48-70 lbs
24-26"
Unknown
The Airedale Shepherd is a mix between the Airedale Terrier and the German Shepherd. Large in size, the fur of this hybrid is long and rough. Much of its shape is like that of a German Shepherd, while its muzzle and ears resemble the Airedale Terrier. These hybrid dogs are known to be good with children as well as with other animals. The Airedale Shepherd has been found to be watchful, alert, curious and obedient and functions as a watchdog, companion dog, and guard dog. Training is required of the breed at an early age and they have been found to be easy to train. Dogs of this mix can be seen in black and tan colors.
Because the Airedale Shepherd is a very modern breed, historical information is limited. The Airedale Terrier originated in the mid-1800’s when Terriers from the River Aire in South Yorkshire were crossed with Otterhounds in order to increase their ability to scent and to hunt around water. The breed was ultimately called the Airedale, after the region where it first existed. This brave and loyal dog served among soldiers during World War I, working as a guard, messenger, and hunter. In regards to the German Shepherd, the roots of the breed can be traced back to 7th century A.D. With the help of the German army, the breed was modified into a military dog around 1880; between the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the breed was developed into an all-purpose working dog.
The Airedale Shepherd is a hybrid dog from the Airedale Terrier and German Shepherd; most of its shape is like that of a German Shepherd while its muzzle and ears are typically like that of the Airedale Terrier. The German Shepherd is a large, athletic and muscular dog that is longer than it is tall. The front legs of the breed are straight and the thighs are muscled. Dogs of the breed have compact feet with arched toes and thick pads and nails that are typically dark and short. The head is in proportion to the body and typically the eyes are dark and almond shaped. A muscular neck and strong back are hallmarks of the breed. The German Shepherd has a double coat in various colors. The face of the Airedale Terrier is long and strong and the breed has a coat of medium length, in a tan and black or grizzle pattern (blending of tan and black). Your Airedale Shepherd will draw on characteristics of the parents, leaning towards an appearance according to whichever parent has the dominant gene.
Maintenance is required of both German Shepherds and Airedale Terriers and will be necessary for your hybrid. The German Shepherd has a double coat that will shed small amounts at all times; regular brushing (once or twice a week) is helpful. Expect that the shedding will increase seasonally. The Airedale Terrier has a dense and wiry coat that requires more brushing, along with cutting and shaping, perhaps with the assistance of a groomer. Bathing a German Shepherd should occur rarely and only as necessary (perhaps once or twice a year) so that your dog’s essential skin oils are not lost. Mental and physical challenges are important to Airedale Terriers as well as German Shepherds and you will want to provide these daily to your Airedale Shepherd. German Shepherds tend to be inactive when indoors, therefore they do well as a house dog. Outdoor time is very important for both breeds, making a yard for the dog to run and play in very helpful. Should a yard not be available, as long as plenty of outdoor activity is provided, Airedale Shepherds will do well.
The Airedale Shepherd is found to be good with children as well as with other animals. Notably easy to train, the breed is known to be watchful, alert, curious and obedient. Much of his temperament comes from the German Shepherd, who is known to be one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. Popular for being loyal and courageous, the German Shepherd loves its family and is wary of strangers, barking when necessary in order to let their family know that something seems not right. For their part, Airedale Terriers are found to be bold, adventurous and playful. While the breed is intelligent, this dog can often be obstinate and headstrong. Like many other dogs, the Airedale Shepherd will require training from a young age. Easy to train, certain commands will be quickly learned (for example, sit and stay). Behavior training will be necessary so that your hybrid does not develop bad habits. It is important that while you are training your dog that you don’t get impatient, keeping a firm but kind demeanor. Often when in obedience class, owners will have to repeat a command multiple times and negative reinforcement is not recommended. Do your best to avoid keeping any frustration that you feel out of your voice. Your dog will sense you are growing frustrated and can associate training with making you unhappy.
The Airedale Shepherd, like the Airedale Terrier and German Shepherd, has a lot of energy and requires significant physical activity. This eager to please, active companion will do well with a yard they can run around in and but will prefer accompanying you on walks, runs, and bike rides. To make sure that your Airedale Shepherd gets the activity he needs, you will want to take him on at least two walks on a daily basis.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/04/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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