The Airedale Terrier

Appearance

The Airedale Terrier is a large terrier with harsh wiry coat, sometimes referred to as the King of Terriers

History

Airedale, a valley(dale) in the West Riding of Yorkshire, was the birthplace of the Airedale Terrier in the mid 19th Century. The Airedale was created by crossing the english Black and Tan terrier and the Otterhound. This resulted in and 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. The Airedale was formally recognised by the Kennel Club of England in 1886. The Airedale was also used in World War 1 to carry messages to soldiers behind enemy lines and by the Red Cross to find injured soldiers. They were also used for law enforcement prior to the use of German Shepherds.

Temperament

The Airedale is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can be stubborn, all this and a great sense of humour. This breed can provide its owners with unique and entertaining company. Patience and consistency in training will be rewarded as the Airedale has been known to reach great heights in competitive obedience, dog agility and Schutzhund. Being smart, the airedale picks up what is wanted from them very quickly. The airedale is and intrepid breed and as a result the young Airedale can exhibit a general lack of common sense and require training. You can't just leave him alone in the backyard or else you will end up with a delinquent on your hands.

They are also very loving, always in the middle of the family activities makikg them a reliable and protective family pet.

Care / Grooming

Airedales have a hard, short-haired, double coat. For dogs that are to be shown, more intensive grooming (ie hand stripping/plucking) is needed, for your pet airedale, clipping of the coat will be required 3 or 4 times a year, depending on the climate.
If you keep the coat stripped or clipped it will shed little to no hair. As a breed, they do require a good bit of grooming as burrs and soforth can stick in the coat and beard.

Health

A very hardy breed, although some may suffer from eye problems, hip dysplasia and skin infections. It is advised that when purchasing an Airedale that enquiries are made as to necessary health testing of parents has been undertaken (ie Hip-Dysplasia x-rays)

Find Airedale Terrier Breeders
or
View Airedale Terrier Puppies for Sale | View Airedale Terrier Older Dogs for Sale