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17 Airedale Terrier Mixed Breeds: Pictures & History
Airedales may not be the most popular breed on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) list, but they have the credit to name them the “King of Terriers.” This breed originated in England, although it is something of a hybrid itself, mixed with the Otterhound, the now-extinct Old English Terrier, and various others. This mix of breeds makes this pooch versatile and is the reason for its moniker.
Remember that modern canine breeds are relatively new from around 160 years ago, although people have crossbred dogs for centuries. The pups on our list aren’t recognized as breeds, per se. They are the product of the so-called designer dog craze that began in the late 1980s with the Labradoodle. Suffice it to say, the Airedale Terrier brings some exciting traits to the mix.
The 17 Airedale Terrier Mixed Breeds
1. Airedoodle: Airedale x Poodle
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The Airedoodle brings the happy-go-lucky personality and intelligence of the Poodle to the mix. Puppies will likely have the thick, wiry coat that characterizes both parent breeds. The Airedale is low shedding, while the Poodle sheds minimally. Nevertheless, you’ll probably have to groom this pup at least a few times a year to keep them looking their best.
2. Airedale Australian Shepherd: Airedale x Australian Shepherd
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The Airedale Australian Shepherd is an interesting mix, perhaps because both parent breeds have similar coloration. The result is an intelligent and energetic dog. Both breeds are often protective, making this mix a good choice for a watchdog. However, the merle trait for color exists in the Aussie, which has been associated with hereditary vision and hearing issues.
3. Airedale Beagle: Airedale x Beagle
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The Airedale Beagle brings the hunting instincts and prey drive of the two parent breeds to the forefront. The Beagle adds extra energy and curiosity to the mix. This hybrid highlights a concern some experts have with these crossings. Two varieties exist with Beagles, only with heights under 13 inches. Therefore, breeding a male Beagle with a female Airedale is imperative to prevent birthing complications.
4. Airedale Collie: Airedale x Border Collie
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The Airedale Collie takes many of the desirable traits of the terrier and puts them on steroids. The Border Collie in the mix is a bundle of energy. The dog’s intelligence means this pup must have something to keep them mentally stimulated. However, they will learn tricks and commands quickly. This hybrid might be more yippy than the Airedale, requiring early training to keep it in check.
5. Airedale Husky: Airedale x Siberian Husky
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The Airedale Husky is another active dog that always wants to play. This pup is a team player who will enjoy the company of other pets, particularly if socialized while young. The Husky is a more vocal animal than the Airedale. Early training is essential for owners with these puppies. However, both parent breeds make delightful family pets.
6. Airedale Shepherd: Airedale Terrier x German Shepherd Dog
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The Airedale Shepherd gets a boost of intelligence and courage with this mix. This pup loves its family and will readily show them affection. They are easy to train and eager to please. This hybrid is another example of a dog that needs a job to prevent boredom and keep them mentally healthy. We suggest this pooch only for families who have time to spend with their pets.
7. Aireweiler: Airedale x Rottweiler
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The Aireweiler is a handsome dog, especially if the coloration of the Rottweiler dominates the mix. It also adds bulk to the Airedale’s slender frame. This breed is a confident animal that will be evident in their personality. We recommend a male Airedale crossed with a female Rottweiler because of the size difference between the two parents.
8. Borzoi Airedale: Airedale Terrier x Borzoi
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The Borzoi Airedale is a fairy-tale mix between a dog of the people and one of the aristocracies. The former was selectively bred to be fast to hunt wolves. The prey drive comes through in overdrive in two breeds that possess this trait. The Borzoi is slender like the Airedale. However, a pairing between a male Airedale and a female Borzoi is safer because of the dogs’ varying sizes.
9. Chidale: Airedale Terrier x Chihuahua
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The Chidale is a mix we don’t recommend pursuing. The disparity between the sizes of the dogs is too significant to ignore. It’s not limited to birthing, but it also includes the care of newborn puppies and the genetic roulette of breeding such different breeds. Like other small breeds, the Chihuahua often have a fiery side to them, which can be problematic in a larger pup.
10. Dobiedale: Airedale Terrier x Doberman Pinscher
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The Doberman Pinscher brings an edge to the otherwise calmer Airedale. It also brings more energy and intelligence that make for a dog that is easy to train and protective over their family. That adds another element to the “King of Terriers.” The Dobiedale is a handsome animal that may have the coat of either of their parents. However, this mix also brings an increased risk of potentially fatal bloat.
11. Goldendale: Airedale Terrier x Golden Retriever
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The Goldendale brings together a pleasing set of characteristics. They are active dogs that need mental stimulation to avoid becoming destructive. They are also loyal family members who will gladly share their love. You may find this pup easy to train and more outgoing than an Airedale due to the Golden Retriever's energetic traits. You shouldn’t leave this dog alone since they prefer company.
12. Irish Airedale: Airedale Terrier x Irish Wolfhound
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The Irish Airedale is another lopsided mix. It brings some welcome traits of the Irish Wolfhound, including a calm disposition in a pup that is less energetic but nevertheless lovable. This breed is a sighthound, so you can expect a keen prey drive in these dogs. The hybrid is less of a watchdog than you’d expect to see in an Airedale. It’s worth noting they are likely to have a shorter lifespan as well.
13. Lab'Aire: Airedale x Labrador Retriever
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The Lab’Aire isn’t a surprising mix. After all, Labrador Retrievers were part of the first significant wave of the so-called designer dogs. The breed is the most popular for a reason. The Lab brings the Airedale out of their shell with a more outgoing personality that is sure to garner praise. However, early training is necessary because of the Airedale’s propensity to being nippy as puppies.
14. Pittie Airedale: Airedale Terrier x Pit Bull
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It’s hard to make generalizations about the Pittie Airedale since the Pit Bull as a breed doesn’t exist. It’s a term that can describe several dogs, including American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terrier, or Bulldog. The hybrid will likely gain the bulk and brawn that the Airedale lacks. However, early socialization and training are imperative for a pup that will likely be stronger and bigger than an Airedale.
15. Schnairedale: Airedale Terrier x Schnauzer
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Terriers are known for being somewhat willful. The Schnairedale is a double dose of the stuff. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please yet may need some gentle persuasion. That also means mental stimulation is crucial to keep your pet occupied and out of mischief. Otherwise, they are sure to find it. This pup is more of a handful than either the Airedale or Schnauzer.
16. Sealydale: Airedale Terrier x Sealyham Terrier
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The Sealydale is another terrier-times-two hybrid. The Sealyham Terrier brings a different hunting style to the mix with an animal whose quarry was otters. The result was a brave dog that was wrestled with prey larger than their own size. The Sealydale has all these traits and more, including the stubbornness often seen in independent hunting dogs. This pup stands out because of the hybrid’s longer history.
17. Weimardale: Weimaraner x Airedale Terrier
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The Weimardale is an energetic terrier that is easy to train yet is sensitive to harsh words. Positive reinforcement works best with this pup. They are more energetic than Airedales, so be prepared for more walks and trips to the doggie park. Early socialization is essential to ensure your pooch plays nice with other dogs. The Weimaraner also brings an increased risk of bloat.
What You Need to Know About Genetics and Hybrids
Many Airedale Terrier mixed breeds are only a few generations old. That means you can’t be sure of what you’ll get. DNA isn’t necessarily a cut down the middle between the various traits of the parent breeds. Research also shows it isn’t a guarantee, even with those with a known history. However, we recommend asking to see the parents and littermates before getting a puppy.
We also suggest dealing with sellers who undergo pre-breeding screening and genetic testing. The propensities of various conditions are well-documented in purebred dogs that may be the basis for these mixed breeds. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) provides recommendations for different breeds.
The environmental factors and the rearing of the animal also play a significant role in behavior. For example, dogs that get daily exercise and exposure to novel situations are more likely to be less fearful than pups not benefiting from these opportunities for socialization. That makes early training and socialization a critical part of pet ownership.
Conclusion
Airedale Terriers are beautiful dogs with many desirable traits. Selective breeding isn’t anything new. However, breeders and enthusiasts have more choices with well-defined breeds, making it less of an unknown as in the past. It’s imperative to research before bringing home a new pet because of all the variables. The Airedale provides an excellent choice for a parent of a mixed-breed pup, though.
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Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
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Chris is an experienced pet writer specializing in science topics, with a particular passion for health and the environment. She has been a writer for over 15 years and lives with her husband and three cats in Michigan.
Beyond writing about cats and dogs, Chris loves to learn about wine. She has WSET 1 and 2 certifications and is currently pursuing her Certified Wine Specialist Award (CSW).
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