and tan. They will typically have wiry coats like the Airedale Terrier.
Airedale Shepherd Personality
Airedale Shepherds are often good natured and loving, but also can be high energy and have overprotective tendencies with family members. It’s crucial to work on socialization from a young age for this breed, as they need many opportunities to burn their energy off; reactivity to people or other dogs will limit them. Training them consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life (and yours) as an adult. It’s important to work on positive reinforcement training consistently and firmly, and to bring in a professional trainer if you feel that you’re starting to see behavioral issues.
Airedale Shepherd Health
While Airedale Shepherds originating from responsible breeders are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
Airedale Shepherd Care
The Airedale Shepherd, like most breeds, needs daily exercise to feel content. With that being said, their exercise requirements are much higher than most similar-sized breeds. Ideally, this breed should receive at least an hour to two-hour long walk daily – but that isn’t enough to tire them out entirely. Additionally, they enjoy indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war, and
having a fenced backyard to burn off that energy is pretty much a must-have for the breed. The Airedale Shepherd is not a good fit for apartment dwellers, as their energy and size simply makes small spaces unsuitable.
Airedale Shepherd Feeding
The Airedale Shepherd should be fed a diet consistent with a medium to large sized breed with high energy levels. They may enjoy seeking games such as hidden treats around the backyard in order to burn off some extra energy. Other food motivated tasks, like snuffle mats or filled toys, can help stimulate this breed’s active mind; they are often motivated by harder puzzle toys as well. Because all dogs are unique in their diet requirements, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best food to feed your pup.
Airedale Shepherd Coat Color And Grooming
The Airedale Shepherd’s coat requires regular maintenance. They have thick double coats contributed by both breeds. In addition, wiry-coated dogs often need regular maintenance and shaping, usually by a professional groomer. Brushing should be performed at least several times a week to reduce shedding and mats, and encourage cleanliness. During summer months, this grooming may need to increase. Bathing is to be done on an as-needed basis, rarely more than once a month. As with all dog breeds, be sure to check on nail maintenance.
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Airedale Shepherd Children And Other Pets
With proper introductions, the Airedale Shepherd is often great with kids, other dogs, and any other pets. Supervision may be needed with young children if the dog is easily excitable, as they may accidentally bowl over a child. This breed can sometimes have a dominant personality, so it’s important to socialize with other dogs from a young age to decrease the risk of reactivity.
Airedale Shepherd Rescue Groups
DogTime share there are no breed specific rescues for the AiredaleShepherd as they are a mixed breed. However, you can often find similar mixes of the Airedale Terrier or German Shepherd. Additionally, similar breeds like the Welsh Terrier may be available in local shelters. Whatever the circumstances, try opening your home to a rescue pup.
