Airedale Terrier

Temperament:
The Airedale Terrier, although the largest of the terriers, is also the calmest and most eager to please, because of the hound blood in his background.

Originating in the valley of the Aire in England, he is a cross between the old English Terrier and the Otterhound, creating an all-purpose dog that could hunt on land or in water. He was put together by the working class subjects, who needed a quiet dog that they could use to poach on their masters land without being caught.

Over the years, the Airedale has developed into a dog that can do anything any other dog can do and have excelled in obedience, agility, hunting and working as well as conformation. A detailed description of his size, weight and physical characteristics can be found in the breed standard under “Your Airedale” by going to www.airedale.org.

A loving playmate with your children, he deserves the same love and kindness from them that you would expect for any new family member. The Airedale has a jolly, friendly personality and although he will not back down if challenged, he is not a troublemaker and gets along nicely with other animals.

The fact that the Airedale is not a “yappy” dog makes him an excellent watchdog. If he barks, there is a reason. They do not just bark at a leaf going by the window. Used extensively in WW1, he earned the reputation of “King of the Terriers” because of his devotion and courage.

The Airedale is a very hearty breed and although he can get anything any other breed can have, there is no illness that is breed specific.

Raising an Airedale pup is just like raising children. They need socialization, consistency, and lots of love, praise and direction. Your breeder should be available to answer questions and help avoid problems. Contact them as soon as you perceive a problem, not after one has gotten out of hand and you will end up with the best companion you could ever have for your children and yourself!

Grooming:
Airedales have a hard, short-haired, double coat. Having your Airedale clipped four times a year with a regular weekly brushing and combing will keep him looking great and enable you to make sure he is in proper weight, as a dog in full coat can look big and healthy, but be underweight beneath all that hair. It will also prevent him from “shedding” and allow most folks with allergies to own one. Hand stripping is much more time consuming and usually done by those showing their Airedales in conformation.

Exercise:
Airedales were bred for active work, and therefore need plenty of exercise. They need to be taken for long daily walks. Most of them love to play with a ball, swim, or retrieve objects and once fully grown will happily run alongside a bicycle. Without enough attention and exercise the Airedale Terrier will become restless and bored and will usually get itself into trouble. The exercise requirement can go down somewhat after the first two years (as with many dogs) but the first two years with an Airedale are very strenuous on the human. Then they start to get much more mellow.

Living Condition:
He is equally at home on a ranch, keeping the mountain lions away from the cattle, in a condominium with a walk around the block or jog in the park, or just lying next to your chair while you read a book.

Origin:
The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in the country of York from the ancient Working Terrier. "The King of Terriers," the Airedale was named for the Valley of the Aire in England, where lots of small game flourished. Originally known as the Waterside Terrier and used as a vermin hunter. The breed was later crossed with the Otterhound to make him a better swimmer. In addition to his role as a small game hunter, the Airedale has been used to hunt big game in Africa, Indian and Canada, and as a police dog and army sentry dog in World War II. Today the Airedale is primarily a companion dog, but there are still working lines out there. Some of the Airedale's talents are guarding, watchdogging, hunting, tracking, military work, police work, and competitive obedience.