Airedale Terrier
Dogs
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terrier |
An Australian & New Zealand Champion
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Alternative names |
Waterside Terrier
Bingley Terrier |
Country of origin |
Great Britain (England) |
Common nicknames |
Airedale, 'Dale |
Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 3 Section 1 #7 |
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AKC: |
Terrier |
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ANKC: |
Group 2 - (Terriers) |
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CKC: |
Group 4 - (Terriers) |
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KC (UK): |
Terrier |
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NZKC: |
Terrier |
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UKC: |
Terriers |
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Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
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
Coat
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.
Mouth
Airedales generally have black gums, a condition that would indicate
asphyxiation in many other dog breeds. Additionally, Airedales' teeth are the
largest among Terriers.
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.
An Airedale head
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 the Airedales' itchy skin. Dogs of this breed usually
live for around twelve years, but have been known to last until the age of
seventeen.
History
In the mid 19th Century, working class Great Britains created the Airedale
Terrier by crossing the old english rough coated Black and Tan Terrier with the
Otterhound. The result was an intelligent, hardy dog adept in the water, on
land, at work, or with the family; their goal to create an all-purpose dog was
fulfilled. In 1886, the Kennel Club of England formally recognized the Airedale
Terrier breed.
1
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.
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.
Post-WW1, 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 Airedale Terriers.
1949 marked the peak of the Airedales' popularity, 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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