Dog Breeds Afghan dog breeds

Afghan Hound  {Afghan dog breeds}

A iredale Terrier

Most breeds have specialties, but Airedale

Terriers have a broad range of

skills. They can hunt birds, retrieve

downed birds, and track and tree

mammals, both large and small.

Airedales were also the first breed

used as police dogs in both Great

Britain and Germany, and in

wartime, served as guards and messengers. They were prized by both

law enforcement and military

because they retained their training well and would work through

harsh conditions and discomfort.

The breed was developed in

Aire, England, probably from the

English Terrier. Some experts feel

the Otterhound was crossed with

the English Terrier to help create a

waterproof coat and to add to the

first breed’s hunting abilities. After

the mid-1800s, the breed was known as the Working Terrier, Waterside Terrier, and Bingley Terrier.

Male Airedales stand about 23 inches tall at the shoulder, with females slightly shorter. Both

males and females are well-muscled and sturdy, with an athletic appearance. The black and tan coat

is wiry with a slight wavy texture. Airedales stand tall, on straight front legs, with their heads held

high. The ears are V-shaped, folded at the side of the head, and alert. The eyes are dark and expressive, with an alert, intelligent expression. The tail is carried high.

The Airedale’s coat requires daily brushing and combing to keep it clean and free of debris. The

coat grows continually, and a visit to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks is necessary to

keep the coat looking as it should. Airedales competing in conformation dog shows are hand-stripped

(rather than having the hair cut

with clippers). If you wish to show

your dog, ask your dog’s breeder to

show you how to do this type of

grooming.

Athletic, active dogs, Airedales

need vigorous daily exercise. A

casual walk morning and evening is

nowhere near enough for a young,

healthy Airedale. Instead, these

dogs need a brisk jog or run alongside a bicycle, a twenty-minute

game of tennis ball fetch, or a workout on the agility course (or all of

the above) every day.

Airedales are intelligent dogs and

retain what they have learned quite

well. Puppies should attend puppy

kindergarten classes to begin their

training. The socialization in these

classes is also important. Airedales

can be hardheaded when they get

bored, and very stubborn if the

training is not fair. You must figure

out what motivates your dog, and keep one step ahead during

the training process. Keep the training fair and structured and

lots of fun, and the Airedale will always be looking for more

to do.

The Airedale today is a strong, active, and very physical dog.

The breed retains its hunting instincts, so a gopher or squirrel

in the yard could cause great excitement. They have excelled in

many sports, including obedience, agility, tracking, search and

rescue, and carting. Many are still used for hunting. As hunters,

Airedales should not be trusted with small pets, and interactions with the family cat should be supervised. Although

Airedales can be great family dogs, they are rambunctious and

must learn to behave around small children. The primary

health concerns include hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

Breed in Brief

Registries: AKC, CKC, UKC

Occupation: Hunter, police

and military dog

Size: 23 in tall; 50 lbs

Longevity: 11 to 13 years

Exercise: Vigorous daily

exercise

Training: Easy; retains what

is learned well

Grooming: Difficult 

Airedale Terrier