Airedale Terrier

 Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a large, energetic and versatile breed of terrier that originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England. They are often referred to as the "King of Terriers" due to their size and regal appearance. Airedale Terriers are a muscular and athletic breed, standing about 23 inches tall and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. They have a distinctive coat that is wiry and dense, and typically a mix of black and tan colouring. 

Airedales have long, flat heads with bushy beards and eyebrows, and their ears are typically V-shaped and fold forward. Airedales are known for their high energy levels and intelligence, making them an excellent choice for an active owner or family. They are very loyal and affectionate, and love spending time with their owners. Airedales are also known for their protective instincts, and will fiercely defend their family if they feel that they are in danger. Due to their high intelligence, Airedale Terriers excel in obedience and agility training. 

They are very quick learners and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. They are also excellent hunters and have been used in the past for hunting games such as otters and badgers. While Airedale Terriers make excellent pets, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough exercise and stimulation, they may become bored and destructive. Airedales are also prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia and allergies, so it is important to take proper care of them and keep up with their veterinary appointments.

Physical Characteristics 

The long-legged Airedale Terrier has strong round bones that effectively combine power and agility. This enables the breed to hunt difficult games. The wiry, hard, and thick coat lies close and straight with the body, while a few hairs remain crinkled.

Personality and Temperament 

This protective and lively companion is one of the most versatile terriers. The playful, adventurous, and bold Airedale is intelligent, and yet headstrong and stubborn at times. Though some dogs dominate, most are responsive to the owner's wishes and are reliable. As long as the Airedale is provided with daily physical and mental exercise, it is a well-behaved house dog.

 It likes to be a leader and dislikes being challenged by other dogs. Smaller dogs and terriers, however, get along well.

Care 

Being an active breed, the Airedale Terrier requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Long walks, energetic games, and romping and hunting in safe areas, can meet the dog’s requirements. The wiry coat has to be combed three times a week, in addition to shaping and trimming once or twice a month. Clipping is sound in layering the colour and texture of the coat. 

The ears of puppies need to be "glued" so that they are properly shaped when they become adults. The Airedale can live comfortably outside in cool climates but should be allowed to sleep indoors.

Health 

The Airedale Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, sometimes suffers from the colonic disease. Other serious health issues this breed is prone to include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid and hip exams on the dog.

History and Background 

The Airedale or "King of Terriers" is the tallest of the terriers. Thought to have originated from the Black and Tan Terrier or English Terrier, the medium-sized Airedale was bred by hunters in Yorkshire to hunt small game such as foxes and water rats. The dogs were also good at retrieving and finding birds. In the mid-19th century, some terriers near South Yorkshire’s River Aire were interbred with Otterhounds to enhance their scenting ability and hunting skills around the water. 

This attempt resulted in a breed known as the Waterside Terrier or Bingley, an expert in otter hunting. It was, however, only in 1878 that the breed was accepted as the Airedale Terrier. After becoming a show dog, it was crossed with Bull and Irish Terriers, to remove the traits of the Otterhound cross that were not very popular. By the 20th century, Champion Master Briar, the breed’s patriarch, popularized the dog and his child achieved the same outcome in the U.S.

The hunting ability and the size of the Airedale helped the dog earn huge renown as a big game hunter. The dog managed to become a good family pet and a police dog for its manner and smart looks. The period after World War I saw a decline in the dog’s popularity, but today many dog fanciers are fond of the Airedale Terrier.

Last Words

Overall, the Airedale Terrier is a loyal, energetic, and intelligent breed that makes an excellent companion for the right owner or family.