I know that Airedales aren’t for everyone, and I was curious what some similar dog breeds were. I did a little research and came up with the following guide.

So, what are some dogs similar to an Airedale terrier? The following eight breeds have lots in common with the Airedale:

• Welsh Terriers
• Poodles
• German Shepherds
• Labradoodles
• Lakeland Terriers
• Barbets
• Huskies
• Australian Shepherds

The dogs above are mostly medium sized, high-energy dogs with a high degree of intelligence. If you’ve decided that an Airedale isn’t for you, but you want to explore some similar dog breeds, these 8 will be a good place to start. They all share commonalities with the Airedale, although none of them are exactly the same; some are bigger (like the German shepherd or the Husky), some are more agreeable (like the poodles and Australian shepherds), but none of them are an exact replacement. In the following guide, I talk about each dog’s similarities and differences to the Airedale before diving a bit more into the breed.

Airedale Traits

Before we go into some similar breeds, I thought it would be good to talk a little bit about the Airedale so that we know what we’re comparing against. If you’re already familiar with the dog breed, go ahead and skip this section!

So, what are some of the traits that I used when judging similar dogs to the Airedale?

Size

Size is an important factor for many people when they’re buying a dog. Some people like small companions who can fit in their lap, whereas a lot of people refuse to acknowledge the existence of smaller dogs (my dad resolutely calls them ‘snacks’).

The Airedale is classified as a medium-sized dog. They typically weigh 45-65 pounds and they stand 22 inches tall at the shoulder (females are usually couple of inches shorter than their male counterparts).

To me, Airedales have always seemed larger than their listed size. Because of how energetic and hyper this dog is, they have a tendency to jump a lot. Additionally, their determination and tenacity mean that they love to scrap with bigger dogs, and they can usually hold their own. Finally, when the Airedale plays, they often play rough; fighting with this dog means accepting that you’re going to get nipped and scratched.

Their size means that Airedales can be a handful. They’re strong dogs, and walking them on a leash can sometimes be a struggle. Even though I’m twice as heavy as my Airedale, I sometimes get pulled around my him.

Airedales usually reach their full size within the first year of being born.

Hypoallergenic

One of the great things about an Airedale terrier is that they’re hypoallergenic, meaning they cause less of a reaction in people who have allergies to dogs. This is a major element for anyone who wants to have a companion but is sensitive to dogs.

Now, it’s important to note that hypoallergenic does not mean that Airedale are completely non-allergenic. What it does mean, however, is that they spread fewer allergens than most dogs; the fewer allergens you come in contact with, the better your allergic reaction will be.

Airedales limit their spread in three ways:

• Dander: Because they have hair and not fur, Airedales shed fewer dead skin cells than most dogs.
• Drool: Airedales hold themselves with a certain amount of pride and poise, and that means they usually refrain from drooling.
• Hair: The thick, wiry coat of an Airedale prevents them from shedding very often, so you won’t have to worry about dog hair all over your house.

Especially if your properly ventilate your house and maintain a good brushing routine, Airedales can be excellent dogs for people with allergies.

Looks

The Airedale has a very distinctive look, with their terrier lines and black-and-tan coat. I’m obviously biased, but I’ve always thought of them as very handsome dogs. A couple of the dogs on this list share very similar looks to the Airedale terrier!

Maintenance

As far as dogs go, I would consider Airedales a low-to-medium maintenance dog. As I mentioned above, they’re fairly tidy dogs, and they don’t need a lot of cleaning up after in terms of drool or hair.

Their coat does need to be brushed so that it maintains its health, but that’s not too difficult to do. As long as you keep up a regular brushing schedule, I would say that you can get away with brushing them once a week for about 10 minutes.

In terms of trimming, you should get your Airedale clipped 4-6 times a year, depending on the climate you live in and your own preferences. This can be a bit of a chore, because of their distinctive haircuts and how bad they are at standing still. I would allocate 2-4 hours to clip your Airedale.

Personality

Finally, let’s talk about some of the personality traits of the Airedale!

Playfulness

This is maybe one of their defining features. Airedales love to play and explore. These dogs are super fun-loving, and they have a ton of energy that they need to burn through in order to be happy.

Whether it’s playing fetch, going for a run, or wrestling with another dog, Airedales love a challenge and will always manage to have fun. Their favourite playtimes, however, are the ones that you’re involved in; when playing alone, the Airedale tends to get a little bit bored.

They also like games that challenge them mentally, or ones that allow them to explore. These dogs are super curious and have a lot of wanderlust, and they love discovering new things.

Intelligence

Although they don’t always seem it, Airedales are super intelligent dogs that can learn almost any task you ask of them. In the past, they were hunting and farm dogs, which often required them to perform complicated jobs without close human supervision. This intelligence has stuck with the breed.

The key to getting your Airedale to listen to you is working with them, not trying to boss them around. They’re fairly independent dogs, and they don’t like taking orders. Treat them like an equal partner, however, and your Airedale will show you just how smart they really are.

Protective Instinct

Airedales have a strong sense of family, and they can tend to be a little bit aloof/suspicious towards strangers. Even without training, these dogs will devotedly look after you and your family against anything they perceive as a threat.

Because of their size and ferocity, Airedales have the ability to really stand up for themselves (and you). This isn’t a dog that’s just going to stand there and bark; with powerful jaws and a history of tussling with bears, Airedales aren’t afraid to get physical if they feel it’s required.

Due to this instinct, it’s important to properly socialize your Airedale from a young age. Failure to do so may result in a dog who’s outright hostile towards strangers.

Stubbornness

I’ve always said that this may be the defining characteristic of the breed. No matter how well they’re trained, Airedales maintain a strong independent streak, and it’s almost impossible to coerce them into doing something that they don’t want to do.

In fact, they’ve earned the nickname ‘air-heads’ because of their apparent inability to listen to commands. When they want, Airedales can be such bad listeners that it borders on indolence, and people mistakenly believe that this is because they don’t understand.

Make no mistake, though; the Airedale understands what they’re saying, they’re just choosing not to listen. This stubborn attitude can be frustrating to work with, but it’s something you need to accept if you want to be an Airedale owner.

Dogs Similar to an Airedale

So, now that we know a little bit more about the Airedale, let’s look at some of the dogs similar to them.

Welsh Terrier

Summary: Identical in looks but about half the size, the Welsh terrier is perfect for anyone who doesn’t think they can handle a full-grown Airedale.

Similarities:

• Same black-and-tan pattern
• Similar energy levels and personalities
• Welsh’s are also hypoallergenic

Differences:

• Welsh terriers weigh 20-25 pounds and are usually 12-15 inches tall.

About the Dog

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that Airedales can be a bit of a handful sometimes, between their size, energy, and stubbornness. If you’re on the small side, you might be concerned that your Airedale will be able to outpower you at will (and, unfortunately, you’ll probably be right).

If that’s the case— you love everything about the Airedale, you just think they’re too big— the Welsh terrier might be the perfect dog for you. They’re basically a miniature version of the Airedale, bred for hunting rats and squirrels while the Airedales chased down bears.

First of all, the two dogs are physically identical, as you can see from the picture above. Furthermore, Welsh’s are still terriers, which means they have much of the energy that their Airedale does (for better or for worse). These guys still love to play, they’re intelligent and loyal, and they have a bit of an independent streak.

A Welsh’s grooming requirements are similar to an Airedale’s in terms of brushing and clipping. Handling this dog might be a little bit easier because they’re smaller; it’s easier to force them into position when you’re brushing and/or clipping them.

The downside of the Welsh, obviously, is that for people who like bigger dogs, they just don’t cut it. They won’t have the same ability to stand up for you, and they’ll never be the King of Terriers like the Airedale is.

Poodle

Summary: This extremely popular house dog shares a lot of the Airedale’s good qualities. They’re a little gentler and more refined, but don’t have the tough streak that the Airedale does.

Similarities:

• The two dogs are almost identical in size
• Poodles are also hypoallergenic
• Both breeds are extremely playful

Differences:

• Poodles are gentler than Airedales
• They have different looks
• Poodles tend to be better listeners.

About the Dog

In just about every measurable metric, the poodle is probably an easier dog to own than the Airedale (and I say this as a lifelong Airedale owner). As mentioned above, they also possess a lot of what I would consider to be the Airedales best traits:

• Poodles are super intelligent
• Poodles also love to play with you’
• They’re hypoallergenic and therefor are great for households with allergies.

They’re roughly the same size as an Airedale (as long as you get a standard poodle). With that being said, they also come in two different sizes: miniature poodles (which weigh about 15 pounds) and the Toy Poodle (about 8-10 pounds), so you can pick the size that works best for you.

What’s more, I would consider poodles to be a tad bit more ‘refined’ than an Airedale. They lack the fierce independent streak and a lot of the destructive energy that Airedales tend to possess. They’ll likely be better listeners, and if they get bored, you won’t find them digging holes in your back yard.

The flip side of this, however, is that poodles lack much of the determination and grit that made Airedales so good at their job. While this obviously doesn’t have to be a major factor — not many households need their dog to be super gritty — it’s something that a lot of Airedale owners take pride in, and it’s something that you’ll be lacking by buying a poodle.

German Shepherd

Summary: Renowned for their guarding abilities, these guys share a similar temperament to the Airedale, but are a bit larger.

Similarities:

• The two dogs have similar size and colouring, although the German shepherd will usually be about 10 pounds bigger
• Both dogs are territorial and have protective streaks in them
• Airedales and German shepherds have the same determination and confidence

Differences:

• German shepherds shed a great deal and are not hypoallergenic
• German shepherds can be more aggressive and are harder to train
• These dogs are less playful than the Airedale

About the Dog

If a Poodle is an Airedale but with more refinement and less grit, a German shepherd would probably fall on the opposite end of the scale: they share the Airedales determination, toughness, and protective instinct, while lacking much of their playfulness.

German shepherds have gained a great deal of popularity in recent years because of their ability to function both as an emotional companion and as a guard dog. Their size, instincts, and history of police work make them excellent in this role, and they make for a comforting presence around the house.

However, these characteristics can also make them hard to train and sometimes aggressive. German shepherds need a stern hand to keep their more territorial tendencies in check, and they’re not as naturally playful as the Airedale is.

I might catch some flak for saying this, but I would qualify the German shepherd as a little less ‘fun’ than the Airedale. They take themselves much more seriously, and they don’t have the same tendency to explore. Now, this can make them easier deal with sometimes, but they can also come across as a tad bit severe. Whether or not that’s right for your household is up to you!

Labradoodle

Summary: Playful and friendly, this crossover breed shares a lot of the good traits on an Airedale without their stubborn tendencies.

Similarities:

• Both dogs are very energetic and love to play
• Similar to an Airedale, labradoodles like spending time with their owner
• Both breeds are hypoallergenic

Differences:

• Labradoodles lack the protective instincts of the Airedale
• Labradoodles are better for first time owners
• Because they’re a crossover breed, there’s less consistency in the personality for a labradoodle

About the Dog

When Wally Conron mixed a lab and a poodle, he created a high-energy, low shedding dog that has a lot of intelligence but doesn’t always use it.

Originally created to be a guide dog for people with allergies, the Labradoodle has recently exploded in popularity as a companion. They have an easy-going, carefree nature that makes them very agreeable, and they’re easy to train for first time owners.

When compared to the Airedale, they’re a very similar dog in many ways. Both of them are hypoallergenic, medium-sized breeds that have a lot of energy to burn. I would say that labradoodles are easier going than Airedales, and they tend to listen better. Because of this, they’re a great option for first time owners.

The downside, however, is that labradoodles aren’t as protective or determined as Airedales. They don’t have the same comforting presence or the ability to carry themselves as seriously.

Additionally, there’s been some controversy surrounding the nature of the breed. Due to their explosion in popularity, many people have been using morally questionable methods to breed labradoodles so that they can sell them at high prices. This obviously harms the dogs, but it can also mean you’re not sure what you’re getting: labradoodles have a bit of a reputation for being crazy, hard-to-manage pets.

Lakeland Terrier

Summary: Even smaller than the Welsh, this miniature terrier carries a lot of the personality of the Airedale, without their size.

Similarities:

• The two breeds share the same look
• Lakelands are also playful dogs who have a serious streak to them
• Both are very intelligent

Differences:

• Lakelands are about the third of the size of the Airedale

About the Dog

If you’re someone who prefers small dogs, but still like the looks of the Airedale, a Lakeland terrier might be the dog for you. Just like the Welsh, they have the same pattern as the Airedale, while also sharing a lot of their personality traits.

Lakeland’s were also bred for hunting, and they have a high degree of energy that needs to be burned. They love to explore and play, just like their bigger cousins do. If you want the upsides of the Airedale without having to deal with the size, the Lakeland is a great option for you.

Barbet

Summary: This lesser-known French water dog looks very different to the Airedale, but they share a lot in terms of personality.

Similarities:

• A high-energy hunting dog, the Barbet is highly agreeable as long as they get enough time to run around and play.
• As long as they’re properly brushed, the Barbet tends to not shed
• Both breeds have goofy tendencies that hide a strong, determined undercurrent
• Barbet’s can become destructive when they’re bored

Differences:

• Barbets have a different appearance than Airedales
• Their coat is a little harder to clean than an Airedale’s, so they have higher grooming requirements.
• Barbets are more sensitive than Airedales

About the Dog

If you suggest the Barbet to most people, you’ll probably get a few strange looks in return, because hardly anyone has heard of these guys. However, if you spend some time with them, you’ll find that the Barbet, similar to the Airedale, is a criminally underrated dog that has a lot of great characteristics.

In fact, this breed is so similar to the Airedale that it’s almost scary. Both are former sport and hunting dogs who have high energy requirements. Just like the Airedale, the Barbet isn’t satisfied running in circles or playing fetch; they need their mind to be engaged, or they get bored and start digging holes. Barbet’s are also sized almost identical to the Airedale.

Just like an Airedale, the Barbet wants to be in the same room as you without necessarily wanting to be too close. They’ll follow you as you move around the house, but they won’t always want to lie in your lap; they’re just as likely to stand there and stare. This can either be endearing or annoying, depending on your personality.

The one major character difference is that Barbet’s don’t have the same independent streak as the Airedale. They tend to be sensitive where the Airedale is stubborn. If you yell at your terrier, you can expect them to dig in their heels and get affronted; the Barbet is more likely to sulk and be scared of you. This makes them easier to train, but it means you have to be careful not to hurt their feelings.

Additionally, Barbet’s are a little harder to groom, and they need to be clipped for often. Their long, wiry coat takes longer to groom than the Airedale’s short one.

Husky

Summary: This super popular dog has the same chaotic energy that the Airedales possesses

Similarities:

• Both dogs are a similar size
• Like Airedales, Huskies are former work dogs that require frequent exercise
• Huskies can also be hard of hearing and become destructive on occasion

Differences:

• Huskies aren’t as serious as Airedales are
• Huskies shed (a lot)

About the Dog

Former sled dogs who have now taken their place as one of the most popular dogs in America, the husky is an extremely handsome dog that can sometimes be a handful.

These dogs are similar to Airedales in that they carry a lot of energy, and they don’t always let it out in the most constructive of manners. When they haven’t been played with enough, Huskies have been known to dig in backyards, chew shoes, and jump all over furniture as a way to burn off some energy.

Huskies have the same independent streak as an Airedale, although they tend to be more affectionate towards their family. This dog loves cuddling and being close to you. This can be good if you’re someone who wants a lapdog, but you need to watch out for the weight and the fact that they’re going to be leaving long hair everywhere they go.

Australian Shepherd

Summary: A loyal, intelligent dog that’s just as playful but less physical than the Airedale.

Similarities:

• Similar size between the two breeds
• Australian Shepherds are a high-energy breed
• Both breeds are sometimes too smart for their own good

Differences:

• Australian shepherds are herding dogs, not hunters, so they try to corral almost anything they can.
• While playful, the Australian Shepherd is less inclined to fighting than the Airedale is.
• Australian shepherd’s shed quite a bite

About the Dog

If you want a smart, medium-sized dog but don’t want to deal with the roughhousing style of the Airedale, the Australian shepherd just might be the perfect choice for you.

Used to corralling cattle and other livestock for outback cowboys, these sleek, handsome dogs are similar to Airedales in that they love a challenge. Bred to work, your Aussie isn’t going to be satisfied chasing down a ball or doing laps in the backyard. Instead, try bringing them on a hike or run with you to let off some of their endless energy. Aussie’s also tend to be a tad reserved towards strangers, although they’re more shy than hostile like an Airedale.

That one trait is fairly representative of the main difference between these two breeds. While Airedale’s have fighting blood in them, Aussies tend to be more agreeable and gentler. This could make them better for families with small families, or simply anyone who wants to be able to play with their dog without getting bitten.

However, it also means that Aussies aren’t as protective, and they also lack the wanderlust of the Airedale. Finally, they shed a lot more, and their long coat requires more grooming than the Airedale does.