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Terrier
Airedale
Terrier
The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to "Airedale")
is a large and versatile terrier dog breed originating from
the Aire Dale 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
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
allegies 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.
Temperament
The Airedale can also be used as a working dog and also
as a hunter and retriever. However, it is typically an independent
(stubborn), strong-minded dog with a great sense of humour.
For those who can laugh along with their Airedale, patience
will be rewarded as they have been known to reach great
heights in competitive obedience, dog agility, and Schutzhund.
The Airedale is also a reliable and protective family pet.
Health
The Airedale is relatively free of inherited diseases except
for hip dysplasia in some lines. Dogs of this breed usually
live for around twelve years, but have been know to last
until the age of seventeen.
History
The Airedale was extensively used in World War One to carry
messages to soldiers behind enemy lines and occupying the
trenches. 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. In fact, the German designation
for an Airedale is "Kriegshund", which means "War
dog". 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.
Dog
Training
