Airedale
Find Airedales for sale on this page
For more information about the Airedale Click hereThe Airedale is the largest of all terriers. Also called the King of Terriers, the Airedale is confident and outgoing. Like all terriers, the Airedale is full of energy and has a strong prey drive, making it difficult to handle at times.
As such, its commonly used as a hunting dog for both large and small game. The Airedale is not a highly biddable dog that awaits commands from its owners. But if youre looking for a dog that will challenge you, the Airedale is for you.
Besides being an excellent hunter, the Airedale is a great watchdog. It will protect your family from intruders with brave and fierce loyalty. However, he is friendly to invited guests.
History of the Airedale
We can trace the ancestry of the Airedale terrier back to the Black and Tan Terrier. The Black and Tan Terrier are now extinct but back then, these feisty dogs were originally bred for hunting vermin such as rats.
Otter hunters noted that the Black and Tan terrier lacked swimming ability and scenting skills. In the 1800s, around River Aire in Yorkshire, they crossed a rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier with an Otterhound. The otter hunters wanted a terrier that could hunt otters and vermin as well as act as a guard dog. The result was a terrier able to scent game and swim. These first crosses were originally called Bingley or Waterside Terriers.
After 12 years since the first crossbreeding, the Bingley Terrier became a popular sporting dog. At a dog show in 1864 in Aire Valley, the Bingley Terrier competed. Hugh Dalziel, an author, and judge at the dog show described the Bingley Terrier as excellent. Due to his comment, the Bingley Terrier received lots of interest.
A cry of protest from its fans pinpointed that the birthplace of the Bingley Terrier as Bingley. But a group of fanciers joined in and decided that the Bingley Terrier be renamed to the Airedale Terrier. When Hugh Dalziel had an opportunity to judge another dog show in 1880, he referred to the Bingley Terrier as the Airedale Terrier in his report.
Its believed the otter hunters also crossed the Otterhound with Irish and bull terriers. The result was an excellent hunter that was tough and fierce. Today, Airedales hunt vermin, large game and have been successful as security and defense dogs.
Besides hunting, the Airedale terrier has performed other duties. During World War I, Jack, an Airedale terrier, braved the battlefields to deliver messages. The dog delivered messages to the British headquarters and braved through swamps and artillery. He suffered a broken jaw and shattered leg.
The message he delivered to the British saved his battalion. Jack passed away soon after completing his mission. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Gallantry in the Field. The courage and bravery exhibited in Jack back in World War I is present in modern-day Airedale terriers.
The American Airedale terrier can trace its ancestry to the CH Master Briar, a British dog. Near the turn of the 20th Century, they brought the Airedale to the US. In 1949, American Kennel Club ranked the Airedale Terrier 20th in popularity. Since then, its popularity dropped. This is due to the increase of German Shepherds filling roles traditionally for the Airedale Terrier.
Airedale Appearance
The Airedale is a hardworking and athletic dog. The males are 23 inches tall and weigh 50 to 65 pounds, while the females are slightly shorter and weigh 40 to 55 pounds. The Airedales head is well balanced, but there is a slight difference between the foreface and the skulls length. Its skull is flat and long but not broad, especially between the ears.
Speaking of ears, they are V-shaped with carriage and do not point to the eyes. The ears are small but not out of proportion to the dogs size. Its neck is of moderate thickness and length, but it gradually widens towards the shoulders.
Shoulders are long and slope well into the back. From the front, the chest is deep, not broad. Its depth is approximately level with the elbows. The Airedales back is strong, level, and short, while the ribs are well sprung.
Hindquarters are muscular and strong with no droop, and the tail is not curled over the back but carried gaily. Forelegs are perfectly straight with plenty of bone and muscles. Thighs are long and powerful, while the feet are compact and round with a good depth of pad.
The Airedale has a handsome coat with two layers - topcoat and undercoat. The topcoat is dense and wiry, while the undercoat is soft and short. Majority of Airedales have a specific coat combination. Tan around the ears, head, legs, and underbelly, while the back and upper sides are either grizzled or black.
Occasionally, there is a speckling of white on the chest and red in the black. The terrier is not known for extreme shedding. With regular brushing, you can keep its coat in good condition. We recommend brushing once or twice a week and periodic baths. Overbathing is not recommended because it softens the coarse coat.
Three to four times a year, you can take your Airedale to a professional groomer to give him a neat appearance. The professional groomer will either strip or trim the coat with clippers.
Airedale Training and Health
The Airedale is a lively dog prone to chasing, digging, and barking. For new owners, these traits can be frustrating. If you plan on getting an Airedale, consider if you want to take on the challenges that come with the dogs independent nature. If you decide to take an Airedale Terrier, youll be happy with its fun-loving and comical attitude.
Since the Airedale is a lively breed, it needs plenty of activity. If left alone for long periods, he will become bored, which leads to destructive behaviors. To prevent this, the Airedale Terrier needs regular exercise. We recommend taking the dog at least one walk a day. You can also play fetch in the backyard.
The terrier loves to swim, play, and retrieve. As an athletic dog, he is a great jogging companion. When it comes to training, positive reinforcement is the best way. Ask him to sit or stay and reward him with a treat every time he obeys your commands. You must have lots of patience, and in the end, youll have a terrier thats well trained and free-thinking.
Incorporate lots of socializing. Start by taking your Airedale to plenty of locations such as outdoor events and busy parks. When it comes to health, the Airedale is generally healthy, but he is prone to certain medical conditions like other breeds. For example, hip dysplasia, allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.
Not all Airedales will have all or any of the diseases above. But its important to be aware of them. Consult your vet if you notice any symptoms.
If buying an Airedale, find a good breeder. A good breeder will show you health clearances for the puppys parents. These clearances prove that the dogs are clear of a particular condition and tested. You can always confirm the clearances by checking the OFA website.
All | Pointer | Retrievers | Flushers | Versatile | Hounds | Terriers
Have a hunting dog for sale? List it here for Free.
