Airedale Terrier health problems & breed care

Bred along the waterways of Yorkshire, the Airedale’s size and protective black-and-tan coat made it ideal for controlling the numbers of rats and otters. Their versatility also led to roles as hunters,
guards and service dogs, carrying messages and supplies during the First World War.

Digging, swimming, hunting and playing all come naturally to an Airedale. Intelligent but driven, Airedales thrive when they have a job to do. With socialisation and positive reinforcement, they’ll enjoy everything from agility to obedience and family fun. Without enough outlets, their size, energy and instincts can make them difficult to handle, and deliberately or accidentally destructive, as they charge around making their own fun.

Airedales are alert and do bark, they can also be a challenge for a first-time dog owner, especially those with busy schedules, as they aren’t fond of being left alone. With the right lifestyle and attention, though, they can adapt to family, city or country life.

#Common health issues in Airedale Terrier

Airedales are generally hardy and live over 10 years. They are, however, listed as a susceptible breed for some rare, weird and not-so-wonderful conditions.

##Physical issues

Developmental joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia or luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) are seen in Airedales. These conditions lead to abnormal wear and tear, inflammation, pain and eventually arthritis. Severe cases can benefit from early surgery. Mild cases often do well with joint supplements and lifestyle changes. Later in life, infection or inflammation of intervertebral disks can cause back pain and weakness.

Eye problems in Airedales range from extra eyelashes that rub on the eye's surface to degenerative conditions affecting the retina, cornea or lens, which can lead to blindness and cloudy changes (cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, persistent pupillary membrane, corneal
dystrophy, retinal dysplasia).

##Stomach Issues

Airedales can be prone to pancreatitis, painful inflammation causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and often
requiring hospitalisation. Chronic pancreatitis can also lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, where underproduction of digestive enzymes leads to weight loss and foul-smelling, greasy diarrhoea.

As a large-chested breed, Airedales can develop bloat and a twisted stomach (gastric dilation volvulus). Avoiding exercise for at least an hour after meals helps reduce the risk of this
emergency.

##Skin issues & allergies

Airedales can get itchy, inflamed skin due to allergic dermatitis triggered by fleas, environmental or food factors. They can also develop seasonal flank alopecia (patchy hair loss) and seborrheic dermatitis, flaky, oily and sometimes itchy skin.

##Medical problems

Airedales can develop epilepsy requiring medication to control the severity and frequency of
seizures. In older age, they are at a higher risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle weakens, stretches and pumps blood less effectively, leading to rhythm problems and heart failure.  

Hormonal conditions to watch for in Airedales:

• Addison’s (hypoadrenocorticism): Hormone deficiency can cause vague symptoms like tummy upsets or sudden crisis and collapse. Once diagnosed, lifelong treatment is needed.
• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormones in older age lead to weight gain, lethargy and coat thinning.
• Cushing’s (hypercortisolism): In older dogs, this causes panting, a pot belly, increased thirst and coat changes.

##Rare but serious Airedale conditions

Most Airedale owners will never come across the following conditions, however, at least having heard of them can mean earlier diagnosis for the unfortunate few. 

• Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia: Life-threatening anaemia caused by the body destroying its own red blood cells.
• Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP): Platelet destruction and bleeding problems (can occur at the same time as haemolytic anaemia).
• Haemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency): Inherited sex-linked bleeding disorder.
• Von Willebrand’s disease (Type I): Mild to moderate inherited bleeding disorder.
• Malignant hyperthermia: Dangerously high body temperature triggered by stress or certain drugs.
• Hyperuricosuria: Excess uric acid in the urine, leading to bladder stones.
• Degenerative myelopathy: Progressive spinal cord disease, typically seen in German Shepherds.
• Cerebellar hypoplasia or atrophy: Balance and coordination problems present from birth or deteriorating over time.

#Caring for an Airedale Terrier

Airedales love doing almost anything, except being left behind.

 ##Diet & nutrition tips

• Though a terrier, Airedales need a large breed puppy food to support steady bone growth.
• Feed twice daily and use a slow feeder to help prevent bloat.
• Keep an eye on body condition score, they’re solid but should stay fit, not fat. 

##Training & exercise tips

• Regular walks are essential but play and purpose matter just as much.
• Socialise early with cats and small dogs to reduce prey drive.
• Digging instincts mean gardens may need reinforcement.
• Firm, consistent training and positive reinforcement are key. Airedales are said to hold grudges.

##Grooming tips

Airedale Terriers have a dense, wiry outer coat and shorter, softer undercoat and shed very little.

• Professional grooming 3-4 times a year keeps the coat neat and tidy.
• Brush twice weekly (or daily for longer show coats) with a slicker brush and comb to prevent
  mats.
• Hand-stripping helps maintain the coat’s texture.
• Close clipping exposes more undercoat, which can make colours look faded.
• Brush teeth daily.
• Check ears and paws regularly for debris, thorns or signs of infection.

#Conclusion

You don’t need to be an athlete to own an Airedale, but you do need to enjoy fun, games and action. They’ll throw themselves into family life and activities, sometimes with a little too much
enthusiasm. These big, strong terriers are a joy to be around, but they need a firm yet fair approach to earn their respect and keep them under control.