Airedale Terriers as Hunting Dogs: 8 Pros and Limitations

Airedale terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs. Much of their early work likely included hunting water rates, which could be huge pests in England. However, they quickly became very versatile hunting dogs, able to easily hunt both furs and birds. 

Of course, these dogs are not nearly as popular for hunting as Labrador Retrievers are, and many question their suitability for hunting tasks. However, those who love them claim they make great hunting dogs and are misunderstood. 

In this article, we’ll look at this hunting breed’s pros and limitations. 

1. Versatility 

Unlike most hunting dogs, airedale terriers were not bred to hunt a specific type of animal. Instead, they were bred as all-around hunting dogs, allowing them to be utilized in whatever sort of hunting their master was doing. As you might imagine, this was exceptionally helpful for those who didn’t want to own several different types of dogs but wanted to hunt several different kinds of animals. 

Airedales can successfully be utilized to hunt both furs and birds. They can even be successful ratters, like most terriers. 

They can even adapt well to different environments. They’re just as suitable for hunting around a pond as they are deep in the woods. Much of this adaptability comes from their intelligence, which allows them to use what they’ve learned elsewhere in new environments. 

However, their versatility isn’t solely a benefit. While it does mean that those who hunt with airedales can hunt just about anything, it has prevented them from reaching heights in competitions. They’re a jack of all trades, master of none. Yes, they can be used to hunt birds, but they might not do as well as other retriever-specific breeds. 

If you just want to hunt a single type of animal, you may be best off purchasing a dog breed that’s specifically designed for that animal. However, if you want to hunt a range of different species, then an airedale terrier may have the versatility that you need. 

2. Intelligence

Airedale terriers are easily one of the most intelligent dog breeds. While they aren’t as intelligent as a Border Collie, they are absolutely more intelligent than most terrier breeds out there. This intelligence is one reason they are so versatile, as we discussed above. However, it also provides several other benefits for their hunting companion. 

They’re able to be trained easily and quickly. They can grasp commands quickly and are usually very people-oriented, which means they tend to be eager to please. Many hunters claim that airedales are far easier to train than many other kinds of dogs, largely because of their quick grasp of new concepts. 

They’re also very good at problem-solving, making them great field companions. They’re able to pick around obstacles and figure things out on their own, which also helps them remain exceptionally versatile in many different environments. 

That said, their intelligence also means that they get bored easily during training. You have to mix things up to keep them interested. When they aren’t fully engaged, they can easily become stubborn. 

They’re intelligence also means that they require a significant amount of mental stimulation. Hunting can provide this in man chases. However, they also require stimulation when you aren’t using them for hunting, increasing their care requirements. 

3. Courage

Like many terriers, airedale terriers are fearless. This trait has been bred into terriers for a very long time and is one of their basic features. 

Because of their courage, these dogs will go after even larger game. They’re also able to be used in new environments with very little warm-up. They aren’t likely to get scared because they are in a new area. They’re also less likely to get startled in the field, making them very dependable companions. 

Their courage translates to some degree of protective instincts, too. Once again, this trait allows them to be exceptionally versatile. 

4. Good Swimmers

Airedale terriers are known for being very good swimmers. Their wiry coat helps keep them warm in colder conditions, and many hunters claim that they can thrive in colder temperatures for up to an hour in the water without ill effects. 

Their swimming ability makes them excellent retrieving dogs. They have a natural affinity to water; many take to it quickly with little training. 

These dogs often have no trouble keeping up with more purpose-bred dogs like Labrador retrievers, allowing them to easily retrieve waterfowl of all sorts. 

5. Independent 

We’ve touched on this a little bit, but it deserves its own category. While these dogs are very intelligent, they are thinking dogs. That means that they have an independent nature. They aren’t just going to do something because you told them to. They need to know why they’re doing something. Furthermore, some may make executive decisions in the field to not do what you say because they see a better way. 

Of course, this can be both a good thing and a bad thing. On the one hand, you can rely on them to be a hunting partner, not just a tool that will do what you say. On the other hand, it means that they will never be 100% obedient. It just isn’t in their nature. If you want to hunt alongside an airedale terrier, it is essential that you keep this trait in mind and accept their independence. 

6. High Energy

These dogs are extremely exuberant and active. They’re terriers, through and through, which means they can keep going and going. 

This can be great in the field, as it allows them to hunt all day without getting tired. Many hunters report that their dogs have literally retrieved game all day without tiring. 

However, this isn’t such a benefit at home. If you live a more laid-back lifestyle much of the time, you may have trouble meeting their daily exercise needs. Remember, they need to be exercised daily, and you probably aren’t hunting every day. Consider how you will meet their exercise needs when not hunting with them. 

These dogs may also be more prone to destructive behaviors because they tend to get bored and hyperactive. If not physically or mentally stimulated enough, they have a tendency to become destructive in an attempt to make their own fun. 

7. Social Needs

Airedale terriers do not make good kennel dogs. They need regular interaction with their families and tend to bond closely with their owners. They aren’t a breed that you can sit and forget about between hunting trips. Many successful hunters keep these dogs in their homes, which also helps them practice commands regularly to fend off some of the terrier stubbornness these dogs are famous for. 

They work best when their owners will provide them with ample companionship. We do not recommend them for those who are gone much of the day or just don’t have much time to spend with their canine. They do great in families that spend much of their time at home. 

These canines are prone to separation and isolation anxiety, especially if they aren’t taught how to be alone from a young age. We absolutely recommend crate training these dogs at a young age to help reduce this possibility. However, even then, it’s important to meet their social needs ‐ not just rely on their crate training. (Remember, these are very active dogs, so you wouldn’t be able to keep them in a crate all day, anyway.)

8. Grooming

Airedale terriers have a special coat that allows them to withstand being in the water at colder temperatures. However, this coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. It’s exceptionally important that they are groomed several times a week year-round. They may even need a special grooming session after spending time in the field, as they tend to get dirty. 

Be prepared for the time investment of grooming these dogs. This is just another consideration you’ll need to remember that can be a huge time commitment on top of this dog’s social and exercise needs. 

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