The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terriers, typically standing at about 23 inches for the male and slightly smaller for the female. The weight of an Airedale Terrier is usually between 55-65 pounds.

The coat of the Airedale Terrier is medium length, wiry and rough, with a soft undercoat. The coat can be found in black and tan and grizzle.

One of the more distinguishing characteristics of the Airedale Terrier is their expressive face sporting beard.

The Airedale Terrier takes it's name from the breed birthplace in Yorkshire, England. Between the Aire and Wharfe Rivers is a valley (dale) that the Airedale Terriers take their name.

The Airedale Terrier breed was first developed in the mid 1800s by crossing a welsh terriers and otterhounds. The original purpose of the breed was hunting large river rats for sport along the Aire river.

Although, bred first as a ratter, the size of the breed and the infusion of hound, made the Airedale Terrier a much more versatile hunter. The Airedale Terrier was also used to hunt rabbet and fowl, which was all that was allowed for commoners at the time. However, poachers used Airedale Terriers for larger game.

The Airedale Terrier was first brought to the United States in the 1880s.

The Airedale Terrier is a very energetic and bright breed. Because of this they can be used not only as a hunting dog, but as a working livestock dog.

The Airedale Terrier can be willful, stubborn and can become bored easily. This can make training difficult, but the Airedale Terrier is ranked as one of the most intelligent dogs.

If trained properly, an Airedale Terrier can make a great, playful family pet, if willful at times. Airedale Terriers love being in the middle of family activities and will make an effort to do just that, if it feels it's being left out.

Airedale Terriers have a lot of energy and require an equal amount of activity. A bored Airedale will find something to entertain himself, often in destructive ways.

The Airedale Terrier may have been the most valuable animal in use during World War I. They were used for delivering message from behind enemy lines as well as helping find the wounded on the battlefield.

One of the most famous actors, John Wayne received his nickname "Duke" because of an Airedale Terrier. While growing up, he and his Airedale Terrier "Little Duke" were inseparable. Because of this, people began referring to him as "Big Duke." He liked the nickname so much better than than his birth name "Marion Morrison," that it stuck.