2 Beautiful Airedale Terrier Colors (With Pictures)
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
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The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terriers, giving them the title, “King of Terriers”! They are intelligent dogs that make great pets, and their short, wiry coats are easy to maintain. However, knowing what colors you can find them in before making a purchase can be helpful. Keep reading for a list of the beautiful coat colors of the Airedale Terrier, along with other interesting facts about this breed.
Accepted Airedale Terrier Colors
1. Tan and Black
The most common coloration for an Airedale is a tan body with a black “saddle” pattern. The tan extends down the legs and into the chest area. The black saddle typically covers the back and sides of the dog and may also include the tail. The ears and head will also be tan but slightly darker than the rest of the body.
2. Grizzle and Tan
Another accepted color for an Airedale Terrier is grizzle and tan. Grizzle is a mixture of gray and black hairs instead of the standard black. Grizzle Airedales have a similar pattern as tan and black ones but with the addition of the grayish color, which makes them look a bit lighter.
Other Airedale Colors
Red
While it’s less common, Airedales can have a red coloration mixed in with the black or grizzle, giving them a reddish-brown body with tan markings. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not find the color objectionable, but other clubs might not accept it.
White
Some Airedale Terriers can have a small white patch on their chest and white fur on their forelimbs. It is a characteristic of certain strains and shouldn’t disqualify the dog from entering breed-specific competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Standard Colors for Airedale Terriers?
As recognized by the AKC, the standard colors for Airedale Terriers are tan and black or grizzle and tan. A mixture of red in the black fur is not objectionable, though, and they can have a white blaze on the chest.
Do Airedales Have Specific Markings on Their Coats?
Yes, the standard coat pattern for Airedale Terriers includes tan markings on the legs, chest, and head, along with a black saddle on the back and sides. The head may also have black markings, including a mask-like appearance, and there could be white on the chest.
Can Airedale Terrier Puppies’ Coat Colors Change as They Grow Older?
An Airedale Terrier puppy may have a lighter or darker coat when young, and their final adult coat color may not fully develop until they reach maturity. In most cases, puppies start dark, with small tan patches that grow with the puppy until only the dark saddle remains.
How Should I Groom My Airedale Terrier?
Airedale Terriers have a wiry coat that is relatively easy to maintain but requires regular grooming to prevent matting and occasional hand-stripping to maintain the texture. Trimming the facial hair keeps it out of their eyes and can help keep their face looking neat. Regular tooth brushing and ear cleaning are also important.
Interesting Facts About the Airedale Terrier
- The Airedale Terrier is the largest terrier breed, standing 21–23 inches at the shoulder.
- The Airedale Terrier is from the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England. Breeders developed them in the 19th century to hunt otters and rats along the Aire River.
- Airedales are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they are less likely to cause allergies in people sensitive to pet dander.
- Several historical figures and celebrities have owned Airedale Terriers, including Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Warren G. Harding. Rin Tin Tin, a famous canine actor, was also an Airedale Terrier.
- Airedales are intelligent dogs that excel in police, search-and-rescue, and therapy work.
- Airedales have a natural love of water and are excellent swimmers.
- Just like with human fingerprints, each Airedale Terrier has a unique nose print.
- Airedales often have a playful and comedic side to their personality and enjoy making their owners laugh.
Summary
The Airedale Terrier is available in black and tan or tan and grizzle. Some dogs can have red mixed in with the black or grizzle fur, and some may have a white patch on the chest and white fur on the forelimbs. Puppies usually start out mostly black, with small tan patches that spread until only the saddle remains. These dogs don’t shed much, so they are a good choice for people sensitive to dander, and the coat is easy to maintain.
Featured Image Credit: Daniel Hedrich, Pixabay
