The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to "Airedale") is a
large and versatile terrier dog breed originating from Airedale in Yorkshire,
England, in the UK. It is often called the "King of Terriers" because it is the
largest of the terrier breeds, 50 to 70 pounds (23-32 kg). The Airedale was bred
originally to hunt otters. It was also called a "Waterside Terrier" because of
this connection to hunting otters.
Appearance
Coat
Like many terriers, it has a 'broken' coat, which requires
regular hand stripping to maintain the coat and distinctive square terrier
shape. A broken coat is a harsh, wiry topcoat with a soft, fur-like undercoat.
Broken-coated breeds do not shed their coats as much as smooth coated breeds,
and are therefore less likely to cause allergic reactions in people prone to dog
allergies.
Stripping is the correct process for grooming an Airedale, using a small
serrated edged knife to pull out loose hair from the dog's coat. Airedales who
aren't being shown are often clipped with electric clippers. This process, while
easier on the dog and the groomer, softens the coat and fades the color, and
sometimes causes skin allergies for the dog. This is because the loose hair that
would normally moult is cut, so the roots remain within the hair follicles.
This Airedale's tail is natural (undocked). The correct coat color is a
black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black
mixed with gray and white). Both are acceptable in the AKC breed standard.
Tail
The Airedale's tail is usually docked (surgically shortened)
within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard
authorities. However, to show an Airedale in the United States, the tail is
expected to be docked. In the UK it is illegal to dock dogs tails unless it's
for the dogs benefit ie. the tail is broken.
Mouth
Airedales have a normal 'scissors bite' that means the top teeth
are over the bottom. Additionally, Airedales' teeth are the largest among
Terriers.
Temperament
The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunter
and retriever. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have
a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem working with cattle and
livestock. However, an Airedale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy
the animals.
The Airedale Terrier, like most Terriers, has been bred to hunt independently.
As a result, the dog is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and
can be stubborn. The Airedale is a dog with a great sense of humour. For those
who can laugh along with their Airedale, the dog can provide a unique and
entertaining company. For those who don't appreciate being outsmarted by their
dog, owning an Airedale can be a trying experience. Patience and consistency in
training will be rewarded as the Airedales have been known to reach great
heights in competitive obedience, dog agility, and Schutzhund. Airedales can
often be difficult to train. Being smart, Airedales pick up what is wanted from
them very quickly; being smart, they do not want to keep repeating what they
learned and can try to terminate a training session at the point when they "got
it". Changing the routine at this point or taking a play-break is much more
productive than trying to force the Airedale to continue as they are a stubborn
bunch. Airedales require constant reinforcement, or they may decide to start
ignoring commands. When training is resumed, they can quickly recover their
acceptance of the command. Airedales are a stoic and intrepid breed and as a
result, young Airedales exhibit a general lack of common sense and require
training. For the same reasons, they need socializing with other dogs early.
They are also very loving, always in the middle of the family activities.
Airedales are also known for expressing exactly what they are thinking, unlike
more aloof breeds. The Airedale is also a reliable and protective family pet.
They are very energetic, and need plenty of exercise.
Health
The Airedale is relatively free of inherited diseases except
for hip dysplasia in some lines. Airedales, like most Terriers, have a
propensity towards dermatitis. Allergies, dietary imbalances, and
under/over-productive thyroid glands are main causes for the Airedales' itchy
skin. Dogs of this breed usually live for around twelve years, but have been
known to last until the age of seventeen.
History
Airedale, a valley (dale) in the West Riding of Yorkshire, was
the birthplace of the Airedale Terrier. In the mid-19th Century, working class
Britons created the Airedale Terrier by crossing the old English rough-coated
Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound.
The result was an intelligent, hardy dog, adept in the water, on land, at work,
or with the family; their goal to create an all-purpose dog was fulfilled. In
1886, the Kennel Club of England formally recognized the Airedale Terrier breed.
The Airedale was extensively used in World War I to carry messages to soldiers
behind enemy lines and bringing the mail. They were also used extensively by the
Red Cross to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Their courage and
stalwart character in the face of danger was legendary; there are numerous tales
of Airedales delivering their messages despite terrible injury.
Before the adoption of the German Shepherd as the dog of choice for law
enforcement and search and rescue work, the Airedale terrier often filled this
role.
After the First World War, the Airedales' popularity rapidly increased thanks to
stories of their bravery on the battlefield and also because Presidents Theodore
Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren Harding owned Airedale Terriers. 1949
marked the peak of the Airedales' popularity in the USA, ranked 20th out of 110
breeds by the American Kennel Club. The breed has since slipped to 50th out of
146.
