Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Airedale Terrier Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Airedale Terrier and for the American Pit Bull Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the American Pit Bull Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier

Factor Airedale Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 30 to 85 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1400 $1160
Price Range $1000 – $1800 $450 – $1200
Temperament Score 78.2 percent 87.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the American Pit Bull Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:

    • Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
    • Airedale Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Airedale Terrier Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Airedale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Airedale Terrier is 78.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 78.2 percent, the Airedale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 110 Airedale Terriers and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier

    The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1400. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 208 Airedale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $450 – $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 561 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Airedale Terrier is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Airedale Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Airedale Terrier puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Airedale Terrier puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. American Pit Bull Terrier

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Airedale Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.