A
Species Profile

Airedoodle

Canis lupus familiaris

Big-terrier brains, curly-coat charm

Airedoodle Distribution

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Origin Location

This map shows the native origin of the Airedoodle. As a domesticated species, they are now found worldwide.

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Size Comparison

Human 5'8"
Airedoodle 1 ft 10 in

Airedoodle stands at 32% of average human height.

At a Glance

Domesticated
Also Known As Airedalepoo, Airedale Poo, Airedale Doodle, Airedale-Poo, Airedale-Poodle Mix
Diet Omnivore
Activity Diurnal+
Lifespan 12 years
Weight 32 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

"Airedoodle" isn't a standardized breed-litters can vary widely in size, coat curl, and shedding depending on the Poodle parent (Standard vs. Miniature).

Scientific Classification

The Airedoodle is a domestic dog hybrid (often termed a designer breed) produced by crossing an Airedale Terrier with a Poodle (usually Standard or sometimes Miniature), resulting in a companion animal with variable size, coat, and temperament.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus

Distinguishing Features

  • Hybrid cross: Airedale Terrier × Poodle
  • Often a curly to wavy coat; shedding and allergen levels can vary widely
  • Typically a long, terrier-like muzzle with poodle-influenced coat texture
  • Size varies with the poodle parent (standard vs miniature)
  • Temperament commonly described as intelligent, active, and trainable

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Height
♂ 2 ft (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 3 in)
♀ 1 ft 10 in (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 12 in)
Length
♂ 3 ft 3 in (2 ft 9 in – 3 ft 7 in)
♀ 3 ft (2 ft 7 in – 3 ft 5 in)
Weight
♂ 62 lbs (51 lbs – 75 lbs)
♀ 53 lbs (40 lbs – 66 lbs)
Tail Length
♂ 12 in (10 in – 1 ft 2 in)
♀ 10 in (8 in – 12 in)
Top Speed
28 mph
About 45 km/h

Appearance

Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Skin Type Airedoodle (Canis lupus familiaris) has typical dog skin and often a long, Poodle-like coat. Skin and ears may get irritated; dense, curly fur can trap moisture and dirt, raising dermatitis and ear infection risk.
Distinctive Features
  • Domestic dog designer crossbreed, not a wild species; traits differ markedly from the gray wolf due to domestication and selective breeding.
  • Parent breeds: Airedale Terrier × Poodle (usually Standard, sometimes Miniature), producing significant variability in adult size, build, and coat type within the same 'breed' label.
  • Often a tall, athletic, long-legged outline with a deeper chest and longer muzzle than many other doodle crosses; head may look more terrier-like or more poodle-like depending on inheritance.
  • Coat commonly wavy-to-curly with varying degrees of shedding; not reliably hypoallergenic-dander/allergen levels vary by individual and household sensitivity.
  • Frequent 'doodle' furnishings: pronounced eyebrows, mustache, and beard; coat can be dense and prone to matting, especially behind ears, under collar/harness areas, and in armpits/groin.
  • Grooming needs are typically high: regular brushing/combing (often several times weekly) plus routine professional clipping/hand-scissoring; coat care should include attention to sanitary trim and paw pads.
  • Care requirements: generally benefits from substantial daily exercise and structured training/mental enrichment; many inherit high intelligence (Poodle) and terrier drive/alertness (Airedale), so boredom can lead to destructive behaviors.
  • Airedoodles may have hip and elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament injuries, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in deep-chested dogs, ear infections, skin allergies, and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy; risks depend on breeder testing and genes.
  • Keep ears clean and dry, groom coat to avoid mats and skin sores, keep a healthy weight to protect joints, and talk with a vet about feeding plans to lower bloat risk in larger dogs.

Sexual Dimorphism

As in many domestic dogs, males are typically larger and more robust than females, but the degree varies widely because Airedoodles are a crossbreed and adult size strongly depends on whether a Standard or Miniature Poodle was used. Coat type and coloration are not strongly sex-linked.

♂
  • Often taller/heavier with a broader head and chest on average; may appear more 'square' and substantial in build in larger individuals.
♀
  • Often slightly smaller and finer-boned on average; may have a narrower head and lighter overall frame, especially in Miniature-Poodle crosses.

Did You Know?

"Airedoodle" isn't a standardized breed-litters can vary widely in size, coat curl, and shedding depending on the Poodle parent (Standard vs. Miniature).

Many inherit the Airedale's "big terrier" confidence-Airedales are historically nicknamed the "King of Terriers."

Poodle ancestry contributes strong trainability; Poodles were originally European water-retrieving dogs (their name traces to German words for splashing in water).

Coats often range from wavy to curly and can be low-shedding, but "hypoallergenic" isn't guaranteed-dander sensitivity varies by individual dog.

Airedale heritage includes famous real-life wartime messenger/working-dog stories (e.g., Airedales used for dispatch and rescue roles in WWI).

Many Airedoodles love water play: the Poodle's water-dog background plus the Airedale's outdoorsy working roots can make for enthusiastic swimmers and hikers.

They commonly have the Poodle's "furnishings" (beard/eyebrows) mixed with Airedale-like terrier expressions, giving a distinctive, shaggy face.

Unique Adaptations

  • Coat versatility from the Poodle lineage: dense, curly/wavy hair can provide some insulation and may reduce shedding-but increases matting risk without routine grooming.
  • Athletic, all-terrain build influenced by the Airedale: often sturdy enough for long walks, hikes, and active games compared with many companion-only breeds.
  • High trainability paired with independent terrier drive: capable of advanced obedience/sport work, yet benefits from consistent, engaging sessions.
  • Often strong swimming affinity (Poodle water-dog roots), with many individuals naturally taking to retrieving in water when safely introduced.

Interesting Behaviors

  • "Terrier investigate mode": persistent sniffing, digging, and problem-solving when a scent trail or critter catches their interest.
  • Mouthy play and carrying objects: many enjoy fetch, tug, and parading toys-often strengthened by retrieving instincts from Poodle lines.
  • Alert watchdog behavior: quick to notice new sounds/visitors; early training helps prevent nuisance barking.
  • Social intelligence: tends to check in with people during play/training, but can test boundaries if bored.
  • Zoomies after grooming/baths: common in energetic dogs and often seen in doodle mixes.
  • Selective focus: may "lock on" to squirrels or moving objects-structured leash skills and recall work are especially valuable.

Cultural Significance

Airedoodles are a modern designer cross mixing Poodle coat traits with working and companion temperaments. They reflect Airedale Terrier's working history, including wartime roles, and the Poodle's European hunting past and French companion fame.

Myths & Legends

Airedale wartime hero tales: stories from WWI describe Airedales carrying messages and aid across dangerous terrain; the celebrated account of "Jack" delivering a message despite severe injuries is often repeated in Airedale historical lore.

The "King of Terriers" nickname: tradition credits the Airedale's size, confidence, and all-purpose working ability with elevating it above other terriers in popular imagination.

Poodle-as-French-icon lore: although the Poodle's roots trace strongly to German water-dog traditions, European court culture (especially in France) built a popular story-image of the Poodle as the quintessential French companion.

Water-dog naming story: the commonly repeated origin links "Poodle" to German words associated with puddling/splashing-an etymological tale reflecting the breed's long association with water work.

Modern stories say doodle crosses were made to get a family dog with a Poodle-like coat and another breed's good nature. Results vary, but this tale is now part of doodle dog culture.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Stable

Life Cycle

Birth 6 pups
Lifespan 12 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
10–13 years
In Captivity
10–13 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Managed Domestic
Breeding Pattern Serial
Fertilization Managed Selective
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Airedoodle mating: at species level polygynandry (both sexes can mate with multiple partners), but breeding is usually managed: managed_domestic, managed_selective, serial. Humans control mate choice, timing, and care of pups. Females cycle about twice yearly; pregnancy about 63 days.

Behavior & Ecology

Social Pack Group: 4
Activity Diurnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral
Diet Omnivore Meat-forward complete dog diet (high-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet) with lean poultry or beef as a top preference.

Temperament

Highly social, people-oriented companion behavior; typically more biddable and handler-focused than the base species due to domestication plus Poodle influence
Energetic, playful, and often 'busy'; requires daily aerobic exercise and structured mental work (training games, scent work, puzzle feeding) to prevent frustration behaviors
Intelligent and quick-learning; can become mouthy/jumpy or develop demand behaviors without consistent reinforcement-based training and clear routines
Terrier heritage may add boldness, persistence, and a tendency to chase small animals; early impulse-control training and appropriate outlets reduce conflict
Often friendly to strangers when well-socialized, but may be protective/alert (watchdog barking) depending on Airedale influence and environment
Variation 'HUBS': size, coat type (wavy/curly vs. wiry), shedding, and reactivity can vary widely by generation and parent lines; some individuals are calm and therapy-suited, others are high-drive and better matched to active homes
Common behavior-linked care needs: frequent grooming/coat maintenance (mat prevention, ear hair management), proactive alone-time training to reduce separation anxiety risk, and consistent social exposure during adolescence
Health issues that can change behavior: hip or elbow dysplasia and cruciate problems (affect exercise), bloat, allergies, ear infections, and inherited eye disease like PRA from Poodle lines. Use responsible breeding and regular vet checks.

Communication

Alert barking Door/novel stimuli
Play barks and 'talking'/grumbles during interaction
Whining when seeking proximity, attention, or during frustration
Growling in play or when guarding high-value items Managed via training and resource-guarding prevention
Howling is possible but less typical than in some breeds; more likely with social facilitation Hearing other dogs
Expressive body language: tail carriage, ear set, weight shifts; often strong 'check-in' eye contact with handlers Poodle-like engagement
Play signals: play-bow, bouncy gait, pawing; may use full-body 'wrestle' play typical of terrier mixes
Scent investigation and marking on walks; sniffing serves as primary information gathering and can be used as enrichment
Physical contact: leaning, nudging, following; proximity seeking is a common affiliative signal in this mix
Facial expressions and mouth behaviors: lip licks/yawns (stress), soft mouth during play; important for reading arousal and preventing overstimulation
Environmental communication: carrying toys/leashes to initiate activity; can develop attention-seeking routines if inadvertently reinforced

Habitat

Biomes:
Temperate Forest Temperate Grassland Boreal Forest (Taiga) Tundra Alpine Desert Hot Desert Cold Mediterranean Tropical Dry Forest Tropical Rainforest Savanna Freshwater Wetland Marine +8
Terrain:
Mountainous Hilly Plateau Plains Valley Coastal Island Riverine Volcanic Karst Rocky Sandy Muddy +7
Elevation: Up to 18044 ft 8 in

Ecological Role

Domestic companion omnivore in human ecosystems (synanthropic generalist), primarily dependent on humans for food rather than functioning as a natural predator.

companionship/therapy and social support for humans incidental pest deterrence (barking/presence; occasional rodent control) scavenging of small food wastes when unmanaged (minor nutrient cycling) support roles such as alerting/assistance in trained individuals

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Small mammals Birds Invertebrates Animal-derived foods
Other Foods:
Plant matter Fruit Grains and starches grass

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Domesticated

Airedoodle (Canis lupus familiaris) is a modern, human-made cross (Airedale Terrier × Poodle) bred for family companionship and active homes. People plan matings, raise puppies, and choose for friendliness and trainability. Size, coat, and temperament vary. Needs regular grooming, exercise, training, vet care, and health checks for joints, ears, eyes, and digestion.

Danger Level

Low
  • Bite risk exists as with any dog, especially with inadequate socialization, fear, pain, or poor management around children/strangers
  • Injury from jumping/knocking over due to athletic size and exuberance (common in adolescents)
  • Potential for chasing/small-animal predation tendencies (terrier influence) leading to incidents if off-leash or poorly contained
  • Zoonotic/parasite risks (e.g., roundworms, fleas/ticks) if preventive care is neglected
  • Allergy exposure: 'low-shedding' is not the same as hypoallergenic; dander/saliva can still trigger reactions

As a Pet

Suitable as Pet

Legality: Airedoodles (Canis lupus familiaris) are usually legal to own. Limits are mostly general dog laws, housing or HOA rules, insurance, or behavior-based dangerous-dog rules. Some places regulate breeding and sales.

Care Level: Experienced

Purchase Cost: $800 - $3,000
Lifetime Cost: $18,000 - $55,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Companion animal industry (breeding, sales/adoption, supplies) Veterinary services and preventive healthcare Professional grooming and coat-care services Training/behavior services (puppy classes, obedience, private training) Pet insurance and wellness plans Pet recreation and sports (agility, rally, scent work) Therapy/ESA pathways (temperament-dependent)
Products:
  • Breeding services and puppy sales
  • Food and nutritional supplements
  • Grooming (clipping, brushing tools, shampoos) and boarding/daycare
  • Veterinary procedures (vaccines, spay/neuter, dentistry, diagnostics)
  • Training classes, behavior consults, and sport entry fees
  • Leashes, collars/harnesses, crates, enrichment toys

Relationships

Ecological Equivalents 6

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terrier Canis lupus familiaris One parent breed. Tends to contribute terrier drive, confidence, a larger/athletic build, and a more 'wired' prey-chase tendency. Many Airedoodles inherit higher exercise needs and a strong interest in scent/tracking from this lineage.
Poodle
Poodle Canis lupus familiaris Other parent breed often contributes higher biddability, people-focus, and a curlier, low-shedding coat. Coat and adult size in Airedoodles can vary widely depending on whether the Poodle parent is Standard or Miniature.
Labradoodle
Labradoodle Canis lupus familiaris Comparable doodle-hybrid niche—an active companion with variable shedding. Often has similar care needs: regular grooming and coat maintenance, consistent training, and substantial daily exercise and mental enrichment.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle Canis lupus familiaris Similar companion niche and coat variability; frequently shares family-dog temperament goals and requires routine grooming to prevent matting. Like Airedoodles, may show a wide range of adult sizes and energy levels depending on breeding lines.
Portuguese Water Dog Canis lupus familiaris Active, intelligent, curly-coated companion and working-water lineage. Similar grooming intensity and need for structured exercise and training to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Domestic dog
Domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris Airedoodle — high energy and trainable, often with a wavy or curly coat that sheds less, exhibiting mixed terrier–poodle behavior. Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, ear infections, bloat, eye issues, and Addison's disease. Needs lots of exercise, regular grooming, and early socialization.

Quick Take

Your Airedoodle is a great animal! Relatively new to the United States, the Airedoodle appreciates human companionship and is ideal for an active family. We’re talking about an active, outdoor-loving family. The breed is a mix of poodle and Airedale Terrier.

According to the American Kennel Club, the poodle is an active and extremely intelligent breed. The Airedale is courageous, clever, and friendly. The Airedoodle and its puppies have inherited these traits.

The crossbreed belongs to the poodle, terrier, and companion groups. Its popular nicknames are Airedalepoo and Airedale Terrier Poodle Mix.

An informative chart about the Airedoodle dog breed, featuring an illustration of the curly-haired hybrid next to data on its temperament, health, and exercise needs.
The 'King of Terriers' meets the Poodle in this rare, high-energy hybrid that families are waiting months to bring home. © A-Z Animals

Pros and Cons of Owning an Airedoodle

ProsCons
Airedoodle dogs are friendly: This breed is energetic and intelligent. They can’t get enough of human companionship.Grooming may be a challenge: They cannot be left unattended for too long when it comes to grooming. You’ll need to block out regular time for maintenance.
These dogs are active: They love outdoor activities. Take them for walks and runs. Give them a ball to chase around. They’re good with agility training and even tracking.These animals need company: They shouldn’t be left on their own for long. They may get bored or lonely. With this breed, that can mean trouble.
Relatively Quiet: You’ll find that Airedoodles have very little to say. Compared to most dogs, they won’t bark much.Puppies are hard to find: uppies are hard to find: As of 2026, Airedoodle puppies remain rare and can be difficult to locate. You may need to search extensively or join waitlists with breeders or rescues.

History Of The Breed

Because the airedoodle is a new breed, it doesn’t have much of a detailed history. It is believed to have originated in the United States and is a mix of the Airedale terrier and the standard poodle. The Airedale Terrier is a sporting dog that originated in the mid-19th century in Yorkshire, England. The standard poodle was used as a military working dog and can be traced back to 17th-century Germany.

Size And Weight

The airedoodle is a mix between the airedale terrier and the poodle. They tend to be fairly large, and the Airedoodle can weigh around 50 pounds. The airedoodle is quite energetic and may require a lot of activities or outdoor play to stay happy and healthy.

The coat of this interesting hybrid can be anywhere from soft to coarse. They tend to be very friendly, outgoing, and intelligent, and get along well with other pets and family members.

The Airedoodle is a medium-sized animal. The dog’s physical traits lean more toward a terrier than a poodle. The Airedoodle usually stands between 22 and 26 inches. The dog’s average weight is 40 to 65 pounds.

Common Health Issues

The Airedoodle can inherit health issues associated with both parents. So, anyone looking to own one should do their due diligence. That means looking into the health issues of the dog’s lineage. Talk with knowledgeable breeders, vets, and rescue and shelter staff.

One significant ailment for the Airedoodle is dermatitis. This can result from the dog’s coat’s wiry texture. It makes the skin itchy. If you see your Airedoodle excessively licking, that may be the problem. It’s easily resolved, though. Regularly brushing, clipping, and hand-stripping its fur will help.

Other potential health issues you might experience with your Airedoodle include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Gastric torsion
  • Bloating
  • Cataracts
  • Corneal Dystrophy

Temperament And Behavior

The Airedoodle is extremely energetic, friendly, and highly intelligent. It has a keen sense of curiosity. The dog also gets along quite well with other canines.

As Airedoodles are very alert, these usually quiet pooches will sound the alarm if unusual activity crops up. This makes them great watchdogs.

Adaptable by nature, the Airedoodle is eager to learn. That helps make training an enjoyable experience. The dog’s infectious need to please will brighten your day. The basic commands, such as fetch, will be easy for her. Just make sure you stay relaxed, confident, and firm. These dogs are empathetic. What you project will impact their emotions and reactions.

It’s important to remember that Airedoodles love being around people. They develop deep attachments to owners. They are not adept at dealing with isolation. Therefore, if left alone for too long, your dog might find trouble keeping itself occupied. It could cost you — the dog might resort to biting, chewing, and excessive barking.

Early socialization will be important. Puppies that grow up with the family will do well with all children. The same applies to contact with other animals. As long as strangers don’t arouse suspicion, the dog will have no issues with them.

How To Take Care Of An Airedoodle

Unlike many of the hybrids in the poodle clan, the Airedale terrier poodle mix is not hypoallergenic. If you have anyone in the home allergic to dogs or suffering from respiratory issues, make sure they can be around this breed. Let them spend time with the dog at the store or breeder.

In general, they need to get out daily. The dog likes to exercise, and it’s good for its health. You want to establish and maintain a routine.

Keep a schedule for visiting the veterinarian, as the dog’s health and dietary requirements can change with time. This is often something families don’t notice early.

The dog should have its teeth brushed twice a week and its nails trimmed whenever needed. One sign it’s time to trim is hearing its nails click as it crosses hard floors.

The Best Dog Food

Your Airedoodle is a big dog. It’s going to require a solid diet plan to match its energy requirements. Consult your vet, a breeder, or a local rescue or kennel. They’ll help develop the plan most suitable for the dog’s size and age.

Most likely, they’ll suggest you primarily stick to dry kibble. The dog can also eat reputable treats from the pet store. You can spoil it with a taste of human food now and then.

Remember that Airedoodles commonly experience dermatitis and can be susceptible to eye issues and digestive problems like bloat and gastric torsion. So, a good course of action would be finding easily digestible food that has plenty of vitamin A for Airedoodles’ skin and eyes.

On average, the dog will need between 2.5 and three cups of kibble daily. Break the feedings into equal parts throughout the day, feeding at regular intervals. This will help the dog keep fit and manage its metabolism.

Maintenance And Grooming

The Airedoodle is a moderate shedder. Brush its coat daily to minimize entangled hair.

Whenever its coat appears messy, you want to bathe the dog in warm water with dog shampoo. Clip the hair to keep up its appearance. Comb the eyebrows to stand them upright. You want to trim the upper legs short to the knee. Also, cut back the hair on the rear legs. Make it shorter than the hair on the front to highlight the leg’s angulation.

Keep track of the dog’s ears. Dirty ears can lead to all sorts of problems with your dog, including bacterial infection. Brush the teeth daily, and groom the nails as needed.

Training

Though you may see some stubbornness, the Airedoodle takes to training. Here are a few tips for making the process painless for you and your pet.

Get these puppies used to being alone. Leave the dog in the house for five to 10 minutes. Increase the time to 20 to 30 minutes. Work your way up to a full hour. Your dog will get comfortable with being alone if you follow this method. Still, it is not advised to leave it for truly extended periods.

This dog is playful. Its nature is to strive to master tricks and tasks. Channel those traits.

You should also train your Airedoodle to keep itself busy. Give it puzzles and puzzle toys. There are treat mazes, Odin puzzles, stickball, and spinner puzzles available. Never forget that it is intelligent — a good mental exercise will keep its mind sharp. These will be great when you leave your dog alone. It can minimize destructive or ill behavior.

Exercise

Inheriting an active nature from both parent breeds, the Airedoodle loves having fun, accomplishing tasks, and impressing people. The Airedoodle mix is an enthusiastic learner, so you can cleverly use playtime to train them. This is easy if you apply positive reinforcement. You can arrange activities for them. They love to fetch, walk, run, jog, and play games. These dogs like learning tricks. They’re good with tracking, guarding, hunting, and competitive obedience. They are comfortable with complex multi-step tricks. Get them outdoors for at least an hour a day. A fenced-in yard is ideal for them.

Puppies

As of 2026, the Airedoodle is still a rare breed. That will make finding one a challenge. Once you get your pooch home, put together a plan for training it. Training will be critical to get your puppy comfortable with its new home. The puppy’s energy level is going to be massive, and it will be excited about exploring the new world. Training and monitoring will be important for managing potential hyperactivity.

Airedoodles And Children

The Airedoodle is extremely loving with children, and they adore the attention kids bestow on them. The breed makes for an excellent playmate. But if you have small children, their time together is best supervised. Small children may play too roughly and inadvertently hurt the dog. Also, remember to get your puppies and children used to one another early.

Dogs Similar To The Airedoodle

Dog breeds similar to the Airedoodle include this trio of lovable creatures.

  • Cockapoo: Referred to as Cockapoodles, this breed mix of poodle and Spaniel is cheerful and takes great pleasure in making owners happy.
  • Schnoodle: A cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and poodle, families love these fun dogs for being smart, charming, and alert.
  • Maltipoo: This hybrid is a crossing of Maltese and poodle. This pet is ideal for first-time pet owners, the elderly, and older kids.

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  3. Wagwalking / Accessed March 15, 2021
  4. Doglime / Accessed March 15, 2021
  5. Dog Product Picker / Accessed March 15, 2021
  6. 101 dogbreeds / Accessed March 15, 2021
  7. Asking Lot / Accessed March 15, 2021
  8. Trending Breeds / Accessed March 15, 2021
Ashley Haugen

About the Author

Ashley Haugen

Ashley Haugen is the editor of A-Z Animals. She's a lifelong animal lover with an affinity for dogs, cows and chickens. When she's not immersed in A-Z-Animals.com (her favorite editorial job of her 25-year career), she can be found on the hiking trails of Middle Tennessee or hanging out with her family, both human and furry.
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Airedoodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

An Airedoodle is a crossbreed. Its parents are the poodle and the Airedale Terrier.