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8 Dog Breeds Similar to Airedale Terriers (With Info & Pictures)
Airedale Terriers are handsome, athletic, hard-working dogs. They are known for being affectionate with their friends and family and fiercely protective of those they love. The Airedales have big personalities, and like many Terriers, they enjoy chasing, digging, and barking, which can be a lot to take if you are unfamiliar with these dogs. They are considered hypoallergenic and are a great choice for allergy sufferers!
If you’ve been a fan of the Airedale, only to discover they aren’t quite the right fit for your family, you might be searching for a similar breed. You have several options, and we’ve collected them in this list so you can start your search for your next furry best friend.
The 8 Dog Breeds Similar to Airedale Terriers
1. Barbet
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Barbets are needy pups that require a lot of attention from their owners. They are medium-sized dogs known to be calm if you have met their needs, and they make an excellent addition to a family with children. The fun-loving Barbets have webbed feet, which makes them fantastic swimmers, and they share a long history with humans. It’s thought they might have originated in the 8th century.
They are considered hypoallergenic but have high-maintenance grooming needs since their coats are dense and incredibly curly. First-time dog owners may have trouble handling the Barbet, thanks to their high intelligence and energy, grooming needs, and a stubborn streak. They are also susceptible to separation anxiety, so you must have the time to devote to this affectionate pup.
2. Giant Schnauzers
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Giant Schnauzers are the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds; they are hypoallergenic and have big personalities that first-time dog owners might be unable to handle. They thrive with people they love and are loyal and fiercely protective.
Socialization and training are vital for Giant Schnauzers, and while affectionate, they are not recommended for families with young children. Giant Schnauzers are energetic and need physical and mental stimulation, or they can become difficult and destructive. They learn quickly and will take advantage if you are inconsistent.
3. Irish Terriers
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Irish Terriers love to run around, chase, hunt, and explore. They need plenty of exercise to ensure they are calm in the house. Irish Terriers are known for being entertaining, loyal, and sometimes daredevils. They are always up for an adventure and will be by your side all the way.
They require early socialization because while they are reserved around strangers, they can be aggressive towards other dogs and small animals. They are hypoallergenic and, like other Terriers, are prone to barking and digging. Irish Terriers have a stubborn streak and a dominant personality, so you must be firm to ensure they don't try to take over the household.
4. Labradoodle
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Labradoodles might not look much like Airedales but share similar personality traits. Labradoodles are a mix of the Labrador Retriever and Poodle, and as Poodles come in three sizes, Labradoodles also come in three varying sizes. While they were bred to be hypoallergenic, some will shed like their Lab parent, making them unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
They are one of the most popular breeds in the world now. Labradoodles are energetic, affectionate, intelligent, and fantastic with children and other animals. They require regular exercise and are highly trainable. So, while high maintenance in some respects, they are considered a fitting alternative to an Airedale.
5. Lakeland Terrier
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Lakeland Terriers are small dogs, but they wouldn’t believe that even if you told them. They are more patient with children than other Terriers are known to be. They’re affectionate with their families and self-confident. If you raise them right, they won't be hyperactive, which they are prone to if their exercise needs are neglected.
They respond well to confident owners who set boundaries but are prone to digging, barking, and being possessive of toys. Lakeland Terriers are brave but tend to be wary of strangers. Their grooming needs are moderate, and they are also hypoallergenic.
6. Poodles (Standard)
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Poodles might have a reputation for being aloof, but they are kind, athletic, friendly dogs. They take quickly to training and are known for their people-pleasing natures. Poodles can be neurotic at times, dislike chaos in the house, and get stressed out by loud noises. They are time-consuming to groom but are considered hypoallergenic.
Poodles can be expensive to buy from a breeder, especially if they come from a superior pedigree. However, if you can keep up their grooming, provide a healthy diet, and ensure they get plenty of exercise, they make extraordinary pets!
7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
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The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is friendly to everyone they meet. They’re one of the more easy-going Terriers and make fantastic family dogs. Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers are ideal for first-time pet parents. They can be hard-headed regarding training, but unlike most Terriers, they only need moderate exercise; a few walks and playtime during the day should keep them healthy. They have high-maintenance grooming needs but are considered hypoallergenic.
Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers are good-natured pups but dislike being wet and are messy eaters. If you have the time for their grooming and training needs, you won't regret bringing this fun-loving Terrier into your life.
8. Welsh Terrier
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Welsh Terriers are considered the most similar to Airedale Terriers. The most significant difference is that they’re half the size of the Airedale. These dogs are hypoallergenic, have huge personalities, and are not for the faint of heart. Welsh Terriers require socialization and training as early as possible, and a failure to do so will create a particularly challenging adult.
They are independent, happy, fun-loving, and intelligent. However, Welsh Terriers can be destructive if they’re not mentally or physically stimulated and get along better with older, respectful children.
Conclusion
If you had your heart set on an Airedale but can’t get one, you may find your next best friend on our list of similar canines. Many of the dogs on our list are Terriers, so if stubborn, mischievous, energetic dogs are what you’re looking for, you have several options. Although the dogs we discussed require thorough training, they make excellent pets that will rarely leave your side.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: daniel84hiw, pixabay
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Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow. But her dogs probably wouldn’t like that very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to mess with her brother.
When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when the weather isn't bad, reading, or watching cartoons when she should be tidying her house. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
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