The Airedale.

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all the terriers and stands to a medium height with a square appearance. The breed was developed about 100 years ago in the country of York and was originally known as Waterside and Bingley Terriersand. They had descended from the now extinct tan and black type terrier and were later cross bred with the Otterhound to improve their swimming. Their name arose from the Valley of the Aire in England which was heavily populated with small game, it was here they were used as vermin hunters. They were also used to hunt big game throughout India, Africa and Canada. Over the years they have been police dogs and a wartime guard during World War II.

Today they are primarily a companion dog, though through the generations of breeding the Airedale today looks completely different to the original line. They are a courageous and protective dog who, if socialized well, can do well with children though can play a little rough with very small ones. They need obedience training at a high level and are very responsive. They are a fun loving and playful pup and are always happy to please. The Airedale is an extremely loyal dog but is a natural hunter so will need to keep a watchful eye if any smaller pets are around. They are a very rowdy and lively dog and require a high level of daily mental and physical exercise. This, along with stern training, will stop them from becoming bored and destructive and remind them who the ‘Top Dog’ and ‘Pack Leader’ is. An Airedale who feels they are in charge will become disobedient but remember they do not respond well to overbearing or harsh forms of training They are a very intelligent dog and smart enough to perceive quickly what is required of them, but if asked to do the same thing continuously may refused. A confident but firm and consistent handler is ideal to make the best relationship.

As the Airedale was bred for very active lines of work they do require a large amount of exercise and therefore are not ideal for apartment living. They are quite inactive in doors but do need a large yard to move around it as well as long daily walks or runs. Most enjoy ball play and swimming and are a lot more active during their first few years of life, tending to mellow out over time. Their short haired, hard double coat needs to be plucked at least twice yearly. With the correct grooming care they will shed little to no hair. Unfortunately with the Airedale daily brushing is not sufficient enough to maintain their coat. Their beards can easily get dirty after eating so many need daily cleaning also. They are a very hardy breed and don’t tend to have many health problems if cared for correctly.