The Giant Airedale Debate

“Ask any Airedale owner about their dog, and they’ll likely tell you they own the ‘King of Terriers.’ But for a growing number of enthusiasts, the standard 50-pound ‘King’ isn’t quite enough—they’re looking for the Emperor. Often referred to as ‘Oorangs,’ these larger Airedales can tip the scales at 80, 90, or even 100 pounds. While they may sit outside the official AKC show ring specifications, they sit right at the heart of what many consider the perfect dog. If you’ve ever wondered why the Airedale community is so divided on size, you might be surprised to learn that other breeds have already solved this puzzle by simply giving owners more to love.”

The Giant Airedale Debate

Many Airedale enthusiasts are drawn to the “Oorang” or larger-than-standard Airedale because they feel it represents the ultimate versatile companion. For these owners, the increased size enhances the breed’s natural presence and protective capabilities without losing the legendary “King of Terriers” spirit.

Many argue that the larger frame creates a more robust working dog, perfectly suited for heavy-duty tasks or simply providing a more substantial, comforting presence in the home. Despite being larger than the official AKC specifications, these dogs retain the exact same playful, intelligent, and loyal personality as their standard-sized counterparts, leading many to view them as the “perfect” version of the breed.

Furthermore, there is a common misconception that dog breeds must exist as a single size category. Many people don’t realize that the AKC has already set a precedent for size-based divisions in other breeds; the Schnauzer, for instance, is officially recognized in three distinct classes: Miniature, Standard, and Giant. Proponents of the larger Airedale often point to this as a logical model, suggesting that the Airedale Terrier could benefit from a similar classification. By recognizing a “Giant” or “Large” category, the community could celebrate the full spectrum of the breed, acknowledging that for many, a bigger Airedale simply means more of the personality they love.

The Precedent: A Tale of Three Schnauzers

Many people don’t realize that the AKC already recognizes size divisions for similar breeds. Look at the Schnauzer: rather than forcing one size onto every owner, the breed is divided into three distinct classes based on height and weight.

Breed Class	Average Height	Average Weight	AKC Group
Miniature Schnauzer	12–14 inches	11–20 lbs	Terrier Group
Standard Schnauzer	17–19 inches	30–50 lbs	Working Group
Giant Schnauzer	23–27 inches	55–95 lbs	Working Group