DOGS 101 AIRDALE TERRIER

The Airedale Terrier gets its name from the Aire River valley, or dale, in Yorkshire where it was first bred. It was developed by crossing the Welsh terrier with the Otterhound in the mid19th century to hunt otters and other rodents. Hounds and terriers were the dogs of choice on hunting trips in those days in England. Hounds would smell and pursue the animals, while terriers would burrow into the holes and make the final kill. Demand arose for a dog that combined the best of both the breeds, and the Airedale was born. Its talents at hunting are reflected in its strength, cleverness and boldness. It is also known as Bingley Terrier or Waterside Terrier, the latter because of its strong hunting skills across water bodies.

The first import to North America was in the 1880s, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1888. Apart from hunting small animals, it has also been used on hunts for larger game and as police dogs, war dogs and family guardians. It played a particularly important role during World War I, carrying messages to soldiers behind enemy lines and finding injured soldiers. However, its popularity has declined in the following years.

A male can measure up to 23 inches and weigh anything from 50 to 70 pounds, with the female a little smaller. It has a coat of dense, harsh hair, with a softer and shorter undercoat. The standard coloring is tan with a black or drizzle saddle. The back is straight, and the tail fluffy, long and erect.

Grooming: It has a wiry coat, which requires regular brushing several times a week to keep it free of mats and to prevent shedding. The coat is supposed to be kept relatively short, which requires clipping or hand stripping every few months. Stripping is sometimes preferable as it can remove dead hair roots, which can otherwise cause skin irritations. Nails require regular trimming. Ears need regular checking for wax buildup. And, of course, teeth need to be brushed regularly. So, the Airedale is a highmaintenance breed – it is important you know this before you decide on getting one home!

Training: An Airedale is a quick learner and can be trained very easily. But, it also gets bored quickly, and requires regular mental and physical stimulation. A long walk, a chance to romp through a safe area or a physically tiring game should be good enough for this. A bored Airedale is known to fill up a yard with holes in one evening – the poor thing is just living up to its hunter genes!

Temperament: It makes for an excellent member in a family that has kids. It is aggressive by nature, so if it is needed to interact well with other pets and suppress its hunting instincts, it is advisable to raise it from early years with smaller animals like cats and rabbits. It interacts better with larger animals, unless in a threatening situation.

Health: The lifespan of an Airedale is from 10 to 13 years, similar to other breeds of this size. It is a fairly sturdy breed, but some dogs are prone to eye infections, hip dysplasia and skin infections and need to be checked for these regularly. Hip Dysplasia, which is a genetic cause of arthritis, should be checked for in dogs that are being used for breeding. Skin infections can be discovered late in some dogs because of their dense coats.

If you are looking for a dignified, smart and courageous pet, whom you can give a good amount of time to, an Airedale is a very good choice for you and your family. Just remember that you need to be the alpha in the relationship – a weak owner does not work with an Airedale’s strong character.

Music by Kevin McLeod Royalty Free

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