Harrier vs Airedale Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Harrier
Hound Group
Airedale Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
Airedale Terrier Overview
Airedale Terriers stand as the largest of all terrier breeds, featuring a distinctive wiry black and tan coat with a noble, square-built frame. Their muscular build combines strength with agility, while their alert expression and beard-like facial furnishings create an intelligent, characterful appearance. Known for their versatile abilities, these dogs display a perfect balance of power and grace in their movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Harriers are more energetic than Airedale Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Airedale Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Airedale Terriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Airedale Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Harrier and Airedale Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Airedale Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | England |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Airedale Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 23-23 inches 58-58 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Airedale Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Friendly, Clever, Courageous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Airedale Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Airedale Terrier Temperament
The Airedale Terrier is characterized by being friendly, clever, courageous, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Harrier and Airedale Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Airedale Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Airedale Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Airedale Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Airedale Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Airedale Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Airedale Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Airedale Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Airedale Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Airedale Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Skin Allergies
- Heart Issues
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
Airedale Terrier
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent watchdog
- Low shedding
- Versatile working ability
- Good with families
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Harrier and Airedale Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.