Kate: What is the difference between an Airedale Terrier and Welsh Terrier?
I was interested in getting either an Airedale Terrier or Welsh Terrier, and was wondering what the difference was between them? Do they have different temperaments? Do they make good pets?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Jenny Manyteeth
The obvious difference is size: Airedales can be as large as 24 inches at the shoulder, while the Welsh is about 15 inches. Airedales can weigh 50-55pounds; Welsh Terriers weigh about 20.
They both have a lot of hunting instinct and make excellent pets for people who understand them.
Photo Credit: Rennett Stowe/Flickr CC
Completely Different Breeds
Answer by Louise
The Welsh Terrier is a descendant of the English Black and Tan Hunt Terrier that does indeed resemble a Miniature Airedale (but they aren't related, Airedale and Welsh). The Airedale Terrier is thought to be a combination of the English Terrier and the Otterhound.
Answer by Nick
There is a time gap of several hundred years between the breeds Welsh terrier and Airedale.
The Welsh terrier is probably the oldest breed in the UK with the bloodline strengthened when the Welsh retreated into the mountains as long ago as the Roman invasion.
Whereas the Airedale was developed by crossing a terrier with an Otterhound in the 18th century.
Answer by BG
I have owned an Airedale and two Welshes. We lost our first Welsh at age 12 and recently got another Welsh puppy. All dogs are different.
Airedales and Welsh Terriers are completely different breeds.
My Airedale (female) was 55 lbs. Some males can get to 70+ lbs. Our first welsh was 16/17 lbs. and our current Welsh should be 17/18 lbs. both females. Males tend to be bigger 20 lbs. Our Airedale was calmer but showed less affection towards us than our welshes. Our first welsh hated other dogs and had a seizure disorder for most of her life and required medication twice a day. Both welshes sleep with us where the Airedale was too big and had no interest in being on the bed with us (when we were not home she did sneak on the bed),
All Welshes need a strong hand and can become a problem. They are not good with small kids or kids that will tease them. We love our Welsh (6 months old). She is laying next to my wife fast asleep with her legs in the air. During the day she loves running, walking watching, and being with us. We try to take her everywhere. This time we have had her go to puppy daycare so she will be more socialized with other dogs. There are only a small number of breeders therefore expensive.
Photo Credit: Lulu Hoeller/Flickr CC
Expect to pay $1,800.00 plus shipping costs. I figure after she gets spayed our cost to that point including the spaying will be $3,000+. After the first year it should be closer to $300.00 and year not including food.
Hell on Wheels
Answer by Dragonfry
About the same differences as there are in a Yorkie and a Rottweiler. One is a giant terrier and the other is a rather small terrier. But are famously stubborn and hard-headed as are most all true terriers.
While the Airedale was used as a hunting, working, and police dog due in most part to its size. The Welsh are a varmint dog of much valor. Hunting small game such as fox, badger, rats, and other furred game. Both will bite the hell out of you if you piss them off. But the welsh is more likely to be serious about it. They have sharp temperaments. The Airedale is more laid back, silly, and not that easy to train as they think they already know everything.
I've met quite a few welsh and they are best to describe as "Hell on Wheels" If you're not a hard-core terrier owner then pass on this little spitfire.
The Airedale is a better terrier for the average pet owner.
Also, consider the grooming cost of both breeds. Since most pets are clipped and not stripped, figure about $ 30 to $ 40 for the welsh and $ 45 to $ 65 for the Airedale on average. Triple that if you want the dog to be stripped for correct terrier coats.
Also, you need to study the possible health issues that both breeds suffer. Airedales have many the Welsh not as much.
Answer by Janie P
‘Hell on Wheels’? I must strongly disagree. Our Welshie is now 12yrs and the most adorable loving family pet, yes they are a Terrier and have traits that most have, our little Ani (Aniseed) is always kept on the lead as was suggested we always do by the breeder, we learned early on after she gave chase of Deer in the grounds of a Stately Home!
Our Ani is very very quiet rarely barks only when asking for her Dinner!
We love her, great size no shedding easy to keep tidy, loves being close to family.
Answer by Carol
I had a Welsh Terrier. He was the perfect dog! My breeder told me the males are more playful than the females. If I get another dog it would be another male Welsh Terrier!
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Answer by Paul K
I grew up with Welsh Terriers and I think they are great dogs. Just be ready for lots of grooming.
Answer by Dog Crazy
Welsh Terriers are smaller and slightly lighter in color. Both are slightly stubborn, playful, friendly, and very smart. They also like to dig. Their temperaments can vary greatly, just depends on the dog. Any dog can make a good pet when raised right.
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Lisa says
I have had both Airedale and Welsh terriers. I think they are very similar except the size. They are both very playful and stubborn when it comes to training. I think both breeds can be fine with children but if I had small children and Airedale could easily knock them over with a playful jump. We raised our children with two welsh terriers.
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Nick says
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