The Airedale Terrier (often shortened to "Airedale") is a terrier dog
breed originating from Airedale in Yorkshire, England. It is sometimes called
the "King of Terriers" because it is the largest of the terrier breeds, 50 to 70
pounds (23-32 kg). The breed has also been called the Waterside Terrier,
because it was bred originally to hunt otters.
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Appearance
Coat
Like many terriers, the breed has a 'broken' coat: a harsh, wiry topcoat with
a soft, fur-like undercoat. Because of this coat, Airedales do not significantly
shed. Airedales being shown are generally groomed by stripping: a small
serrated edged knife to is used pull out loose hair from the dog's coat.
The correct coat colour 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. To show
an Airedale in the United States, the tail is expected to be docked, while in
the UK it is illegal to dock dogs' tails unless it's for the dog's benefit
(e.g., the tail is broken).
Mouth
Airedales have a normal 'scissors bite', where the top teeth close over the
bottom. 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.
The Airedale Terrier Today (Book of the Breed) By
Janet Huxley
"The Airedale is the undisputed king of Terriers, and this impressive, courageous dog has a worldwide following. Bred primarily as a hunter, the Airedale has also been used as a police dog and as a dispatch bearer in war. Out-going and confident, the Airedale makes a fine show dog, and its kind, friendly nature makes it an ideal family companion. In this comprehensive book of the breed, the author traces the origins of the Airedale, its development, and its spread worldwide. Detailed advice is given on choosing a puppy, assessing show potential, and early training. Exercise and dietary requirements are examined, and there is illustrated coverage of grooming, and coat care. The Breed Standard is analysed, and for those with ambitions of showing their Airedale, there is guidance on show training and preparation. The leading dogs in the breed are highlighted, and for the specialist, there is information on whelping and rearing a litter. Illustrated with over !
150 colour and black-and-white photographs, this is essential reading for all Airedale enthusiasts."
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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 skin conditions. Airedales 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 breed. In the mid-19th Century, working class people created the Airedale
Terrier by crossing the old English rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier with the
Otterhound. In 1886, the Kennel Club of England formally recognised the Airedale
Terrier breed.
The Airedale was extensively used in World War I to carry messages to
soldiers behind enemy lines and transport mail. They were also used by the Red
Cross to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. There are numerous tales of
Airedales delivering their messages despite terrible injury.
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Airedale Terrier
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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 Airedales. 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.
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