Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Airedale Terrier Versus Clumber Spaniel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel? 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 Clumber Spaniel 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 Clumber Spaniel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel 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 Clumber Spaniel. 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 Clumber Spaniel.

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 Clumber Spaniel.

Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs 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.

On the other hand, the Clumber Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Clumber Spaniel 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 Clumber Spaniel

FactorAiredale TerrierClumber Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/55/5
Does NOT Drool5/51/5
Life Span10 to 13 years12 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners2/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/51/5
Easy To Groom2/51/5
Height21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s
Easygoing3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/55/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
Kid-Friendly4/53/5
Dog Friendly4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/51/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander2/52/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds55 to 85 pounds
Intelligence5/53/5
Does NOT chew on things1/51/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan11.5 years12.0 years
Average Price$1400$800
Price Range$1000 – $1800$800 – $800
Temperament Score78.2 percent84.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 (PDP1)
    • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)2937

    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 Clumber Spaniel. 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 Clumber Spaniel is 75 out of 125.

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

    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 Clumber Spaniel 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 Clumber Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are most different:

    • Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Clumber Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
    • Airedale Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Clumber Spaniels have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Clumber Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
    • Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Clumber Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Clumber Spaniels are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Airedale Terriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Clumber Spaniels have low exercise needs.

    The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel

    The Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are most similar:

    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are very easy to train.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel.

    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, Clumber Spaniels weigh 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Clumber Spaniels are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Clumber Spaniels is between 12 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Clumber Spaniels is 12.0 years.

    Clumber Spaniels live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Airedale Terrier Versus the Clumber Spaniel

    The Clumber Spaniel has a better temperament than the Airedale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Clumber Spaniel is 84.6 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 84.6 percent, the Clumber Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 110 Airedale Terriers and 13 Clumber Spaniels.

    Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of Clumber Spaniel

    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 Clumber Spaniel puppy is $800. The price of the Clumber Spaniel typically ranges from $800 – $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Clumber Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Airedale Terrier is more expensive than the Clumber Spaniel.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Airedale Terrier and Clumber Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Airedale Terrier puppies or how many Clumber Spaniel 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 Clumber Spaniels

    A breakdown of the prices of Clumber Spaniels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Airedale Terrier puppy or the Clumber Spaniel 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.

    The Intelligence of the Airedale Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Clumber Spaniel

    `
    Airedale Terrier Clumber Spaniel
    Intelligence Rank 29 out of 130 dog breeds 37 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Airedale Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 29 out of 130 dog breeds. The Airedale Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Airedale Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Clumber Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 37 out of 130 dog breeds. The Clumber Spaniel belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Clumber Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Airedale Terrier is more intelligent than the Clumber Spaniel.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Clumber Spaniel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Airedale Terrier and the Clumber Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Clumber Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Clumber Spaniel.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the Clumber Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Clumber Spaniels.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.

    Clumber Spaniel Health Problems

    Clumber Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Clumber Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Clumber Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Clumber Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Clumber Spaniels for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 (PDP1)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Clumber Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Clumber Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Clumber Spaniels?

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

    Clumber Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Clumber Spaniel

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Clumber Spaniels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Clumber Spaniel?

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

    Clumber Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Clumber Spaniel?

    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.

    Clumber Spaniels 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.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Clumber Spaniels?

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

    Clumber Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Clumber Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Clumber Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Clumber Spaniel

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

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

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Clumber Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Clumber Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Clumber Spaniel?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Clumber Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Clumber Spaniels?

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

    Clumber Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Clumber Spaniels?

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

    Clumber Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Clumber Spaniel?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Clumber Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Clumber Spaniel?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Clumber Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Clumber Spaniel?

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

    Clumber Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel. 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 Clumber Spaniel better suits you and your family.