3 Airedale Terrier Haircuts (With Pictures & Grooming Tips)
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Airedale Terriers are big dogs, giving them the appropriate name “King of Terriers.” They are loyal and smart dogs that are a favorite amongst dog owners. However, unlike most terriers, they do require some grooming. In fact, you need to keep their coat cut, or they can begin to develop mats and other issues.
Luckily, when properly cared for, these dogs are pretty low-maintenance. They don’t shed all that much when trimmed properly and brushed regularly.
There are several ways you can give them a haircut—the most common by far is the standard cut. We’ll also take a look at a few other cuts, just in case you want something a little bit different.
The 3 Airedale Terrier Haircuts
1. Airedale Terrier Standard Cut
The Airedale Terrier standard cut is the haircut that you see most commonly at dog shows. However, many companion dogs are cut like this, as well. It’s sleek and clean, on top of being the haircut everyone expects.
This haircut doesn’t actually involve trimming. Instead, the dog is hand-stripped to remove any excessive fur. This helps prevent matting and reduce shedding. Plus, these dogs were historically hand-stripped, so it is the “right” way to care for their coat.
After hand-stripping, the dog is trimmed following their natural line. The hair is kept short around the torso, head, and tail. However, it is kept slightly longer around the legs and nose.
2. Puppy Cut
While most people do get their Airedale Terrier stripped, you don’t have to. Instead, you can decide to get the puppy cut, which resembles the fur these dogs had when they were puppies. The coat is kept short, usually between 1 and 2 inches. However, it is completely even across the body, and the dog’s coat may not be stripped.
This style is easy to take care of, which is why many people choose it. Plus, it makes the dog look adorable, and it may be your only option for puppies without fully grown coats.
Just keep in mind that this haircut does require regular trips to the groomer, as you’ll need to keep the coat cut relatively short regularly. Otherwise, the dog may be prone to matting and other issues.
3. Full Coat
Alternatively, you can choose not to cut your dog at all. While they are usually trimmed, this isn’t an absolute requirement. Some people prefer how their dog looks with a full coat. You can trim the coat a little bit to give it a bit more body, or you could just leave it untrimmed completely.
That said, it is best to still get their coat stripped. Otherwise, it can become very thick and they will be very prone to matting and shed a lot more.
This coat does require a bit more work, as well. We only recommend this cut for those who have extra time on their hands to deal with the extra grooming requirements.
Should Airedale Terriers Be Stripped?
In most cases, you will want to get your Airedale Terrier stripped. Traditionally, these dogs were stripped because their coats are wiry and very thick. Stripping helps maintain the correct texture and the overall appearance of the coat. Simply put, stripping involves plucking or pulling the dead fur from the dog’s coat, which allows new fur to grow back in its place.
Usually, stripping is done by hand with special tools like stripping knives. Therefore, it is very time-intensive and can be expensive. It can take hours to hand strip an adult dog, which is why it’s recommended that you get this done regularly. The more you get it done, the less each time will take.
You don’t have to get your dog’s coat stripped, though. You can turn to alternative grooming methods, like just trimming your dog. However, for a traditional look, hand-stripping is the way to go. We do recommend getting a professional to do it, though. It can be a bit challenging to figure out on your own, but you can learn from a professional if you want to do it from home.
Is There a “Right” Haircut for an Airedale Terrier?
There is no “right” haircut for a companion dog. If you’re only keeping your dog as a companion, then you can cut your dog however you want. In many cases, choosing a haircut that requires less maintenance is the way to go.
However, if you’re planning on getting your dog in the show ring, then you’ll need to get them a standard haircut. This is the trim expected in the show ring. Without it, there is a good chance your dog will not place (or perhaps even be allowed in the show). That said, for most companion animals, there is no “correct” and “incorrect.” It is all about the preferences of the owner.
If you’re unsure about what trim to get, talk to a professional groomer. Your time commitments, preferences, and climate may all affect which option is best for you.
Can You Clip an Airedale?
Yes, you can clip an Airedale Terrier’s coat if you prefer a shorter and less maintenance-intensive grooming style. Clipping involves using clippers to trim the dog’s coat to the desired length, and it results in a softer, smoother coat texture compared to hand-stripping.
While hand-stripping is a traditional method to maintain the characteristic wiry coat of Airedale Terriers, not all owners choose to or are able to perform this technique. Clipping can be a practical option for those who want a more low-maintenance grooming routine or have Airedales that are not show dogs.
You can get your Airedale Terrier clipped at a professional groomer’s office, or you can do it yourself at home. We do recommend having a professional groomer do the job if you don’t have any experience. However, with so many online resources these days, it’s completely possible to do it at home, as well.
Conclusion
Airedale Terriers are mostly trimmed into three different cuts. The standard cut is by far the most common, though the puppy cut is quite popular with companion animals. You can also allow their fur to grow out with minimal grooming. However, this requires extra maintenance and isn’t for everyone.
In the end, the cut that is best for your dog depends on your preferences and how much time you’re willing to devote to maintenance. All cuts require at least some professional grooming, as you’ll likely want your dog’s coat hand-stripped.
Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
