The Airedale terrier and the Irish terrier are both stunning dogs that are popular pets due to their affectionate natures. Although they originated in Ireland and the UK, respectively, these dogs have become popular right across the world. But how do you distinguish these two dogs? Keep reading as we explore the differences between the Irish terrier and the Airedale terrier for you.
Comparing the Irish Terrier and the Airedale Terrier
| Irish Terrier | Airedale Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 25-27 pounds | Length: 21-24 inches Weight: 55-65 lbs |
| Appearance | Red wiry coat (sometimes dark) and fiery look. | Medium-sized with brown, black, and tan colors; square-shaped body. |
| Lifespan | 13-15 years | 9-12 years |
| Common Health Issues | Obesity, hyperkeratosis, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and muscular dystrophy | Hip dysplasia, bloat, Von Willebrand’s disease, progressive retinal atrophy |
| Behavior and Temperament | Animated, great with children, curious, intelligent, and sometimes reckless/stubborn. | Playful, friendly, wary of strangers |
Key Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Airedale Terrier
The main differences between the Irish terrier and the Airedale terrier include size, appearance, and life expectancy. The Airedale terrier is a little larger than the Irish terrier, both in height and in weight. The Airedale terrier also has a more varied appearance when compared to the reddish color of the Irish terrier. Let’s explain these differences in more detail below.
Irish Terrier vs. Airedale Terrier: Size
The Irish terrier is about 18 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 27 pounds.
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The Irish terrier and the Airedale terrier differ in size, and you can tell from just getting a side-by-side view of both breeds. The Irish terrier is about 18 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 27 pounds. The Airedale terrier, on the other hand, is 21 to 24 inches tall and weighs between 55 and 65 pounds, which makes it the larger breed in terms of size and weight.
Irish Terrier vs. Airedale Terrier: Appearance
Airedale terriers have a brown coat featuring shades of black and tan.
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Besides significant differences in height and weight, the Irish terrier and the Airedale terrier also differ in appearance. The Irish terrier has a red, wiry coat and floppy ears. In comparison, Airedale terriers have a larger body and a brown coat featuring shades of black and tan.
Irish Terrier vs. Airedale Terrier: Lifespan
The Irish terrier has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
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Irish terriers and Airedale terriers also have different average life expectancies. The Irish terrier has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years, while the Airedale terrier lives for about 9 to 12 years, on average. However, it is worth mentioning that how long these breeds will end up living depends on the individual dog’s health needs and on how well they are taken care of.
Irish Terrier vs. Airedale Terrier: Common Health Issues
Like most other dog breeds, Irish terriers and Airedale terriers struggle with certain health defects. Irish terriers are mostly prone to health problems like muscular dystrophy, cataracts, hyperkeratosis, obesity, and progressive retinal atrophy. Airedale terriers, on the other hand, often struggle with hip dysplasia, bloat, allergies, Von Willebrand’s disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.Â
Irish Terrier vs. Airedale Terrier: Behavior and Temperament
The Airedale terrier is very playful, trainable, intelligent, and curious.
©Lenkadan/Shutterstock.com
Although Irish terriers and Airedale terriers have many similarities in their behavior and temperament, there are some differences. The Irish terrier has certain qualities, including playfulness, curiosity, and sharp alertness. They are also intelligent, trainable, and reasonably suspicious of strangers and strange situations, which makes them excellent guard dogs. On the flip side, they can be stubborn and may get feisty with other dogs.
The Airedale terrier is also very playful, trainable, intelligent, and curious. They can get very destructive when they are bored by way of barking, chewing, and digging in places where they aren’t supposed to be. They are also very wary of strangers and would make great guard dogs.
