Feeding an Airedale properly is crucial for maintaining their health and energy levels throughout their active lives. These medium-to-large dogs need high-quality, high-protein food that supports their muscular build and busy lifestyle, whether you choose premium commercial food or prepare meals yourself with your vet's guidance.

Airedale puppies grow rapidly and need three meals daily until they're about 12 months old, when you can transition to two adult meals. Never free-feed an Airedale - their food-motivated nature combined with their size makes obesity a real risk, and extra weight puts unnecessary strain on those important hip joints.

Because Airedales are prone to bloat, meal management is critical. Always use slow-feeder bowls to prevent gulping, avoid exercise for at least an hour before and after meals, and stick to regular feeding times. Many Australian owners find splitting the daily food allowance between morning and evening meals works well with our climate - avoiding the heat of midday for post-meal rest.

Choose foods approved by reputable standards, and adjust portions based on your dog's age, activity level, and body condition. An active Airedale hiking in the Blue Mountains will need more calories than one living a quieter suburban life in Adelaide. Some Airedales benefit from fish oil supplements for coat health, especially in our harsh sun, but always consult your vet first.

Fresh water should always be available - particularly important in Australia's heat. Watch your Airedale's weight carefully; these food-loving dogs can easily pack on extra kilos, and maintaining an ideal weight is one of the best things you can do for their long-term joint health and overall wellbeing.

The Airedale's distinctive wiry double coat is both a blessing and a commitment. While they shed minimally—great news for your furniture and clothes—that coarse outer coat needs regular attention to keep them looking sharp.

Plan for professional grooming every 8-12 weeks. A skilled groomer can perform hand-stripping to maintain the coat's harsh texture or offer a clipped trim for easier maintenance, which can cost between $120-$200 AUD. Between visits, brush your Airedale 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush to prevent matting and distribute skin oils.

That famous Airedale beard and moustache need daily attention. Rinse it with warm water after meals to prevent food buildup and skin irritation. Trust me, a dirty beard can get smelly and cause skin problems if neglected.

Bathing should only be done when necessary, as their coat naturally produces protective oils. When you do bathe them, skip the conditioner. Australian owners should pay extra attention during tick season, thoroughly checking the coat after bush walks, particularly around the ears, neck, and between the toes.

Regular maintenance includes weekly ear cleaning, nail trimming every 3-4 weeks if not worn down on pavement, and daily teeth cleaning. If your Airedale enjoys a swim at the beach, a quick rinse with fresh water afterwards will prevent salt from irritating their skin.

Training an Airedale is like working with a brilliant student who occasionally thinks they know better than the teacher. These intelligent dogs learn quickly but bore easily, so keep training sessions varied, engaging, and positive. Forget repetitive drills—Airedales are thinkers, not robots, and they'll get stubborn if you bore them.

Start early with puppy socialisation classes. Australian puppy schools are excellent for helping Airedales learn good manners with other dogs and people. Basic obedience is non-negotiable given their size and strength—a reliable recall and loose-leash walking will make life much more enjoyable for both of you.

Exercise-wise, Airedales need about 60-90 minutes of activity daily, and mental stimulation is just as important as physical. A 30-minute training session can tire them out as much as a long walk. They excel at dog sports like agility, tracking, and obedience—many Australian clubs offer great opportunities to channel that terrier energy.

These dogs love having a job to do. Beach walks along the Gold Coast or bush hikes in the Dandenongs are perfect for burning energy. Just remember their terrier instinct to dig—ensure your backyard fencing is secure. During hot summers in places like Brisbane or Perth, when temperatures can exceed 30°C, schedule walks for the early morning or late evening to prevent heatstroke.

A well-exercised, mentally stimulated Airedale is a joy to live with. Neglect either aspect, and you might find your shoes mysteriously disappearing!