Airedale Terrier

Other Names: Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier
Country of Origin: England
Lifespan: 13 Years
Male Height: 23 Inches
Male Weight: 45 Pounds
Female Height: 22 Inches
Female Weight: 45 Pounds American Kennel Club Classification : Terrier GroupCanadian Kennel Club Classification : TerriersKennel Club (Great Britain) Classification : Terrier
Airedale Terrier Characteristics
The Airedale Terrier is called the "King of the Terriers" for good reason; he is a fearless, intelligent, and devoted breed of dog. The Airedale Terrier has excelled in many areas of human service, including as a war dog, police dog and a hunter of both small and large game. During World War I an Airedale Terrier won the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the field.
As is true of most of the other terriers, the Airedale Terrier originated from the British Isles. He is most likely descended from the now-extinct Black and Tan Terrier.
Airedale Terrier History and Breeder Information
The Airedale Terrier originated from the Aire Dale in Yorkshire, England. Commonly referred to as 'Airedales' these large dogs were originally bred to hunt otters, but their versatility allows them to meet most challenges. The Airedale's size ranges from 50 to 70 pounds. Airedale's have a "broken coat" that needs to be regularly groomed and maintained to keep its distinctive look. The term Stripping is referred to has the proper way to groom an Airedales coat. This involves using a small serrated edged knife to extract loose and old hair. The Airedale's broken coat is a wiry topcoat with a soft undercoat. Broken coats do not shed nearly as smooth coats. The breed standard coat colors accepted by the AKC are black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black mixed with gray and white).
Usually Airedale Terrier puppies get their tail docked, but this is not an AKC requirement. They have black gums with the largest teeth of any dog in the terrier group. Airedale's teeth are quite sharp. Airedale's are primarily used for working, hunting, and retrieving. They have a stubborn, strong-willed temperament, complemented by a great sense of humor. They are reliable companions and very effective protective dogs. Hip dysplasia is the only inherited disease common to the Airedale and they are not anymore prone to it than most dogs. Being in the Terrier group, Airedales can be prone towards dermatitis. Airedale's usually live to be about 12 years old, however many have lived several years longer; some as long as 17 years old.
The Airedale Terrier was created by the British in the mid 19 century by mixing the White English, Irish, and Black and Tan Terriers together. This resulted in a very intelligent, hard working, versatile dog breed comfortable working on land and in the water. Airedale are truly an all-purpose dog. Airedale's played a crucial role during World War I by carrying messages to British and other allied soldiers located in the trenches often under horrible conditions. The bond created between humans and Airedale's during this period will forever be unbreakable. Airedale Terrier's make great pet dogs.
Airedale Terrier - The King of the Terriers
The Airedale Terrier is a medium 45 to 65 pound dog that usually reaches between 22" and 24". Known as the King of the Terriers, they are largest of the Terrier breeds recognized by the AKC. It is a compact little powerhouse that is all terrier when it comes to chasing little animals or appeasing its curiosity.
Airedale Terriers are typically tan on the ears, head, chest, undersides, legs, and sometimes on the shoulders. They are black or grizzle on the sides and upper parts of the body. Sometimes they have a red mixture on the black or white markings on the chest. Certain strains of the breed also have a small white patch on the chest. Their wiry, dense outer coat requires regular grooming.
If you are looking for a dog with plenty of stamina and energy, look no further. The Airedale Terrier is full of energy and needs daily exercise and play. Generally speaking, they do best with older well behaved children and are not ideal for homes with smaller pets as terriers have the tendency to chase small animals and vermin. They can do well with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from puppyhood. They are loyal and protective if their family. They love to learn and can be trained easily provided training is fun and not monotonous.
The breed dates itself back to 18th century England. The breed is a cross between an Otterhound and a Waterside Terrier. They were bred for hunting small game and were later used in big game hunting, police work and as an army dog in WWII. The Airedale Terrier is now considered more of a family pet than working dog. However, they do love to work and have tasks to do and still make good hunting and tracking dogs For a family that enjoys outdoors and exercise, the Airedale Terrier is an excellent choice. Although they can work with other pets and dogs, a one pet household seems more ideal for their needs unless they grow up with other family pets. The Airedale Terrier is a great pet for the family on the go.